Backlight isn't turning on

[metalmine]

Dear Linux community,
I am new to the OS and I have just installed it as dual-boot on my laptop. However, whenever I boot into Ubuntu(the latest version) the OS works perfectly except from the fact that I can only see if i squint my eyes since the Backlight isn't turned on no matter what I try.

Sincerely and not an idiot,
Metalmine

[sammiev]

Hi metalmine, have you tried hitting the Ctrl and F7 buttons at the same time? Well the Ctrl button is down just keep tapping F7 until your back light is bright enough.

[metalmine]

Hi metalmine, have you tried hitting the Ctrl and F7 buttons at the same time? Well the Ctrl button is down just keep tapping F7 until your back light is bright enough.

I will try right now. Thank you.

[sammiev]

I will try right now. Thank you.

Sorry... It's the Fn and F7 button. Give this a try and post back.

[patryk77]

Sorry... It's the Fn and F7 button. Give this a try and post back.

This actually depends on the laptop's model...

On my Sorny Vaio it's Fn+F5/F6 to decrease/increase brightness.

Look for a little sun or a lightbulb in a different color (mine are blue, the same color as the Fn key)

Also, check under System/Preferences/Power Management. There are options there to set the brightness settings.

If none of those help, open a terminal and post the output of
sudo lshw

This will give a list of the hardware on your machine.

Also, a description of your laptop would be helpful.

On a slightly unrelated note, you should take a look at this to know not to run commands blindly (but don't worry, lshw is safe):
http://ubuntuforums.org/announcement.php?a=54

And finally, welcome to the forums and Ubuntu

[metalmine]

Thanks ill try

[metalmine]

oh wait..........a minute.....whats a terminal? @patrik77

[patryk77]

The Terminal is like the Command Prompt in Windows.

Under Gnome it would be in the Applications / Accessories / Terminal menu. In Unity (the default interface in Ubuntu 11.04) I have no idea where it is, but in the menu somewhere.

[metalmine]

The Terminal is like the Command Prompt in Windows.

Under Gnome it would be in the Applications / Accessories / Terminal menu. In Unity (the default interface in Ubuntu 11.04) I have no idea where it is, but in the menu somewhere.

I can't edit grub with gedit... and i forgot my root password

[Quackers]

You won't need your root password, just your user password.
What hardware is this on?