I bought a new computer & can't install ubuntu?

[Erik1984]

So you have tried the boot option called "nomodeset" ?

[onlychevys]

This is a new computer, an HP Pavilion p6 series model# p6-2133w.
Quad core w/8 gig's of ram running Win7. I can install Ubuntu 11.04
and get everything going until I let it update video driver. Then all I get is a black screen. I can not even get 11.10 to boot. I installed 11.04 and upgraded to 11.10 and rebooted right to the black screen again. Full install not the wubi thing.I've really become attached to Ubuntu and would replace windows all together other than a few programs that wine won't fix. I was even getting used to Unity and starting to like it, but on this new faster computer Ubuntu says I don't have enough hardware to run it LOL.
I tried Kubuntu, Linux Mint,etc. Any help would be great. Oh, and I can not watch any video like youtube etc.
WTF, I thought Ubuntu had good support? I'll check back tomorrow!

[onlychevys]

I don't know what "nomodeset" is. I can't do nothing at all!!!!!! All I see is a black screen.

[utnubuuser]

i think Puppy uses the VESA driver, which as far as I know, is as generic as can be.

Isn't there a way to force VESA when loading the live cd? When you get to the screen that says Intall or Try Ubuntu, does pressing F4 or F6, (I think the kernel options can be changed using F6), do anything, or are you already stuck with a black screen at this point?

Normally, when you press F4 or F6, an input window showing the current kernel parameters opens and you can make changes to that line... at least that's how it used to work. I haven't had to access those options in ages.

Oh, and you might be able to disable any onboard video card through your BIOS...

[oldfred]

Did you follow the instructions in post #4 by Rodney9? But it may be f6 not f4.

How to set NOMODESET and other kernel boot options in grub2
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1613132
Previously posted in post #4 - shows boot screens and f keys to add options like nomodeset from liveCD.
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/BootOptions

[oldfred]

Threads merged.

Please do not start another thread on the same topic. We are all volunteers here and need to see others responses.

[onlychevys]

Threads merged.

Please do not start another thread on the same topic. We are all volunteers here and need to see others responses.

I managed to get Ubuntu 10.04lts working as long as I don't update anything to do with video.If I do I'm right back to black. I've created another partition to play with until this is figured out because I'm tired of re-installing.
As for now, no this was not fixed, I'm using Ubuntu on a different machine for the most part and I've had enough messing with it.
Edit: As for trying to install a more up to date Ubuntu version, Boot to bios, start loading cd, BLACK SCREEN.
No option to hit any keys, and it don't matter what key combo you might hit. Nothing but BLACK SCREEN!
I love Ubuntu, I know my way around pretty good and can even write some Android apps. I really need the Android sdk and Java up and going smooth on this machine, which I have now, just on an older version of Ubuntu.
I'm sorry for starting other thread but sold old machine & just backed up data and kind of panicked. I figured installing on this thing would be a breeze! LOL

[onlychevys]

How would I go about finding the right driver? It don't matter if I use the system suggested proprietary driver or not. I managed to get Ubuntu 11.04 running but will not run Unity.

[RJARRRPCGP]

I boot to the black screen that says try without installing, install, etc. It don't matter witch I choose, as soon as it starts loading my monitor says no signal?

Looks like the graphics hardware is too new.(The X.Org of Oneiric Ocelot don't support the graphics) Looks like you must wait for Precise Pangolin. Sorry.

[onlychevys]

OK!!!!!
I found a working up to date driver. Now I just need to learn how to use this driver on a fresh install or should I upgrade? Or maybe leave things alone lol. I would love to upgrade to the newest 12.whatever because it is an LTS version. I'm on 11.04 now, would I have to upgrade to 11.10 & then again? By the way, this computer is new but I bought it at freakin Walmart on sale & as far as hardware it isn't that new. Only to me not technology.