Common Problems and Solutions for Nvidia restricted drivers after Ubuntu 8.10 (Intrepid Ibex) Upgrade

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I have collected some common problems and solutions for Nvidia restricted drivers after Ubuntu 8.10 (Intrepid Ibex) Upgrade.I really thank for those users and ubuntu forum members who posted the solutions.I hope this will be useful for some users to fix their problems.

Problem 1

upgrade to 8.10 -- can't enable Nvidia restricted drivers

Upgraded from 8.04.1 to 8.10 (x64). GF 7600GT. Athlon X2 64. Starts up using the unaccelerated drivers.
Using ‘Hardware Drivers' I try to enable the 177 driver, get error dialog:
"Reconfiguring X.org video drivers is not possible: /etc/X11/xorg.conf if invalid"

-- tried deleting xorg.conf
-- tried dpkg-reconfig xserver-xorg
-- tried nvidia-xconfig

None of these work.

-- /var/log/Xorg.0.log doesn't show any syntax errors with any of these xorg.conf files.

Any ideas?

Solution

1) Open Synaptic Package Manager

2) Search nvidia

3) Installed all the 177 that are not yet installed (except those with the -dev suffix) or run this command to install drivers sudo apt-get install nvidia-

glx-177

4) Made sure nvidia-settins is installed as well

5) Restarted

6) Went to "Hardware Drivers"

7) Activated 177

Run the following command to set the nvidia card settings

gksudo nvidia-settings

Problem 2

nvidia-settings segmentation fault.In the nvidia-settings menu (System->Administration->NVIDIA X Server Settings), if I click "Save to X Configuration File" (in the "X Server Display Configurations" page), the window closes. This was not the behavior in Ubuntu 8.04. If I open the menu from the command line, then clicking "Save to X Configuration File" will print "Segmentation fault" before the window closes. This happens whether or not I use sudo when executing nvidia-settings.

Solution

I heard that the new X.Org was going to rely less on the xorg.conf file, but it still exits. I can still apply my desired changes by clicking "Apply", so I personally do not have any problems. I am wondering if the segfault is a bug.

I renamed my xorg.conf file to something radically different: xorg_conf_backup.txt Then, when I had nvidia-settings save to xorg file, it asked where it was. I just pointed it to the same location (/etc/X11/xorg.conf) and had it make a new one. That seemed to make it stick. It seems unhappy in having to deal with existing xorg files.

Problem 3

How to get 1920×1200 Resolution Dell 2405fwp Nvidia 6150se

Solution

It's an Dell 2405fwp with native resolution of 1920×1200.

But I finally got it working, with some trial and error:

[Dell Insipiron 531] how to get 1920×1200 [2405fpw] resolution working with onboard nvidia graphics [Nvidia 6150se] using vga out:

1. Isntall the restricted drivers System ---> Hardware Drivers

2. Select the recommended drivers, install and reboot.

3. Backup the original /etc/X11/xorg.conf:

$ sudo cp /etc/X11/xorg.conf /etc/X11/xorg.conf.org

4. Edit /etc/X11/xorg.conf:

$ sudo nano /etc/X11/xorg.conf

5. look for the Section "Monitor"

add the following lines[DO NOT CHANGE ANYTHING ELSE]:

HorizSync 30-81
VertRefresh 60

6. look for Section "Screen"

add the following lines[DO NOT CHANGE ANYTHING ELSE]:

SubSection "Display"
Depth 24
Modes "1920x1200_60"
EndSubSection

7. Then do:
$ sudo nvidia-settings

then from X Server Display Configuration select the 1920×1200 resolution
and 60hz

8. Saving the X configuration File [while nvidia-settings is still open]:

$ sudo rm /etc/X11/xorg.conf

save file as /etc/X11/xorg.conf

9. edit /etc/X11/xorg.conf if needed be repeat 5 & 6

10. then Reboot and press the autosize button on the LCD

And here is a copy of my working xorg.conf file:

