Quote Originally Posted by paul_adams777
....Is there any way I can stop the (apparent) video mode switch (which appears to be the main thing that causes everything to stop), such that I can get to a shell prompt and at least probe the hardware in some way?

Better yet, ......
You should be able to get Knoppix to boot into a text mode shell by typing knoppix 2 at the boot prompt. Or hit F2 or F3 and look over some of the other options (you can still type knoppix 2 at that point). Sorry, I don't know your hardware to help beyond that, but you have posted good data for others to go on, hopefully it will enable some one else to give you the information that you need.