NVidia Driver

[ibuclaw]

I was going through your howto earlier today, nice work.

I believe I'd added the step to uninstall the Ubuntu drivers in the instructions I'd given

sudo apt-get --purge remove nvidia-glx* nvidia-settings nvidia-kernel-common

This wouldn't have affected the nv drivers though, and from your howto, it seems that could be a problem for some. Is that what you meant here?

The xorg-nv driver only affected a minority of cards.
I actually meant the apt-get --purge line altogether... I prefer to use what I state in the howto.
either:

sudo apt-get --purge remove $(dpkg -l | grep nvidia | awk '{print $2}')

or

sudo aptitude purge $(dpkg -l | grep nvidia | awk '{print $2}')

As that will ensure everything is gone, including those that may not have been matched by yours.

Also, I've just noticed this:

The installer will offer a few options, just stick with the defaults, except for the last one where it asks if you want it to configure xorg- the default option is 'No', choose 'Yes'

This is probably where it failed. You should never let the NViDIA installer reconfigure the xorg.conf file unless you are prepared to edit it afterwards.

Regards
Iain

[balaknair]

The xorg-nv driver only affected a minority of cards.
I actually meant the apt-get --purge line altogether... I prefer to use what I state in the howto.
either:

sudo apt-get --purge remove $(dpkg -l | grep nvidia | awk '{print $2}')

or

sudo aptitude purge $(dpkg -l | grep nvidia | awk '{print $2}')

As that will ensure everything is gone, including those that may not have been matched by yours.

Also, I've just noticed this:

This is probably where it failed. You should never let the NViDIA installer reconfigure the xorg.conf file unless you are prepared to edit it afterwards.

Regards
Iain

Hmmm.
Point noted.

About the xorg.conf though, I've usually had better results with letting the installer configure xorg.conf(especially when it's practically empty as in OP's case), but yeah, I sometimes have to edit it myself afterwards. In most cases though, I've just needed to run gksudo nvidia-xconfig to get things just right. I guess it's a case of YMMV.

[jbfriend]

I also have a problem with the installation of the driver for an Nvidia card.

This is on a new system which I am currently setting up, using 8.10.

I have tried both the 177 and 180 drivers (as recommended above) but without success. With the 177 driver, I seem to get full graphics capability, as Compiz effects seem to work. But I cannot access any screen resolution above 640x480. When I tried the 180 driver, the system failed during boot and wanted to revert to low graphics mode. I checked the Xorg log and found that the problem appears to be a failure to recognise the monitor. This was the log output:

The :0.log was as follows:

6070 5811
xinit /etc/gdm/failsafeXinit /etc/X11/xorg.conf.failsafe with-gdm -- /usr/bin/X :0 -auth /var/lib/gdm/:0.Xauth -nolisten tcp vt7 -br -once -config /etc/X11/xorg.conf.failsafe -logfile /var/log/Xorg.failsafe.log

X: warning; process set to priority -1 instead of requested priority 0

X.Org X Server 1.5.2
Release Date: 10 October 2008
X Protocol Version 11, Revision 0
Build Operating System: Linux 2.6.24-16-server x86_64 Ubuntu
Current Operating System: Linux dave-desktop 2.6.27-7-generic #1 SMP Fri Oct 24 06:40:41 UTC 2008 x86_64
Build Date: 24 October 2008 09:06:49AM
xorg-server 2:1.5.2-2ubuntu3 (buildd@crested.buildd)
Before reporting problems, check http://wiki.x.org
to make sure that you have the latest version.
Module Loader present
Markers: (--) probed, (**) from config file, (==) default setting,
(++) from command line, (!!) notice, (II) informational,
(WW) warning, (EE) error, (NI) not implemented, (??) unknown.
(++) Log file: "/var/log/Xorg.failsafe.log", Time: Wed Apr 22 22:32:47 2009
(++) Using config file: "/etc/X11/xorg.conf.failsafe"
error setting MTRR (base = 0xeb000000, size = 0x00e00000, type = 1) Invalid argument (22)
(EE) Failed to initialize GLX extension (Compatible NVIDIA X driver not found)
6070 5811


The Xorg.0 log was as follows:

