Ubuntu dual boot installation on HP pavilion dv7.

[bcbc]

ouch pff.
hate it when things won't work out!
Oh does it help if i say this is in my comp: quad core and radeon dual graphics?

I also found out about someone else having trouble whit a dual graphics.

I have the A6-3400m APU (integrated 6520G, discrete 6470M) and my experience until now is:

The Ubuntu built-in "radeon" driver does NOT support "dual graphics". To get the radeon driver without dual graphics work properly, the discrete graphics card should be switched off in the BIOS (less power consumption, ...)

AMD provides a proprietary driver called "fglrx". This driver can be installed via the system settings "additional drivers" or the latest version directly downloaded from AMD. https://help.ubuntu.com/community/BinaryDriverHowto/ATI My experience: The Ubuntu fglrx version is much toooo old: I had a lot of problems with wine and the activated discrete graphics card because that driver recognised a wrong graphics card (7400m series instead of 64oom series). With the latest AMD driver (Catalyst 12.10): working.

The fglrx drivers for Linux/Ubuntu are provided with a graphical configuration application called Catalyst Control Center and can also be configured via command line via amdconfig. With both configuration tools it is possible to switch between the discrete und the integrated graphics engine. This is called PowerXpress. With Windows this switch can be done without reboot but X needs a restart. Therefore the powersaving feature called PowerPlay does not use PowerXpress under Linux but just other features like dynamic clock rate change, .... BUT: PowerXpress is NOT "dual graphics".

"dual graphics" means: Both graphics engine act like a single one using the CrossFireX-Technology. This is provided for Windows 7 DirectX 10+ but NOT for Windows XP or Linux! For more information compare the AMD dual graphics FAQ: http://www.amd.com/us/products/techn...raphics.aspx#4

If there is any newer information about dual graphics and Linux: Please let me know!

but since he does not use the exact simular card to mine i won't try what he did.
Safety reasons for my machine don't want to break things xp.

Greetings InQontroll and thanks in advance.

Yes you can do that - that's where I was going. But the erratic problems booting Ubuntu that result in you having to keep reinstalling are not normal. And there's little point running an install that lasts one or two boots.

If you need Ubuntu you can easily install it under Windows using Virtual Box or VMWare. It's not going to work great for games or graphics intensive stuff, but apparently you can't use your graphics card anyway so it shouldn't be such a big loss. I'd also recommend 12.04 in that case because it supports 2d unity so should run better in the vm.

[InQontroll]

damn that sucks...
You really mean i can only do it using vmware..
how lame is that, isnt there really another way?

[bcbc]

damn that sucks...
You really mean i can only do it using vmware..

That gives you a chance to try out Ubuntu - and it works fine for most tasks (i.e. is exactly the same as running a normal install for most non-graphic related tasks). If you like it, then this is what I'd suggest:

If others with the same or very similar cards are successfully running Ubuntu then there is no reason that you shouldn't be able to. I'd recommend posting on that thread you found so you get someone with the same hardware who can answer specific questions and guide you.

If you're still not able to do it with the same workarounds, then I suggest you try to hook up with an ubuntu loco team in your area and find someone who can help you in person.

Since most people don't use Wubi they'll likely help you install a normal dual boot (which is the right thing anyway). Beforehand, create full restore image of Windows and a system repair CD (if you don't have the original install DVD). Also take full data backups. Then you'll be set for any outcome.

[InQontroll]

That gives you a chance to try out Ubuntu - and it works fine for most tasks (i.e. is exactly the same as running a normal install for most non-graphic related tasks). If you like it, then this is what I'd suggest:

If others with the same or very similar cards are successfully running Ubuntu then there is no reason that you shouldn't be able to. I'd recommend posting on that thread you found so you get someone with the same hardware who can answer specific questions and guide you.

If you're still not able to do it with the same workarounds, then I suggest you try to hook up with an ubuntu loco team in your area and find someone who can help you in person.

Since most people don't use Wubi they'll likely help you install a normal dual boot (which is the right thing anyway). Beforehand, create full restore image of Windows and a system repair CD (if you don't have the original install DVD). Also take full data backups. Then you'll be set for any outcome.

I allready used ubuntu, the thing is i did not use it on this comp..
And damn hell i don't like windows compared to ubuntu.

The vmware is no selution.
wubi actually is no sulution either..

I want to do it using a live usb/cd and install it using that once and for all.

But before i do that i need to be sure if its gonna run smooth.

backups have been taken ages ago .
well i'm going to report back tomorrow when i installed the iso on my usb.
but wont install it before i'm sure the radeon dual graphics card wont make trouble in future.

sorry for my bad english i'm from belgium

[InQontroll]

Ubuntu got installed all runs well.
You need a clean install if you want it on pavilion dv7

No windows or other os installed. Graphics drivers run well, no overheating and smooth startup.

Greetings, InQontroll.