Code:
Section "Monitor"
Identifier    "Configured Monitor"
HorizSync       30-81
VertRefresh     60
EndSection

Section "Screen"
Identifier    "Default Screen"
Monitor        "Configured Monitor"
Device        "Configured Video Device"
DefaultDepth    24
SubSection      "Display"
Depth           24
Modes           "1920x1200_60"
EndSubSection
EndSection

Section "Module"
Load    "glx"
EndSection

Section "Device"
Identifier    "Configured Video Device"
Driver    "nvidia"
Option    "NoLogo"    "True"
EndSection

Problem 4

Ubuntu 8.10 My Graphics can't be enabled. nVidia Go 7400 graphics card

Solution

I got mine working by going to System->Administration->Hardware Drivers. However, the two options presented to me are the 173 and 177 drivers, so that might not help you. The 177 driver, which was also recommended, worked. After activating that driver, I edited the display setting with System->Administration->NVIDIA X Server Settings and then clicked Apply.

Problem 5 (Intrepid blank screen problem)

I wanted to install the Intrepid Ibex [8.10] upgrade. Today I started the Update Manager and let it upgrade to 8.10. Downloading the Binaries took 5-odd hours[I'm on a 384Kbps connection and the download size is just a mite less than 1GB].It took an hour to install and asked to reboot. This is where the troubles started. After rebooting, it went to the beige screen that precedes the splash screen and then to a black blank screen. I could move around the mouse and that was it.

Solution

Apparently the compiz [which is responsible for the visual effects] module has problems with older Intel graphics cards [on-board graphics module aboard my Intel 845 GVSR]. A suggested work around was to boot into recovery mode and remove the compiz module. Apparently the bus has been around for a couple of months now[Launchpad Bug #259385].

select root shell prompt and run the following commands

sudo apt-get remove compiz

sudo apt-get remove compiz-core

exit

resume

Problem 6

I just installed the new Ubuntu 8.10 and I have no sound.How to fix this problem

Solution

I have fixed this problem by installing following package

sudo killall pulseaudio

sudo alsa force-reload

and then go to System>Preferences>Sound and change everything to ALSA

Problem 7

Install Nvidia legacy GeForce 2 MX 400 in Ubuntu 8.10

Downloaded the beta driver from nvidia here the 96.43.09 legacy BETA

Downloaded from synaptic manager linux-headers-generic and linux-source-2.6.27

sudo apt-get install linux-headers-generic linux-source-2.6.27

Press CTRL + ALT F1

sudo /etc/init.d/gdm stop

sudo sh NVIDIA DRIVER that you downloaded from the url above

sudo /etc/init.d/gdm start

Problem 8

Install NVIDIA XFX 8600 GT in Ubuntu 8.10

My machine is MSI RS-480-IL2 motherboard, with NVIDIA XFX 8600 GT card.

This is the procedure I followed:

Just go to System -> Adminitration-> Hardware Drivers and enable NVIDIA 177 driver. It will download and install the driver.

Here there is a small hitch. Sometimes the download progress window stops at 0% only, it is bug, but the download takes place in the background and installs the driver. You need to be patient for about 5 minutes (256 KBPS download speed).

After that, just check under System -> Administration for a new menu entry "NVIDIA Settings", if so, the driver is installed. If you select the menu item, it will say "Looks like NVIDIA driver is not being used, Update your Xorg.conf file, just run "nvidia-xconfig" from terminal as root".

Do that, and it will update your xorg.conf file, just restart X, using CTRL + ALT + BACKSPACE, it will logout you out and ask for login again. Just login and you have NVIDIA 3D fully working.

Try enabling 3D effects and enjoy !!! Ubuntu 8.10 really rocks, especially with 3D enabled.

For all the persons who were kind enough to reply and comment on earlier post, I would like to thank all of you.