X.Org X Server 1.5.2
Release Date: 10 October 2008
X Protocol Version 11, Revision 0
Build Operating System: Linux 2.6.24-16-server x86_64 Ubuntu
Current Operating System: Linux dave-desktop 2.6.27-7-generic #1 SMP Fri Oct 24 06:40:41 UTC 2008 x86_64
Build Date: 24 October 2008 09:06:49AM
xorg-server 2:1.5.2-2ubuntu3 (buildd@crested.buildd)
Before reporting problems, check http://wiki.x.org
to make sure that you have the latest version.
Module Loader present
Markers: (--) probed, (**) from config file, (==) default setting,
(++) from command line, (!!) notice, (II) informational,
(WW) warning, (EE) error, (NI) not implemented, (??) unknown.
(==) Log file: "/var/log/Xorg.0.log", Time: Wed Apr 22 22:32:45 2009
(==) Using config file: "/etc/X11/xorg.conf"
(==) No Layout section. Using the first Screen section.
(**) |-->Screen "Default Screen" (0)
(**) | |-->Monitor "Configured Monitor"
(**) | |-->Device "Configured Video Device"
(==) Automatically adding devices
(==) Automatically enabling devices
(==) No FontPath specified. Using compiled-in default.
(WW) The directory "/usr/share/fonts/X11/cyrillic" does not exist.
Entry deleted from font path.
(==) FontPath set to:
/usr/share/fonts/X11/misc,
/usr/share/fonts/X11/100dpi/:unscaled,
/usr/share/fonts/X11/75dpi/:unscaled,
/usr/share/fonts/X11/Type1,
/usr/share/fonts/X11/100dpi,
/usr/share/fonts/X11/75dpi,
/var/lib/defoma/x-ttcidfont-conf.d/dirs/TrueType
(==) ModulePath set to "/usr/lib/xorg/modules"
(II) Cannot locate a core pointer device.
(II) Cannot locate a core keyboard device.
(II) The server relies on HAL to provide the list of input devices.
If no devices become available, reconfigure HAL or disable AllowEmptyInput.
(II) Open ACPI successful (/var/run/acpid.socket)
(II) Loader magic: 0x7b7320
(II) Module ABI versions:
X.Org ANSI C Emulation: 0.4
X.Org Video Driver: 4.1
X.Org XInput driver : 2.1
X.Org Server Extension : 1.1
X.Org Font Renderer : 0.6
(II) Loader running on linux
(++) using VT number 7

(--) PCI:*(0@2:0:0) nVidia Corporation unknown chipset (0x065b) rev 161, Mem @ 0xec000000/16777216, 0xd0000000/268435456, 0xea000000/33554432, I/O @ 0x0000bf00/128, BIOS @ 0x????????/524288
(II) System resource ranges:
[0] -1 0 0xffffffff - 0xffffffff (0x1) MX[B]
[1] -1 0 0x000f0000 - 0x000fffff (0x10000) MX[B]
[2] -1 0 0x000c0000 - 0x000effff (0x30000) MX[B]
[3] -1 0 0x00000000 - 0x0009ffff (0xa0000) MX[B]
[4] -1 0 0x0000ffff - 0x0000ffff (0x1) IX[B]
[5] -1 0 0x00000000 - 0x00000000 (0x1) IX[B]
(II) "extmod" will be loaded by default.
(II) "dbe" will be loaded by default.
(II) "glx" will be loaded. This was enabled by default and also specified in the config file.
(II) "freetype" will be loaded by default.
(II) "record" will be loaded by default.
(II) "dri" will be loaded by default.
(II) LoadModule: "glx"

(II) Loading /usr/lib/xorg/modules/extensions//libglx.so
(II) Module glx: vendor="NVIDIA Corporation"
compiled for 4.0.2, module version = 1.0.0
Module class: X.Org Server Extension
(II) NVIDIA GLX Module 180.11 Wed Nov 26 11:17:21 PST 2008
(II) Loading extension GLX
(II) LoadModule: "extmod"

(II) Loading /usr/lib/xorg/modules/extensions//libextmod.so
(II) Module extmod: vendor="X.Org Foundation"
compiled for 1.5.2, module version = 1.0.0
Module class: X.Org Server Extension
ABI class: X.Org Server Extension, version 1.1
(II) Loading extension SHAPE
(II) Loading extension MIT-SUNDRY-NONSTANDARD
(II) Loading extension BIG-REQUESTS
(II) Loading extension SYNC
(II) Loading extension MIT-SCREEN-SAVER
(II) Loading extension XC-MISC
(II) Loading extension XFree86-VidModeExtension
(II) Loading extension XFree86-Misc
(II) Loading extension XFree86-DGA
(II) Loading extension DPMS
(II) Loading extension TOG-CUP
(II) Loading extension Extended-Visual-Information
(II) Loading extension XVideo
(II) Loading extension XVideo-MotionCompensation
(II) Loading extension X-Resource
(II) LoadModule: "dbe"

