8.04 dual-head (dual monitors) issue

[rkillcrazy]

I just installed 8.04 over a 7.10 install. The install went fine as usual. However, I've never been able to get a dual-head setup like I had with WinXP/Vista. I've been trying to do this since 6.06!

I have an Asus EN7600GS SILENT (model #: EN7600GSSILENT/HTD/256M/A) video card which uses an nVidia GPU. Has anyone got this to work? In fact, I don't see any place to tweak it like I saw in older versions of the OS. I thought there was a "Screen & Resolution" applet to configure these cards with... In any case, I was able to get it to do something in older versions but the resolution would be stupid-high on one screen and stupid-low on the other. I could never get past this and would give up and wait for the next release. However, like I said, I can't seem to find where I can test it via those applets.

04-23-08
2218 EDT

[Hooya]

You said it uses an Nvidia chipset. Did you install the nvidia drivers? If you have and they work try this:


sudo nvidia-settings

Then click on X Server Display Configuration

For me to get things like I was used to using Ultramon in Windows I set enabled both, click the Configure button, and set them as "Separate X screen". Set the Left and Right orientations so it knew which monitor was physically where, set the primary monitor the way I wanted it. Then make sure "Enable Xinerama" is checked. Click Save to X Configuration File. Use the default settings in the save dialog, and let it "auto-fix" if it finds any errors. Quit without applying, because it won't work right now anyway.

Ctrl+Alt+Backspace to restart X and enjoy your multi-monitor set up.

Hope this applies to your situation.

[overdrank]

HI and to add to Hooya, nvidia settings will have to be install. It is separate from the nvidia drivers in Hardy.
sudo apt-get install nvidia-settings or search and install via synaptic manager, add and remove.

[Limpan]

And then, if you can't find the application in the menus. You can run it with sudo in a terminal, like this.

sudo nvidia-settings
EDIT: Crud, it's too early in the morning for me. You already knew that you could do that. Sorry, my mistake. :(

[issashu]

Amd when you find it, you will discover, that it barelly works :P
I am trying to plug my laptop into a 32" screen and the program has NO idea what this is. It recognizes a 2nd monitor, when I use vga monitor cable, but only goes up to 1024x768, which is way from what my screen supports.

Actually it works and perhaps it will be ok for you.

[rkillcrazy]

Well, I'll give that a shot when I get home tonight. I didn't know the setting applet would be separated from the driver install. And, yes, I did install the restricted drivers which I'm assuming (probably shouldn't assume ;)) are the nVidia drivers.

Stay tuned...

04-24-08
0811 EDT

[lamborghiniwang]

I am running Hardy on a Thinkpad T61 and I am wondering if it's possible to make the dual-head work without restarting the X? I know for AMD video card, you can get dual-head work with some command-line scripts without having to restart X, I just don't know if it is possible to do the same with Nvidia card?

[rkillcrazy]

Well, I got the setting tweaked and it shows my other screen. It's in the correct position and my mouse/windows can move between the 2 LCDs. However, once again, I'm plagued by the resolution thing. The right (secondary) LCD won't display more than 800x600 while my left LCD (primary) displays the proper setting of 1280x1024. I know they both can support at least 1280x1024 natively as I had them working fine in Windows XP/Vista. Any ideas?

04-24-08
1841 EDT

[Snyper64]

You may have to edit you xorg.conf file manually and set your resolution yourself.

[rkillcrazy]

You may have to edit you xorg.conf file manually and set your resolution yourself.

OK, I'll look through mine when I get home. I'm no Linux pro (I'm a Windows Admin) so If I get stuck, you'll see a copy of my conf file here tonight.

04-25-08
0833 EDT

[rkillcrazy]

OK, I'm lost already. Where, exactly would I tell it to use 1280x1024 on my secondary LCD. They are both NEC LCDs but I only see one NEC listed. Then there's some CRT which doesn't make sense.



# nvidia-settings: X configuration file generated by nvidia-settings
# nvidia-settings: version 1.0 (buildd@vernadsky) Tue Mar 4 20:24:34 UTC 2008

# xorg.conf (xorg X Window System server configuration file)
#
# This file was generated by dexconf, the Debian X Configuration tool, using
# values from the debconf database.
#
# Edit this file with caution, and see the xorg.conf manual page.
# (Type "man xorg.conf" at the shell prompt.)
#
# This file is automatically updated on xserver-xorg package upgrades *only*
# if it has not been modified since the last upgrade of the xserver-xorg
# package.
#
# If you have edited this file but would like it to be automatically updated
# again, run the following command:
# sudo dpkg-reconfigure -phigh xserver-xorg

Section "ServerLayout"

