Are Shredder's problems Gnome related? Or is his X11 environment broken?
I recommend issuing "startx" from a user that does not have an .xinitrc file. Does X start? Does the default fvwm(1) window manager come up?
Trying to get Gnome working atop a broken X is a wasted effort.
If X won't start, then perhaps the problem is something as simple as FAQ 8.2, or something in FAQ 11.3 will provide appropriate guidance.
I would ensure X is working before worrying about Gnome.