Anyone facing problem with Ubuntu 8.04, I suggest upgrade to Ubuntu 8.10. It will solve many problems.
If you have any other solutions for nvidia cards or any other issues after intrepid upgrade please share here

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79 Responses

  1. Fergie says:

    I am new to ubuntu 8.10. I did a clean install, with geforce2 mx/mx 400 but could never get nvidia to load. Gave up and tried FX 5200 (different driver), same issue. I tried Marcos suggestion (item 16) and it worked for VGH. I can see the driver install but when I execute sudo nvidia-xconfig nothing happens. I reboot then I get EE nvidia failed to load nvidia kernel.

    I’m about ready to give up ubuntu and go back to XP.

    HELP

    Fergie

  2. VGH says:

    Fergie, All I did was go to System->Administration->Hardware Drivers and saw a list of compatible drivers for the card. For the FX 5200, the 173 drivers work. Once you hit Activate, wait till it finishes downloading ( sometimes this takes a while and looks like nothings happening ). Once downloaded, you will see an icon near the driver entry in the list, which indicates that you will need to restart the system ( or restart X ).

    The first time I tried it, there were issues with connectivity ( i guess ) and that is why it did not succeed. At that time , the driver never got downloaded.

    Note : For the geforce2 mx 4000 card, the 96 drivers should work. I have this done in another machine and it works.

    – Hope this works for you.

    The only issue I see across all machines with the restricted drivers installed is that the switch user fails and throws an error. Once the screensaver comes and the screen is locked, I am unable to switch to a different user from that point. The dialog displays the same user from where the screen was locked no matter how many times I hit the switch user button.

  3. VGH says:

    TWFJR, For some discussions on the switch user problem.

    http://ubuntuforums.org/archive/index.php/t-974378.html

    Reinstalling the fast user switch applet does not solve the problem.

    Any luck with your workaround ?

  4. Fergie says:

    OK today I made progress after a week of messing with this.

    This is how I got the drivers installed

    The next 5 lines might not have been necessary but I did it anyway:
    reboot, press esc before grub launches.
    select recovery mode.
    repair x server.
    update dpkg.
    continue booting.

    When system came up I went to system|administration | synaptic | installed envyng-core

    Dropped out of gui ALT F1
    sudo killall gdm
    sudo get-apt install envyng-core >> may not have been necessary
    envyng -t
    Selected correct driver and followed the screens.

    After reboot I get better graphics but still at 640×480.

    Next challenge is to get the monitor Samsung Syncmaster 17GL to be recognized by the system.

    Any ideas

    Thanks for your help

  5. Fergie says:

    Me again – I won a Dell E178WFP last night so I hooked it up. Now when it boots I get the ubuntu sign in prompts which I action then I get

    I edited xorg.conf from this site (modified for 1 monitor)
    http://linux.derkeiler.com/Mailing-Lists/Fedora/2008-02/msg01733.html

    sign on screen has more detail but still have the same issue.

    Ideas??

    Fergie

  6. Fergie says:

    Finally got this working, the last step was to boot to recovery mode, do a fix x windows then normal boot. I could login and choose the resolution etc.

    Success, I have nvidia GEForce 5200 loaded along with Dell 178WFP monitor. I’m ready to play!

    Thanks

    Fergie

  7. Chuck Mahon says:

    OK I’m pretty frustrated with this – My system had Ubuntu 8.10 successfully installed. Completed all system updates.

    Then followed Restricted Drivers notification and “activated” nvidia 173 drivers, installed.

    Now when I reboot all I get is a TTY console screen with no GUI what so ever.

    I have 2 NVIDIA cards each with a monitor. Nothing works now.

    Any ideas?

  8. Blaine says:

    I was having a problem not specifically mentioned; however, the steps in Solution 1 solved my problem.

    Whenever I would go to the “Hardware” control to enable either of the nVidia driver, the downloading status popup would appear for less than a second before closing again. I was able to solve this by installing via the Package Manager.

    Thank you very much for this article; it helped a bunch.

  9. Ted Kord says:

    Chuck, I’m having exactly the same problem. Two NVIDIA cards, one monitor and all I get is a TTY console. No GUI.

    Did you by any chance manage to resolve the issue?