# Uncomment if you have a wacom tablet
# InputDevice "stylus" "SendCoreEvents"
# InputDevice "cursor" "SendCoreEvents"
# InputDevice "eraser" "SendCoreEvents"
Identifier "Default Layout"
Screen 0 "Screen0" 0 0
Screen 1 "Screen1" 1280 0
InputDevice "Generic Keyboard"
InputDevice "Configured Mouse"
EndSection

Section "Files"
EndSection

Section "Module"
Load "glx"
Load "v4l"
EndSection

Section "ServerFlags"
Option "Xinerama" "1"
EndSection

Section "InputDevice"
Identifier "Generic Keyboard"
Driver "kbd"
Option "CoreKeyboard"
Option "XkbRules" "xorg"
Option "XkbModel" "pc105"
Option "XkbLayout" "us"
EndSection

Section "InputDevice"
Identifier "Configured Mouse"
Driver "mouse"
Option "CorePointer"
Option "Device" "/dev/input/mice"
Option "Protocol" "ImPS/2"
Option "ZAxisMapping" "4 5"
Option "Emulate3Buttons" "true"
EndSection

Section "InputDevice"
Identifier "stylus"
Driver "wacom"
Option "Device" "/dev/input/wacom"
Option "Type" "stylus"
Option "ForceDevice" "ISDV4"# Tablet PC ONLY
EndSection

Section "InputDevice"
Identifier "eraser"
Driver "wacom"
Option "Device" "/dev/input/wacom"
Option "Type" "eraser"
Option "ForceDevice" "ISDV4"# Tablet PC ONLY
EndSection

Section "InputDevice"
Identifier "cursor"
Driver "wacom"
Option "Device" "/dev/input/wacom"
Option "Type" "cursor"
Option "ForceDevice" "ISDV4"# Tablet PC ONLY
EndSection

Section "Monitor"
Identifier "NEC LCD1760V"
VendorName "Generic LCD Display"
ModelName "LCD Panel 1280x1024"
HorizSync 31.5 - 64.0
VertRefresh 56.0 - 65.0
Gamma 1
ModeLine "640x480@60" 25.2 640 656 752 800 480 490 492 525 -hsync -vsync
ModeLine "800x600@56" 36.0 800 824 896 1024 600 601 603 625 +hsync +vsync
ModeLine "800x600@60" 40.0 800 840 968 1056 600 601 605 628 +hsync +vsync
ModeLine "1024x768@60" 65.0 1024 1048 1184 1344 768 771 777 806 -hsync -vsync
ModeLine "1280x960@60" 102.1 1280 1360 1496 1712 960 961 964 994 -hsync +vsync
ModeLine "1280x1024@60" 108.0 1280 1328 1440 1688 1024 1025 1028 1066 +hsync +vsync
EndSection

Section "Monitor"

#
Identifier "monitor1"
VendorName "Unknown"
ModelName "CRT-1"
HorizSync 0.0 - 0.0
VertRefresh 0.0
Gamma 1
ModeLine "640x480@60" 25.2 640 656 752 800 480 490 492 525 -hsync -vsync
ModeLine "800x600@56" 36.0 800 824 896 1024 600 601 603 625 +hsync +vsync
ModeLine "800x600@60" 40.0 800 840 968 1056 600 601 605 628 +hsync +vsync
ModeLine "1024x768@60" 65.0 1024 1048 1184 1344 768 771 777 806 -hsync -vsync
ModeLine "1280x960@60" 102.1 1280 1360 1496 1712 960 961 964 994 -hsync +vsync
ModeLine "1280x1024@60" 108.0 1280 1328 1440 1688 1024 1025 1028 1066 +hsync +vsync
EndSection

Section "Monitor"
Identifier "Monitor0"
VendorName "Unknown"
ModelName "NEC LCD1760V"
HorizSync 31.0 - 81.0
VertRefresh 56.0 - 75.0
EndSection

Section "Device"
Identifier "nVidia Corporation G70 [GeForce 7600 GS]"
Driver "nvidia"
BoardName "nv"
BusID "PCI:3:0:0"
Screen 0
EndSection

Section "Device"

#
Identifier "device1"
Driver "nvidia"
BoardName "nv"
BusID "PCI:3:0:0"
Screen 1
EndSection

Section "Device"
Identifier "Videocard0"
Driver "nvidia"
VendorName "NVIDIA Corporation"
BoardName "GeForce 7600 GS"
BusID "PCI:3:0:0"
Screen 0
EndSection

Section "Device"
Identifier "Videocard1"
Driver "nvidia"
VendorName "NVIDIA Corporation"
BoardName "GeForce 7600 GS"
BusID "PCI:3:0:0"
Screen 1
EndSection

