I installed VL 4.0, which seemed to go fine. I then dowloaded/compiled /installed (hereafter DCI) XFree86 4.4.0, then I DCI KDE 3.2.1 using Konstruct. Both installs seemed to work fine.

Entering 'startx' at the prompt opens the window manager dialog box but I'm unable to select any of the window managers nor am I able to edit the menu. The only function that does work is the exit function, which returns me to the prompt.

Entering 'startkde' at the prompt results in 'command not found'.

Obviously one or more items aren't configured correctly. I realize this is a pretty broad question but can anyone give me an idea of where to start? Thanks in advance for any help!

Hmmmm...
Tried typing "kdm" ?
I seem to recall , this could work in some cases.

I appreciate the reply but I'm no longer working on the KDE install. After struggling with it for awhile and doing a lot of reading, I realized I was in way over my head. I figured that regrouping and solidifying my knowledge of the basics was the best thing to do but I do intend to try it again some time.

no, it is really really easy... just do 'su' type your password and then do 'wmset' you'll be able to choose, choose KDE and select OK.

if this wouldn't work, wich would suprise me. Go to your home folder(~) copy your current .xinitrc file to .xinitrc.bak (you will want that file if something goes wrong) and do 'echo 'exec startkde' > .xinitrc' then type startx.

Really try this and post your results, it should work that way.

After installing XFree86 4.4.0 I lost my kde session too, but I restored everyones default window manager to kde by editing /usr/X11R6/lib/X11/xinit/xinitrc, I think this is what got over written when I installed XFree86.
The last 5 lines start the twm window manager, xclock and 3 xterm sessions. comment out/delete these entries and replace with --> exec startkde
Anyway thanks elluva for the clue to get kde back.