installing ubuntu 12.04 on Mac Mini 4,1

[janod]

Hello,

I am trying to install Ubuntu 12.04 on MacMini 4,1 (model with Nvidia graphic chipset) from an USB drive. When I select "Try Ubuntu Without Installing", the OS will boot but end up in strange graphic mode with strips over the upper part of the screen.

I managed to install 10.10 by setting boot parameters to "nomodeset reboot=pci" but this doesn't work with 12.04 anymore.

I went through several posts and have tried various options e.g. "nomodeset xforcevesa" or "blacklist=vga16fb" with no luck. Adding the "nomodeset" option makes the starting screen to show up but then it switches to a text console.

Any hints appreciated.

Regards,
Jan

[davidryderuk]

Hi,
Since your computer has the same graphics card as the Macbook Air 3,2, this might be relavent:

https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+s...au/+bug/898784

In that case the issue was solved by updating to Ubuntu Kernel version 3.2.0-27.

[janod]

Hello,

Thanks for an advice. Which ISO image has the kernel version 3.2.0-27 ?
Should I go for http://cdimage.ubuntu.com/releases/1...-amd64+mac.iso which is adjusted for Macs and might have the fixed kernel or shall I go for the latest daily build of 12.10 which should have the fixed kernel ?

Thanks,
Jan

[davidryderuk]

I don't think any of the Ubuntu 12.04 iso images will have kernel version 3.2.0-27. They don't tend to get updated between releases. You might get the latest kernel if you install Ubuntu 11.10 and then upgrade to Ubuntu 12.04.

http://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop/upgrade

The amd64+mac.iso is worth a try, though if it works it won't be because of an updated kernel. The main difference is that the amd64+mac.iso boots in Bios Compatibility Mode, instead of UEFI mode.

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/UEFIBooting

Ubuntu 12.10 is still in alpha, so I wouldn't use it for anything important. It will have a lot of new, untested packages.

[janod]

Hello,

Thanks for your hints. I will try different ISOs and post the results.

Jan

[davidryderuk]

The Ubuntu 12.04.1 release should have a more recent version of the 2.6.0-x kernel. According to Zdnet it will be released in a few days. Perhaps you could try it when it's released.

http://www.zdnet.com/ubuntu-12-04-1-...se-7000002616/

[janod]

Thanks for this tip! I'll give it a try and report back.

[janod]

Hello,

I tried to boot 12.04.1 amd64 version from an USB stick (EFI booting), and again end up with a scrambled desktop. I tried then "nomodeset" option which boots fine for a short while and then ends up in a command prompt.

I did "dmesg | tail" and here are last few lines:

init: lightdm main process (1833) terminated with status 1
....
init: plymounth-stop pre-start process (2652) terminated with status 1
....
init: failsafe-x main process (2529) terminated with status 1

I then checked /var/log/Xorg.0.log and Xorg.failsafe.log and here are some lines:

(EE) [drm] failed to open device

LoadModule: "VESA"
Loading submodule "vbe"
Loading submodule "int10"

(EE) VESA(0): V_BIOS address 0xd00 out of range
(EE) Screen(s) found, but none have a usable configuration

Any hints how to move forward are highly appreciated.

Thanks,
Jan

p.s. I also tried 12.04.1 amd64+mac - this iso however boots in BIOS compatible mode only and won't boot from an USB

[davidryderuk]

I haven't any real ideas, sorry.


Maybe you could look at nouveau's troubleshooting pages:
nouveau.freedesktop.org/wiki/KernelModeSetting
nouveau.freedesktop.org/wiki/TroubleShooting

Or alternatively you could use virtualisation, an older version of Ubuntu, or try another distro (like Fedora).

http://osxdaily.com/2012/03/27/insta...ux-virtualbox/

[jasunto]

i am going to be trying to install ubuntu server on my mac mini 4,1 server with dual hard drives and no optical, since i just need the server and no GUI and just a wired connection, do you think it will work fine? I may also try alternate installer and make a raid 1 out of my two mac mini server disks.