Section "Screen"
Identifier "Default Screen"
Device "nVidia Corporation G70 [GeForce 7600 GS]"
Monitor "NEC LCD1760V"
DefaultDepth 24
SubSection "Display"
Virtual 1280 1024
Depth 24
Modes "1280x1024@60" "1280x960@60" "1024x768@60" "800x600@60" "800x600@56" "640x480@60"
EndSubSection
EndSection

Section "Screen"

#
Identifier "screen1"
Device "Videocard1"
Monitor "Monitor1"
DefaultDepth 24
Option "TwinView" "0"
Option "metamodes" "CRT-1: nvidia-auto-select +0+0"
SubSection "Display"
Depth 24
EndSubSection
EndSection

Section "Screen"

# Removed Option "metamodes" "CRT-0: 1280x1024@60 +0+0; CRT-0: 1280x960@60 +0+0; CRT-0: 1024x768@60 +0+0; CRT-0: 800x600@60 +0+0; CRT-0: 800x600@56 +0+0; CRT-0: 640x480@60 +0+0"
Identifier "Screen0"
Device "Videocard0"
Monitor "Monitor0"
DefaultDepth 24
Option "TwinView" "0"
Option "TwinViewXineramaInfoOrder" "CRT-0"
Option "metamodes" "CRT-0: nvidia-auto-select +0+0"
EndSection

[Snyper64]

If one of your monitors is connected through vga than it is considered a CRT device. As for fixing you problem make a backup of your xorg.conf file and try removing all of the extra metamodes in your Monitor 1 section. Save the file and than Ctrl+Alt+Backspace to restart you session and see if that fixes it.

[rkillcrazy]

If one of your monitors is connected through vga than it is considered a CRT device. As for fixing you problem make a backup of your xorg.conf file and try removing all of the extra metamodes in your Monitor 1 section. Save the file and than Ctrl+Alt+Backspace to restart you session and see if that fixes it.

You mean this area???


Section "Monitor"

#
Identifier "monitor1"
VendorName "Unknown"
ModelName "CRT-1"
HorizSync 0.0 - 0.0
VertRefresh 0.0
Gamma 1
ModeLine "640x480@60" 25.2 640 656 752 800 480 490 492 525 -hsync -vsync
ModeLine "800x600@56" 36.0 800 824 896 1024 600 601 603 625 +hsync +vsync
ModeLine "800x600@60" 40.0 800 840 968 1056 600 601 605 628 +hsync +vsync
ModeLine "1024x768@60" 65.0 1024 1048 1184 1344 768 771 777 806 -hsync -vsync
ModeLine "1280x960@60" 102.1 1280 1360 1496 1712 960 961 964 994 -hsync +vsync
ModeLine "1280x1024@60" 108.0 1280 1328 1440 1688 1024 1025 1028 1066 +hsync +vsync

[Snyper64]

Yes, that is the correct area. That should fix it but I am not 100% certain it will work as I am use to setting up dual desktop or twinview setups.

[Matthai]

I have IBM ThinkPad R50e. In Ubuntu 7.10 I used to press a special key Fn+F7 to turn on external screen.

Unfortunately this is not working in 8.04 anymore. So I can't use external projector.

And if I go to System - Settings - Screen resolution, external projector is not detected, and I do not have an option to switch on external screen.

Any solution?

[rkillcrazy]

Yes, that is the correct area. That should fix it but I am not 100% certain it will work as I am use to setting up dual desktop or twinview setups.

What would I do, Get rid of all of the "ModeLine" lines except for the bottom two?

04-28-08
0855 EDT

[Snyper64]

Yes, remove all of the mode lines except for the one you need for you monitors particular resolution. That should fix your problem by locking it into that resolution only.

[rkillcrazy]

Still no joy...

Here's my xorg.conf:


# nvidia-settings: X configuration file generated by nvidia-settings
# nvidia-settings: version 1.0 (buildd@vernadsky) Tue Mar 4 20:24:34 UTC 2008

# xorg.conf (xorg X Window System server configuration file)
#
# This file was generated by dexconf, the Debian X Configuration tool, using
# values from the debconf database.
#
# Edit this file with caution, and see the xorg.conf manual page.
# (Type "man xorg.conf" at the shell prompt.)
#
# This file is automatically updated on xserver-xorg package upgrades *only*
# if it has not been modified since the last upgrade of the xserver-xorg
# package.
#
# If you have edited this file but would like it to be automatically updated
# again, run the following command:
# sudo dpkg-reconfigure -phigh xserver-xorg

Section "ServerLayout"

