ATI Graphics Driver Help

[tkdman09]

I'm wicked pumped to use ubuntu and learn about linux. I'm not a computer noob as I'm fluent in Windows XP, just not linux. Many times I have had this same problem though...



After a fresh install of ubuntu, i have to change my session go failsafe gnome for graphics issues. After that, I get the message to install the new updates, so i install them and restart. I continue to boot up into failsafe gnome again. Then I get a message about downloading and installing the restricted driver for my ATI Radeon Xpress 200 graphics card. I would download that, and restart. Then change my session to Gnome. All goes well. I can restart and then have no graphics issues then. I later follow this (http://thegabfather.wordpress.com/2008/05/17/how-to-install-compiz-fusion-in-ubuntu-hardy-heron/) tutorial on how to install compiz-fusion.All goes well. Then after i set some easy effects, such as animations, the water and fire effect and other small ones, i would restart (for reasons unknown, maybe to boot into xp or just to restart ubuntu) and hten i would get a promped for low graphics mode. I would sometimes attempt to set it up, but i think that i would do it wrong so i would just continue and boot into failsafe gnome. i then would look at my hardware drivers and see that ATI accelerated graphics driver is enabled and green light showing it in use, but my resolution would only be set at 800x600 and couldnt be set to anything higher. if i would disable them, then restart, all would be fine. I'd have the 1048x700 something ( i cant remmeber the y and x ), but i would have no effects. I would use EnvyNG to remove drivers. then boot ubunut into recovery mode. fix the package and repare my x server thing, and reboot into failsafe gnome. then use EnvyNG to autodetect my graphics hardware and install the necessary drivers. after that i would reboot into gnome but get the white screen of death. and failsafe would have no effects. i was wondering what the heck the deal is. and if i should use these two tutorials i found to use the open source driver.



the tutorials are here...

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

https://wiki.ubuntu.com/X/RadeonXpress

[thumper13]

Welcome to Ubuntu.

Pardon my french, but ATI cards are HELL in Ubuntu... ATI is behind on developing drivers, and their drivers on their site are old. Extremely old. The only method that I have ever found to use Ubuntu properly is to use the proprietary drivers installed with Ubuntu. There is a link, that I will post when I find it that allows me to install all these goodies with no trouble...

I have the x200 as well, mine is onboard. Check my system setup in my signature.

[thumper13]

Here is the site I use.

http://wiki.cchtml.com/index.php/Ubuntu_Hardy_Installation_Guide

This is also for Hardy Heron (8.04) Ubuntu as well. If you are using an older version, the website has other howto's on different versions.

I know this WILL work with the compiz fancy effects, I don't use them so i can't tell you why the issue you're having is happening, but I hope this helps you a bit.

But i can answer one question "I'd have the 1048x700 something ( i cant remmeber the y and x )," It's 1024x768. Just trying to be helpful:)

[Yesideez]

I've got loads of issues as well and my card is the X1650.

It looks like it's either put up with the proprietry drivers or buy a new card which I might end up doing.

[tkdman09]

thank you all for the help...but now i seem to have one more question...

should i go with the two tutorials i found (in my original post)

go with thumper13's wiki tutorial

or just go with the proprietary driver and not use compiz?




im sure it'll be one of hte first two, but im not sure wich one.