(II) Loading /usr/lib/xorg/modules/extensions//libdbe.so
(II) Module dbe: vendor="X.Org Foundation"
compiled for 1.5.2, module version = 1.0.0
Module class: X.Org Server Extension
ABI class: X.Org Server Extension, version 1.1
(II) Loading extension DOUBLE-BUFFER
(II) LoadModule: "freetype"

(II) Loading /usr/lib/xorg/modules//fonts/libfreetype.so
(II) Module freetype: vendor="X.Org Foundation & the After X-TT Project"
compiled for 1.5.2, module version = 2.1.0
Module class: X.Org Font Renderer
ABI class: X.Org Font Renderer, version 0.6
(II) Loading font FreeType
(II) LoadModule: "record"

(II) Loading /usr/lib/xorg/modules/extensions//librecord.so
(II) Module record: vendor="X.Org Foundation"
compiled for 1.5.2, module version = 1.13.0
Module class: X.Org Server Extension
ABI class: X.Org Server Extension, version 1.1
(II) Loading extension RECORD
(II) LoadModule: "dri"

(II) Loading /usr/lib/xorg/modules/extensions//libdri.so
(II) Module dri: vendor="X.Org Foundation"
compiled for 1.5.2, module version = 1.0.0
ABI class: X.Org Server Extension, version 1.1
(II) Loading extension XFree86-DRI
(II) LoadModule: "nvidia"

(II) Loading /usr/lib/xorg/modules/drivers//nvidia_drv.so
(II) Module nvidia: vendor="NVIDIA Corporation"
compiled for 4.0.2, module version = 1.0.0
Module class: X.Org Video Driver
(II) NVIDIA dlloader X Driver 180.11 Wed Nov 26 10:59:18 PST 2008
(II) NVIDIA Unified Driver for all Supported NVIDIA GPUs
(II) Primary Device is: PCI 02@00:00:0
(II) Loading sub module "fb"
(II) LoadModule: "fb"

(II) Loading /usr/lib/xorg/modules//libfb.so
(II) Module fb: vendor="X.Org Foundation"
compiled for 1.5.2, module version = 1.0.0
ABI class: X.Org ANSI C Emulation, version 0.4
(II) Loading sub module "wfb"
(II) LoadModule: "wfb"

(II) Loading /usr/lib/xorg/modules//libwfb.so
(II) Module wfb: vendor="X.Org Foundation"
compiled for 1.5.2, module version = 1.0.0
ABI class: X.Org ANSI C Emulation, version 0.4
(II) Loading sub module "ramdac"
(II) LoadModule: "ramdac"
(II) Module "ramdac" already built-in
(EE) No devices detected.

Fatal server error:
no screens found


The Xorg.conf file reads:

# 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.
#
# Note that some configuration settings that could be done previously
# in this file, now are automatically configured by the server and settings
# here are ignored.
#
# 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 "Monitor"
Identifier "Configured Monitor"
EndSection

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

Section "Module"
Load "glx"
EndSection

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



The monitor perform OK in the default Ubuntu driver setup (is this Open GL?). However, if I go into the screen resolution settings, the screen is shown as 'unknown' and I can only change the resolution. The refresh rate option is fixed at 0Hz and clicking on 'Detect Displays' has no effect at all.

Am I right in concluding that the problem is not with the Nvidia driver(s), but with the recognition of the monitor (this is a 19" edge 10, model W193)?

-------

the Nvidia driver 180 works super on my Ubuntu 8.10 installation with 2 Samsung 21.5 monitors running at 1920 x 1080 x 60 resolution in TwinView.

i had to copy the X Server Display Configuration > Save to X Configuration File > Show Preview (xorg.conf) as my system would not let me save that thru the above. i then replaced the old xorg.conf with the copy made that way.

my Nvidia card is model 7300 with 256 MB of RAM.

jack
PS: my desktop is about 40 inches wide

[jbfriend]

Thanks for the driver installation ideas, but it now appears that the driver problem may not be with the Nvidia graphics card (I installed the latest driver version, 180, as you suggested, with no improvement), but with the monitor.

Having spoken to the PC supplier and the monitor manufacturer, both seem to think that the issue is that Nvidia cannot find a driver for the screen and therefore does not recognise it.