# Uncomment if you have a wacom tablet
# InputDevice "stylus" "SendCoreEvents"
# InputDevice "cursor" "SendCoreEvents"
# InputDevice "eraser" "SendCoreEvents"
Identifier "Default Layout"
Screen 0 "Screen0" 0 0
Screen 1 "Screen1" 1280 0
InputDevice "Generic Keyboard"
InputDevice "Configured Mouse"
EndSection

Section "Files"
EndSection

Section "Module"
Load "glx"
Load "v4l"
EndSection

Section "ServerFlags"
Option "Xinerama" "1"
EndSection

Section "InputDevice"
Identifier "Generic Keyboard"
Driver "kbd"
Option "CoreKeyboard"
Option "XkbRules" "xorg"
Option "XkbModel" "pc105"
Option "XkbLayout" "us"
EndSection

Section "InputDevice"
Identifier "Configured Mouse"
Driver "mouse"
Option "CorePointer"
Option "Device" "/dev/input/mice"
Option "Protocol" "ImPS/2"
Option "ZAxisMapping" "4 5"
Option "Emulate3Buttons" "true"
EndSection

Section "InputDevice"
Identifier "stylus"
Driver "wacom"
Option "Device" "/dev/input/wacom"
Option "Type" "stylus"
Option "ForceDevice" "ISDV4"# Tablet PC ONLY
EndSection

Section "InputDevice"
Identifier "eraser"
Driver "wacom"
Option "Device" "/dev/input/wacom"
Option "Type" "eraser"
Option "ForceDevice" "ISDV4"# Tablet PC ONLY
EndSection

Section "InputDevice"
Identifier "cursor"
Driver "wacom"
Option "Device" "/dev/input/wacom"
Option "Type" "cursor"
Option "ForceDevice" "ISDV4"# Tablet PC ONLY
EndSection

Section "Monitor"
Identifier "NEC LCD1760V"
VendorName "Generic LCD Display"
ModelName "LCD Panel 1280x1024"
HorizSync 31.5 - 64.0
VertRefresh 56.0 - 65.0
Gamma 1
ModeLine "640x480@60" 25.2 640 656 752 800 480 490 492 525 -hsync -vsync
ModeLine "800x600@56" 36.0 800 824 896 1024 600 601 603 625 +hsync +vsync
ModeLine "800x600@60" 40.0 800 840 968 1056 600 601 605 628 +hsync +vsync
ModeLine "1024x768@60" 65.0 1024 1048 1184 1344 768 771 777 806 -hsync -vsync
ModeLine "1280x960@60" 102.1 1280 1360 1496 1712 960 961 964 994 -hsync +vsync
ModeLine "1280x1024@60" 108.0 1280 1328 1440 1688 1024 1025 1028 1066 +hsync +vsync
EndSection

Section "Monitor"

#
Identifier "monitor1"
VendorName "Unknown"
ModelName "CRT-1"
HorizSync 0.0 - 0.0
VertRefresh 0.0
Gamma 1
ModeLine "1280x960@60" 102.1 1280 1360 1496 1712 960 961 964 994 -hsync +vsync
ModeLine "1280x1024@60" 108.0 1280 1328 1440 1688 1024 1025 1028 1066 +hsync +vsync
EndSection

Section "Monitor"
Identifier "Monitor0"
VendorName "Unknown"
ModelName "NEC LCD1760V"
HorizSync 31.0 - 81.0
VertRefresh 56.0 - 75.0
EndSection

Section "Device"
Identifier "nVidia Corporation G70 [GeForce 7600 GS]"
Driver "nvidia"
BoardName "nv"
BusID "PCI:3:0:0"
Screen 0
EndSection

Section "Device"

#
Identifier "device1"
Driver "nvidia"
BoardName "nv"
BusID "PCI:3:0:0"
Screen 1
EndSection

Section "Device"
Identifier "Videocard0"
Driver "nvidia"
VendorName "NVIDIA Corporation"
BoardName "GeForce 7600 GS"
BusID "PCI:3:0:0"
Screen 0
EndSection

Section "Device"
Identifier "Videocard1"
Driver "nvidia"
VendorName "NVIDIA Corporation"
BoardName "GeForce 7600 GS"
BusID "PCI:3:0:0"
Screen 1
EndSection

Section "Screen"
Identifier "Default Screen"
Device "nVidia Corporation G70 [GeForce 7600 GS]"
Monitor "NEC LCD1760V"
DefaultDepth 24
SubSection "Display"
Virtual 1280 1024
Depth 24
Modes "1280x1024@60" "1280x960@60" "1024x768@60" "800x600@60" "800x600@56" "640x480@60"
EndSubSection
EndSection

Section "Screen"

