Ubuntu won't boot without monitor plugged in

**nikgare** · July 26th, 2009

You need to edit your xorg.conf file and change the type to vesa.
This works for me, for my headless server (although I'm still stuggling to get the right resolution) - the vesa bit is the bit that helps

Section "Device"
Identifier "Configured Device"
Driver "vesa"
EndSection

Section "Monitor"
Identifier "Configured Monitor"
EndSection

Section "Screen"
Identifier "Default Screen"
Monitor "Configured Monitor"
Device "Configured Device"
SubSection "Display"
Depth 24
Modes "1024x768"
EndSubSection
EndSection

**Vakz** · July 26th, 2009

Originally Posted by nikgare

You need to edit your xorg.conf file and change the type to vesa.
This works for me, for my headless server (although I'm still stuggling to get the right resolution) - the vesa bit is the bit that helps

Thank you! Works perfectly.

I changed it to 1280x800 though (too used to widescreen now

), and everything works exactly as i wanted.

**stroyeror** · November 13th, 2009

Originally Posted by Vakz

Thank you! Works perfectly.

I changed it to 1280x800 though (too used to widescreen now

), and everything works exactly as i wanted.

So where do i add 1280x800

here is the thread i have started about this, also did what nikgare said to do. but dont know where to put 1280x800.

http://ohioloco.ubuntuforums.org/sho....php?t=1323120

**Wim Sturkenboom** · November 13th, 2009

Code:

Section "Screen"
Identifier "Default Screen"
Monitor "Configured Monitor"
Device "Configured Device"
SubSection "Display"
Depth 24
Modes "1280x800" "1024x768"
EndSubSection
EndSection

PS I don't think that the vesa driver supports that resolution

**stroyeror** · November 14th, 2009

Originally Posted by Wim Sturkenboom

Code:

Section "Screen"
Identifier "Default Screen"
Monitor "Configured Monitor"
Device "Configured Device"
SubSection "Display"
Depth 24
Modes "1280x800" "1024x768"
EndSubSection
EndSection

PS I don't think that the vesa driver supports that resolution

Adding that to the screen section did not work..

any other ideas?

**stroyeror** · November 14th, 2009

OK i have figured it out

In the Device section you have to add

Code:

Driver "vesa"

In the monitor section you have to add

Code:

HorizSync       28-73

Then reboot.

Thats what worked for me.

Below is my xorg.conf

Code:

# xorg.conf (X.Org X Window System server configuration file)
#
# This file was generated by dexconf, the Debian X Configuration tool, using
# values from the debconf database.
#
# Edit this file with caution, and see the xorg.conf manual page.
# (Type "man xorg.conf" at the shell prompt.)
#
# This file is automatically updated on xserver-xorg package upgrades *only*
# if it has not been modified since the last upgrade of the xserver-xorg
# package.
#
# Note that some configuration settings that could be done previously
# in this file, now are automatically configured by the server and settings
# here are ignored.
#
# If you have edited this file but would like it to be automatically updated
# again, run the following command:
#   sudo dpkg-reconfigure -phigh xserver-xorg

Section "Device"
    Identifier    "Configured Video Device"
    Option        "UseFBDev"        "true"
    Driver "vesa"
EndSection

Section "Monitor"
    Identifier    "Configured Monitor"
    HorizSync       28-73
EndSection

Section "Screen"
    Identifier    "Default Screen"
    Monitor        "Configured Monitor"
    Device        "Configured Video Device"
EndSection

**paosms** · November 28th, 2009

Originally Posted by stroyeror

OK i have figured it out

Below is my xorg.conf

Code:

# xorg.conf (X.Org X Window System server configuration file)

...

Section "Device"
    Identifier    "Configured Video Device"
    Option        "UseFBDev"        "true"
    Driver "vesa"
EndSection

Section "Monitor"
    Identifier    "Configured Monitor"
    HorizSync       28-73
EndSection

Section "Screen"
    Identifier    "Default Screen"
    Monitor        "Configured Monitor"
    Device        "Configured Video Device"
EndSection

Hi, what version of ubuntu do you have? because i would try to use your xorg.conf.

I'm currently using 9.10

**paosms** · November 28th, 2009

Hi to all,

the title of the discussion says it all, i have the same problem BUT with ubuntu 9.10 therefore there is no xorg.conf or gmd.conf. What can i do to have a headless unit?

I tried to create a xorg.conf "default" file, but all i had at reboot was a weird (because montior kept on flashing) logging in screen (which i didnt have before as i set it to automatic login) and the impossibility to type to actually login! .... I formatted and installed again 9.10.

i've already posted a similar argument in the italian forum , but with no success: nobody seems to know anything about it!

Those who wonder why i re-installed 9.10 rather than 9.04 here is the answer: i did the awful mistake of using ext4. So if i want to use my /home without formating it and lose all my data i have to keep on using 9.10.

Please, help me! There is no sense in having a little server with a huge monitor plugged in!

Thanks,

Andrea

**manco1911** · September 5th, 2010

I just finished configuring my headless home server (AKA: old PC i wanted to give some use).

I followed this post: HERE

Works like a charm now.

Hope it helps you guys.