  10. Chuck Mahon says:

    Ted (and anyone else struggling with this)

    So I resolved this after 5 or 6 installs of 8.10.

    The root cause of the problem is a lack of a Busid entry in xorg.conf One this is file is edited properly, all works as advertised with the recommended NVIDIA restricted drivers.

    I would do a reinstall of Ubuntu 8.10, and then while you still have a GUI access, go ahead and activate the restricted driver per the prompts in Ubuntu – but do not restart/reboot your machine. Y0our next step is t9o open a console – do a LSPCI command and find the PCI Bus ID address for your NVIDIA card (your primary card if you have multiple cards.

    Edit xorg.conf with GEDIT and place a Busid statement eg. something like this:

    to the “Device” section of my xorg.conf as such:

    Section “Device”
    Identifier “Device0?
    Driver “nvidia”
    VendorName “NVIDIA Corporation”
    BusID “1:0.0?
    EndSection

    This seems to be pretty common – albeit frustrating when installing NVIDIA drivers in 8.10

  11. Chuck Mahon says:

    Typo in my example above – apologies:

    Section “Device”
    Identifier “Device0?
    Driver “nvidia”
    VendorName “NVIDIA Corporation”
    BusID “1:0.0?
    EndSection

  12. Chuck Mahon says:

    One more time: again, sorry

    (copy and pasting – ugh)

    to the “Device” section of my xorg.conf as such:

    Section “Device”
    Identifier “Device0?
    Driver “nvidia”
    VendorName “NVIDIA Corporation”
    BusID “1:0:0″
    EndSection

  13. Alfred says:

    I am having the same problem regarding the two video cards. I followed Chuck’s instructions, but I still have issues. My monitor flashes a few times, then it idles, The last 2 line reads:

    * Enabling additional executable binary formats binfmt-support [ OK ]
    * Checking battery state… [ OK ]

    At which time I can type text freely but nothing happens.

    If I do not include the BusID line, my X will not start.

    Does anyone else have this issue? Did anyone else solve it?

    Details:
    2x 9500 GT
    64bit 8.10
    nvidea driver 177

  14. jhon says:

    i have a simple solution.

    go to nvidia website and download their official driver, its an sh script realy easy to follow…. just like any windows installer but on text mode…. that solves the problem that the ubuntu staf brought to their software….

    btw…. version 7.10 is better.

    bye

  15. Dremth says:

    — POTENTIAL BLANK SCREEN AFTER LOGIN FIX —
    If you upgraded or installed Ubuntu 8.10 and you get a black/blank screen after you login, or if you change your resolution and you get a black screen, then try this:
    If you haven’t already tried logging into FailSafe Gnome, click options in the bottom left, then Session, then select Failsafe Gnome.
    If that didn’t work, and you haven’t already removed compiz, boot into recovery and go into a shell (or ctrl+alt+f1 if you’re at the login), type:
    sudo apt-get remove compiz
    sudo apt-get remove compiz-core
    If that didn’t work or you haven’t already tried xfix, then boot into recovery mode and a menu will come up. Select the last option, xfix. Alternatively, you can type:
    sudo dpkg-recofigure -phigh xserver-xorg

    Finally, if all that didn’t work, try simply deleting your ~/.config/ directory:
    sudo rm -rf ~/.config

    That last one finally worked for me! I was so happy!
    Any questions, just email me: [email protected]

  16. Ahmed says:

    Im getting soo frustrated, Soo many people are having the same problem as me with getting my nvidia drivers working. I tried to enabled or “activate” the 177 package and it just closes teh dialogue box after i entered my password doing nothing. I AM new to linux and ubuntu but have been reading and attempting to get this working for hours. I am very close to giving up and goin back to windows and telling all my friends who talk up Ubuntu so much that perhaps the reason it isnt replacing windows anytime soon is how unfriendly it is to users. I am a well above average computer user and if its such a pain for me theres is simply no way it will become mainstream. =/

  17. Richard says:

    Ubuntu 8.01 running Nvidia 177.80–will not detect Sony hdtv via dvi to hdmi cable? Any suggestions????