#
Identifier "screen1"
Device "Videocard1"
Monitor "Monitor1"
DefaultDepth 24
Option "TwinView" "0"
Option "metamodes" "CRT-1: nvidia-auto-select +0+0"
SubSection "Display"
Depth 24
EndSubSection
EndSection

Section "Screen"

# Removed Option "metamodes" "CRT-0: 1280x1024@60 +0+0; CRT-0: 1280x960@60 +0+0; CRT-0: 1024x768@60 +0+0; CRT-0: 800x600@60 +0+0; CRT-0: 800x600@56 +0+0; CRT-0: 640x480@60 +0+0"
Identifier "Screen0"
Device "Videocard0"
Monitor "Monitor0"
DefaultDepth 24
Option "TwinView" "0"
Option "TwinViewXineramaInfoOrder" "CRT-0"
Option "metamodes" "CRT-0: nvidia-auto-select +0+0"
EndSection


04-28-08
2243 EDT

[Snyper64]

I don't think I can help you in this matter anymore. If you would want to set up a dual desktop(each monitor has its own taskbars and desktop) than I can give you a copy of mine and all you will need to do is change the resolutions for you monitors.

[rkillcrazy]

My idea is to set it up so it's one big desktop that can have windows moved between the two LCDs. The WinXP machine I'm on now (at work) is set up like that. Frankly, I'll take anything I can get! If your setup is like I wish to have on mine, then perhaps your xorg.conf may help me.

04-29-08
0827 EDT

[Snyper64]

Heres a link (http://ubuntuforums.org/showpost.php?p=2805877&postcount=198) to a post I did awhile ago that should help you with your xorg.conf file. Just copy them over your monitor, screen, and device(video card) sections. Than just copy in the server layout stuff over your screen section only. Your end result should look something like this (http://ubuntuforums.org/showpost.php?p=2950846&postcount=214) but only with you resolutions in it for each monitor.

If this fixes your problem don't forget to hit the thanks button as everybody else I help seems to forget to do that:mad:.

[rkillcrazy]

Just out of curiosity, what would happen if I replaced me nvidia card with an ATI card I have? Perhaps I'd have better luck with it if you xorg.conf didn't work out? Furthermore, I've never tried swapping out hardware in Linux...how well does this OS handle new hardware like that? Would it just see it and use it like Windows or would I have to rerun some xorg config app again?

04-29-08
1704 EDT

[Snyper64]

You would have to remove the nvidia drivers through the console, you could do this before or after you swap out cards. Linux should automatically work with your new card, though you will still have to install the ATI/AMD display drivers through either Envy or the hardware drivers menu in 8.04. Mind you I haven't had to do this yet in Ubuntu as I only have a laptop at the moment and I can't really do to much hard ware swapping in this. As for my xorg.conf file not working everybody that has tried it has gotten it to work.

I will tell you though, that moving anything besides files between the desktops will not work with a dual desktop. If you want a program or folder open on that particular monitor you will have to open it there. You also usually can't have more than one of the same application open in in each monitor(example firefox) but you can still have the same folder open in each monitor and you can move files by dragging them between to another folder/drive. Other than that I see no reason for you to drop the dual desktop idea.

[b3y0nd]

I'm also wanting to get my second monitor going.... actually I have 3 I used in windows... maybe eventually I can get the 3rd going. For now I would be happy with 2.

My hardware is listed below, I am only using the ATI 9200. I have a 21' NEC and a 20' Hitachi. The NEC is my default monitor. When my computer starts the 2nd monitor starts up mirroring my main monitor, but goes off after 15-20 min....inactivity I guess.

Strange. My xorg.conf file is blank. (i did retry using sudo gedit xorg.conf)

Everything works fine, including advanced 3d desktop features (compiz).

Not sure why my xorg file would be blank :(


Can anyone help get this second monitor going?

[rkillcrazy]

I'm also wanting to get my second monitor going.... actually I have 3 I used in windows... maybe eventually I can get the 3rd going. For now I would be happy with 2.

My hardware is listed below, I am only using the ATI 9200. I have a 21' NEC and a 20' Hitachi. The NEC is my default monitor. When my computer starts the 2nd monitor starts up mirroring my main monitor, but goes off after 15-20 min....inactivity I guess.

Strange. My xorg.conf file is blank. (i did retry using sudo gedit xorg.conf)

Everything works fine, including advanced 3d desktop features (compiz).

Not sure why my xorg file would be blank :(


Can anyone help get this second monitor going?

I'm pretty sure you should've ran the following:


sudo gedit /etc/X11/xorg.conf


Running what you did, if you ran it from a default terminal prompt, should create a blank xorg.conf file in your home folder.