The monitor is an edge10 W193. I've had a quick look around, but so far have not been able to find a Linux driver for this model. edge10 tech support do not supply one and they suggested that I try the Nvidia web site, where they thought I would find one. However, that does not seem to be the case.

I posted a query on the Nvidia forum, but have had no replies yet.

Any ideas on where I go from here?

------


are you sure you have the Nvidia driver installed? do you see NVIDIA X server settings in the System>Administration menu?

if yes then click on NVIDIA and configure it. remember that you will have to copy the configuration file (xorg.conf) that NVIDIA shows you and replace the xorg.conf with that copy. on my system the NVIDIA configuration could not save. (permissions)

if you don't see NVIDIA X server settings then Nvidia is not installed.

go to System>Administration>Hardware drivers to see if Nvidia's preferred driver (180) is there. otherwise you will have to install as noted in other querries on this forum.

jack

[gewitty]

Thanks for all the overnight thoughts.

I'll work my way through all the suggestions and decide what route to take before I do a complete re-install.

I did check to see if the NVIDIA Xserver settings had appeared in the Admin menu and it has. I ran the xorg.conf option and it saved properly. Sadly, it had no effect. When I rebooted, the system just dropped back into low graphics mode again.

Stubborn little gnome, isn't it?

[gewitty]

Just as an update (if anyone is still tracking this saga); I eventually did a complete re-installation of the OS. Before I added anything to the system I checked the monitor settings. It appeared as 'unrecognised', but the resolution was correct at 1440x900 16:10. I then tried the recommended graphics driver (177)in the Hardware Drivers utility. When this was installed and I rebooted I found that the graphics card appeared to be working (all Compix effects enabled), but the monitor was still unrecognised and limited to a maximum resolution of 640x480 4:3. The same thing happened when I tried the manual install of the 180 driver, recommended by Balaknair.

So I'm back to square one. I can have the correct screen resolution or a working graphics card - but not both.

Given that we know the screen is capable of running at 1440x900, is there no way I can force this via some terminal command(s), or through the NVIDIA manager, or is it only addressable via the Screen Resolution utility?

[balaknair]

You can edit xorg.conf and add the resolution option there.

A (relatively) safe way to do this is to run the nVidia settings applet and do as jbfriend suggests(set resolution> click 'save to xorg.conf'> click 'show preview'> copy the contents seen in the preview> open xorg.conf> paste the contents into the xorg.conf file(replacing the earlier contents> save and exit)

Note:
* Hit Alt-F2--> gksudo gedit /etc/X11/xorg.conf to open xorg.conf in the text editor with root privileges(you won't be able to save changes otherwise).

* You should make a backup of your existing xorg.conf before making any changes
In a terminal--> sudo cp /etc/X11/xorg.conf /etc/X11/xorg.conf_backup

To restore the backup in case something goes wrong
sudo cp /etc/X11/xorg.conf_backup /etc/X11/xorg.conf

[balaknair]

You can also add stuff manually to the xorg.conf file if you know the settings for your monitor, but I'd suggest you try that only if the above method doesn't work.

[gewitty]

That was interesting. When I tried to run the NVIDIA X Server, I got a message saying, 'You do not appear to be using the NVIDIA X driver. Please edit your X configuration file (just run 'nvidia-xconfig' as root, and restart the server.'

When I tried this, this is what I got:


dave@dave-desktop ~ $ sudo nvidia-xconfig
[sudo] password for dave:

Using X configuration file: "/etc/X11/xorg.conf".

WARNING: No Layout specified, constructing implicit layout section using screen
"Default Screen".


WARNING: Unable to find CorePointer in X configuration; attempting to add new
CorePointer section.


WARNING: The CorePointer device was not specified explicitly in the layout;
using the first mouse device.


WARNING: Unable to find CoreKeyboard in X configuration; attempting to add new
CoreKeyboard section.


WARNING: The CoreKeyboard device was not specified explicitly in the layout;
using the first keyboard device.

Backed up file '/etc/X11/xorg.conf' as '/etc/X11/xorg.conf.backup'
New X configuration file written to '/etc/X11/xorg.conf'

dave@dave-desktop ~ $


Does that offer any new clues?

[balaknair]

What does the new xorg.conf file say?

What we basically need in there is
1) 'nvidia' in the device section
2) 1440 x 900 modeline in the Screen section(subsection> display)

so that you get to use the nvidia drivers with the 1440 x 900 resolution.