  18. marc says:

    I have an olkd Nvidia card (6600 XT). If I would want to install Ubuntu 8.10 and use the Nvidia restricted drivers, does that mean I am out of luck as these are not supported. Or is there a workaround ?

  19. chris says:

    I am new to Ubuntu and I have had problems with Nvidia. My computer is equipped with a Nvidia GeForce 5200 and is 4 years old. It is a shuttle XPC SN95G5 with an AMD Athlon 3200 (2 GHz).
    I tried to install the 173 driver (as recommended). It was OK but sometimes (not always) I got a black screen in place of the login screen (frozen screen) after a full boot or when I changed the user.
    I was “obliged” to boot in recovery mode and use the option “fix the X screen” (or sth like…).
    I have installed the 96 driver and now it works. I have left the xorg.cong unchanged and didn’t let the nvidia configuration tool update it.

    Hope this helps for some people.

    Chris

    PS : 9 years ago, I had tried to install and use Redhat Linux and I had abandonned because of the too complicated settings for the graphic card and screen. Things have changed but it’s not yet as easy as it should be…

  20. Max says:

    How the hell are yo going to do anything with ubuntu if it starts black screen onely?

  21. Larry says:

    I’m running Hardy and have ab Nvidia 6600 video card. I get no DVI output past usplash, just a black screen. VGA works fine. I have no option for DVI in nvidia-settings, just CRT. I have tried adding the options

    “ConnectedMonitor” “DFP, CRT”
    Option “UseDisplayDevice” “DFP”

    to my xorg.conf file and that results in a black screen even with VGA connected. I believe I’ve had this issue since Gutsy and it continues with Hardy. I recently bought a new monitor and thought I’d revisit the problem. Searches return many with this issue but no one has suggested a fix that works for me. I am running Compiz, by the way.

  22. Em says:

    ok so intrepid is my first venture into anything linux so please forgive my level of ignorance, but i have 2 problems. i have one nvidia 8600gt and 2 monitors, now problem one is that i cant install the 177 driver, i did try installing it while watching network history which stayed bottomed out but i let it “go” for 15 min anyway and still saw nothing and no new option in administration, so any tips on that would be appreciated. and for number 2 which is very much so less important but anyone know how i can configure this to use my second monitor as extra dektop space.

  23. Em says:

    and im on intrepid 8.10 64bit
    amd athlon 64 x2 4200+ (2.2 GHz)

  24. Em says:

    haha of course right after i post this i figure it out, half of it anyways. i was still just exploring ubuntu and went into the add/remove and in it found the driver i needed so i dl’d it from there and it went through without a hitch, i was able to install it on my first shot and after restart was able to enable the extra visual effects and it is quite beautiful. i still have yet to figure out the dual displays but if i figure it out ill waste more space by lettin ya know =p

  25. Em says:

    google is your friend ha. just for everyones info, if you ever get an error through the nvidia control that doesnt allow you to save xorg.conf file, reopen it by typing sudo nvidia-control and put in your pass and youll have no problems. and sorry for takin up so much space :/

  26. Em says:

    correction :sudo nvidia-settings

    blah its been a long night

  27. MiD-AwE says:

    Chuck’s instructions worked for me.

  28. Ivan says:

    Ok.. I’ve got ASUS Z53Sv with GeForce 8600M GS. Tried Ubuntu 8.10 64bit, used instructions provided here (ie download via sudo apt-get…. etc). I does not work for me. As soon as I open the hardware installation window and press activate – the installation window appears and disappears momentarily. Don’t know what to do. Can’t get it working.

    Any suggestions?

  29. ldp says:

    GeForce2 MX/MX 400 Xubuntu 8.10 i386
    What worked for me is envyng “apt-get install envyng-gtk”
    then “envyng -t” installed 96.43.09 works great!

    What doesn’t work now the graphics for gdm is unreadable like the timing is off…so I login “blind”

  30. Taemojitsu says:

    looks useful, I will try some of these. ty!

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