04-30-08
0919 EDT

[rkillcrazy]

I will tell you though, that moving anything besides files between the desktops will not work with a dual desktop. If you want a program or folder open on that particular monitor you will have to open it there. You also usually can't have more than one of the same application open in in each monitor(example firefox) but you can still have the same folder open in each monitor and you can move files by dragging them between to another folder/drive. Other than that I see no reason for you to drop the dual desktop idea.

That's about what I want to do. I like to have a web page open in one screen and Thunderbird open in the other. Sometimes, I'll do some minor HTML work and will have editing software open in one screen and the page I'm tweaking in the other.

I've not had the chance to play with your config file. I'll try to mess around with it tonight.

04-30-08
0923 EDT

[RndmWrd5]

I followed this thread in order to get my external monitor running, (finally!) but now I'm having a couple of issues, and I'm wondering if anyone has any ideas.

I'm running an HP dv2500t with nVidia 8400M GS.

I can't find where in the X Server Settings application you set your main monitor, I'd like to use my 17" flat screen as the main monitor as opposed to the laptop screen.

When I try to enable visual effects, an error message tells me that the Composite extension is not available. I found another thread where someone running Gutsy had a similar problem, and someone told him to run 'compiz --replace' in the terminal. When I do this it tells me that the Composite extension is not present.

[Snyper64]

Add this to the end of your xorg.conf file:


Section "Extensions"
Option "Composite" "Enable"
EndSection

As for which monitor ends up being your primary monitor, try changing whichever monitor you want to be your primary to 0 in the screen identifier section. Make sure you change the device down below it to whatever you changed it to, to the same number.

[Kiri]

I followed this thread in order to get my external monitor running, (finally!) but now I'm having a couple of issues, and I'm wondering if anyone has any ideas.

I'm running an HP dv2500t with nVidia 8400M GS.

I can't find where in the X Server Settings application you set your main monitor, I'd like to use my 17" flat screen as the main monitor as opposed to the laptop screen.



Its easiest to setup by using the nvidia-settings program.
sudo nvidia-settings

And in there you can setup your dual monitor setup and then save to xorg config file, and restart X. Supposedly it can also do changes on the fly if you hit apply. But that didnt work well for me.

There is also a checkbox for setting the primary monitor in there.

Having said that, it seems to work best if your primary monitor is physically to the left, and secondary to the right. Mine is the opposite (primary on the right) and I have never gotten it to work properly that way. I've gotten used to thinking in reverse now though, lol

[Snyper64]

Rkillcrazy, did you get your dual monitor set-up working yet?

[RndmWrd5]

Add this to the end of your xorg.conf file:


Section "Extensions"
Option "Composite" "Enable"
EndSection

As for which monitor ends up being your primary monitor, try changing whichever monitor you want to be your primary to 0 in the screen identifier section. Make sure you change the device down below it to whatever you changed it to, to the same number.

Sorry it's been so long, but finals caught up to me...

I added that section to my xorg.conf file, but no change. I still get the "Composite Extension not available" error. I ran "compiz --replace" in the terminal, and this was the result:


Detected PCI ID for VGA: 01:00.0 0300:10de:0427 (rev a1) (prog-if 00 [VGA controller])
Checking for texture_from_pixmap: present.
Checking for non power of two support: present.
Checking for Composite extension: not present.
aborting and using fallback: /usr/bin/metacity

Here is my xorg.conf file:


# nvidia-settings: X configuration file generated by nvidia-settings
# nvidia-settings: version 1.0 (buildd@vernadsky) Tue Mar 4 20:24:34 UTC 2008

# xorg.conf (X.Org X Window System server configuration file)
#
# This file was generated by dexconf, the Debian X Configuration tool, using
# values from the debconf database.
#
# Edit this file with caution, and see the xorg.conf manual page.
# (Type "man xorg.conf" at the shell prompt.)
#
# This file is automatically updated on xserver-xorg package upgrades *only*
# if it has not been modified since the last upgrade of the xserver-xorg
# package.
#
# If you have edited this file but would like it to be automatically updated
# again, run the following command:
# sudo dpkg-reconfigure -phigh xserver-xorg

Section "ServerLayout"
Identifier "Default Layout"
Screen 0 "Screen0" 1280 0
Screen 1 "Screen1" LeftOf "Screen0"
InputDevice "Synaptics Touchpad"
EndSection

Section "Module"
Load "glx"
EndSection

Section "ServerFlags"

# Removed Option "Xinerama" "0"
Option "Xinerama" "1"
EndSection

Section "InputDevice"
Identifier "Generic Keyboard"
Driver "kbd"
Option "XkbRules" "xorg"
Option "XkbModel" "pc105"
Option "XkbLayout" "us"
EndSection

Section "InputDevice"
Identifier "Configured Mouse"
Driver "mouse"
Option "CorePointer"
EndSection

Section "InputDevice"
Identifier "Synaptics Touchpad"
Driver "synaptics"
Option "SendCoreEvents" "true"
Option "Device" "/dev/psaux"
Option "Protocol" "auto-dev"
Option "HorizEdgeScroll" "0"
EndSection

Section "Monitor"
Identifier "Configured Monitor"
EndSection

Section "Monitor"
Identifier "Monitor0"
VendorName "Unknown"
ModelName "CMO"
HorizSync 30.0 - 75.0
VertRefresh 60.0
EndSection

Section "Monitor"
Identifier "Monitor1"
VendorName "Unknown"
ModelName "Samsung SyncMaster"
HorizSync 30.0 - 81.0
VertRefresh 56.0 - 75.0
EndSection

Section "Device"
Identifier "Configured Video Device"
Driver "nvidia"
Option "NoLogo" "True"
EndSection

Section "Device"
Identifier "Videocard0"
Driver "nvidia"
VendorName "NVIDIA Corporation"
BoardName "GeForce 8400M GS"
BusID "PCI:1:0:0"
Screen 0
EndSection

Section "Device"
Identifier "Videocard1"
Driver "nvidia"
VendorName "NVIDIA Corporation"
BoardName "GeForce 8400M GS"
BusID "PCI:1:0:0"
Screen 1
EndSection

Section "Screen"
Identifier "Default Screen"
Device "Configured Video Device"
Monitor "Configured Monitor"
DefaultDepth 24
EndSection

Section "Screen"
Identifier "Screen0"
Device "Videocard1"
Monitor "Monitor1"
DefaultDepth 24
Option "TwinView" "0"
Option "metamodes" "DFP: nvidia-auto-select +0+0"
EndSection

Section "Screen"
Identifier "Screen1"
Device "Videocard0"
Monitor "Monitor0"
DefaultDepth 24
Option "TwinViewXineramaInfoOrder" "CRT-0"
Option "TwinView" "0"
Option "metamodes" "CRT: nvidia-auto-select +0+0"
EndSection

Section "Extensions"
Option "Composite" "Enable"
EndSection

Also, I did figure out how to get my left monitor as my main one... I simply forgot that the panels were easily moveable, so I just drag the two main panels over to the left monitor... dur...

[Snyper64]

Copy and paste this OVER!!(this means remove everything in it and follow my directions) your old xorg.conf file.

# nvidia-settings: X configuration file generated by nvidia-settings
# nvidia-settings: version 1.0 (buildd@vernadsky) Tue Mar 4 20:24:34 UTC 2008

# xorg.conf (X.Org X Window System server configuration file)
#
# This file was generated by dexconf, the Debian X Configuration tool, using
# values from the debconf database.
#
# Edit this file with caution, and see the xorg.conf manual page.
# (Type "man xorg.conf" at the shell prompt.)
#
# This file is automatically updated on xserver-xorg package upgrades *only*
# if it has not been modified since the last upgrade of the xserver-xorg
# package.
#
# If you have edited this file but would like it to be automatically updated
# again, run the following command:
# sudo dpkg-reconfigure -phigh xserver-xorg

Section "ServerLayout"
Identifier "Default Layout"
Screen 0 "Default Screen[0]" 0 0
Screen 1 "Default Screen[1]" RightOf "Default Screen[0]"
InputDevice "Synaptics Touchpad"
EndSection

Section "Module"
Load "glx"
EndSection

Section "ServerFlags"

Section "InputDevice"
Identifier "Generic Keyboard"
Driver "kbd"
Option "XkbRules" "xorg"
Option "XkbModel" "pc105"
Option "XkbLayout" "us"
EndSection

Section "InputDevice"
Identifier "Configured Mouse"
Driver "mouse"
Option "CorePointer"
EndSection

Section "InputDevice"
Identifier "Synaptics Touchpad"
Driver "synaptics"
Option "SendCoreEvents" "true"
Option "Device" "/dev/psaux"
Option "Protocol" "auto-dev"
Option "HorizEdgeScroll" "0"
EndSection

Section "Monitor"
Identifier "Monitor0"
VendorName "Unknown"
ModelName "CMO"
HorizSync 30.0 - 75.0
VertRefresh 60.0
EndSection

Section "Monitor"
Identifier "Monitor1"
VendorName "Unknown"
ModelName "Samsung SyncMaster"
HorizSync 30.0 - 81.0
VertRefresh 56.0 - 75.0
EndSection

Section "Device"
Identifier "Videocard0"
Driver "nvidia"
VendorName "NVIDIA Corporation"
BoardName "GeForce 8400M GS"
BusID "PCI:1:0:0"
Screen 0
EndSection

Section "Device"
Identifier "Videocard1"
Driver "nvidia"
VendorName "NVIDIA Corporation"
BoardName "GeForce 8400M GS"
BusID "PCI:1:0:0"
Screen 1
EndSection

Section "Screen"
Identifier "Screen0"
Device "Videocard1"
Monitor "Monitor1"
DefaultDepth 24
Option "TwinView" "0"
Option "metamodes" "DFP: nvidia-auto-select +0+0"
EndSection

Section "Screen"
Identifier "Screen1"
Device "Videocard0"
Monitor "Monitor0"
DefaultDepth 24
Option "TwinViewXineramaInfoOrder" "CRT-0"
Option "TwinView" "0"
Option "metamodes" "CRT: nvidia-auto-select +0+0"
EndSection

Section "Extensions"
Option "Composite" "Enable"
EndSection

[RndmWrd5]

Well, tried that, but as soon as I ctrl-alt-backspaced to reset my x server, I got an error message about not being able to change the resolution... I couldn't read all of it, because the resolution defaulted such that the screen was split so that the left and right sides of the screen were in the middle of monitor, and I could only see the top half of the screen

thanks for the prompt response, but that doesn't seem to be right either

[RAOF]

Right. I use dual head with my laptop all the time, and it's quite simple (for me ;)).

What I would suggest doing is:
1) Backing up your existing xorg.conf, in case this doesn't work.
2) Running sudo dpkg-reconfigure xserver-xorg to get a clean xorg.conf
3) Running sudo nvidia-xconfig --twinview to enable the nvidia driver, and tell it to use TwinView by default.

That should set the driver up to automatically enable any monitors which are plugged in when you start X. If you have resolution problems after doing this, chances are that your monitor(s) have a bad EDID - a non-trivial number of LCDs do, apparently. The EDID is where the nvidia driver gets the information about what resolutions/refresh rates/etc your monitor supports, so a bad EDID means the driver will erroneously believe your monitor doesn't support a particular resolution.

[RndmWrd5]

Actually, I've got the dual head working, but I can't get advanced visual effects working when I'm in dual head mode. When I try to activate it, I get an error messages saying "The Composite extension is not available." From looking at other message boards I found that I need to somehow get the Composite extension from Compiz. Still following advice from another board, I typed "compiz --replace" into the terminal, and get:


Detected PCI ID for VGA: 01:00.0 0300:10de:0427 (rev a1) (prog-if 00 [VGA controller])
Checking for texture_from_pixmap: present.
Checking for non power of two support: present.
Checking for Composite extension: not present.
aborting and using fallback: /usr/bin/metacity

On the advice of Snyper64 I added to my xorg.conf file the following section, but still no love:


Section "Extensions"
Option "Composite" "Enable"
EndSection

Any advice on getting the extra visual effects working?

[RAOF]

...


Detected PCI ID for VGA: 01:00.0 0300:10de:0427 (rev a1) (prog-if 00 [VGA controller])
Checking for texture_from_pixmap: present.
Checking for non power of two support: present.
Checking for Composite extension: not present.
aborting and using fallback: /usr/bin/metacity

On the advice of Snyper64 I added to my xorg.conf file the following section, but still no love:


Section "Extensions"
Option "Composite" "Enable"
EndSection

Any advice on getting the extra visual effects working?

You've got Xinerama enabled. The nvidia drivers don't support Composite with Xinerama, so no Compiz.

You can do the same steps I outlined above to regenerate your xorg.conf using TwinView rather than Xinerama.

[RndmWrd5]

Wonderful, that worked!

thanks to everyone who tried to help

[Snyper64]

Your welcome, don't forget to hit the thanks buttons for those that helped you(including me).

[saucerboy]

I've been struggling to get compiz working with dual monitors for a bit now and RAOF's suggestion above worked perfectly. Thank you all very much.

[clean97gti]

I'm having a similar problem with my newest install. While I was able to get nvidia-settings installed and running properly and have output on both monitors, applications don't seem to like it very much.

Specifically, if I place a web browser on one monitor and then try to maximize it, it ends up stretching it over both screens. Ditto for movies and in fact, any program I try to maximize.

Any ideas on how to stop this and get it to simply maximize on one screen like it does in Windows?

[clean97gti]

Nevermind folks, just got it working. For some reason, the setting just wasn't holding after restarting X server.

All I had to do was set the second monitor to "Right Of" the primary monitor. For whatever reason, it worked this time.