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    Can't install Ubuntu on V6VA

    Discussion in 'Linux Compatibility and Software' started by Crosstalk, Jun 13, 2006.

  1. Crosstalk

    Crosstalk Notebook Geek

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    I'm trying to install Ubuntu on my Asus V6VA, but I can't even get to the GUI.

    It will have all the sounds playing, but there's just a black screen.

    I went to the console and tried reconfiguring the Xserver with dkpg-reconfigure xserver-xorg and manually set a resolution of 1400x1050 at 60Hz (I think I unchecked entries for 640x480 and 800x600 as well as 1024x768). However, when I tried to start GDM again after killing it, it fails. Using startx gives me an output of:

    (EE) VESA (0) no matching modes
    (EE) Screen(s) found, but none have a usable configuration.

    Any ideas? Maybe something to set in the BIOS (although I didn't find any video related settings there).
     
    Crosstalk, Jun 13, 2006
    #1
  2. Leo_s84

    Leo_s84 Notebook Geek

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    what is your video card, and what version of ubuntu, 6.06?
     
    Leo_s84, Jun 13, 2006
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  3. qwester

    qwester Notebook Virtuoso

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    Exactly, make sure you have the final release 6.06. I couldn't get the betas to run on my system with a normally functioning GUI, but the final release is just fine.

    And if it is the final release that is failing to run, it could be the ATI drivers (ATI cards are more problematic in Linux). Not sure how that can be solved but check out the ubuntu forums here. (They have quite a few guides that might give you an immediate answer)

    My friend had tons of problems with his X700 running on a desktop.

    Good Luck

    As they say ... half the "fun" in Linux is setting it up :D
     
    qwester, Jun 13, 2006
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  4. Leo_s84

    Leo_s84 Notebook Geek

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    I didnt have any problems with my x1400. Just had to install the ati drivers to get 3D
     
    Leo_s84, Jun 13, 2006
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  5. noahsark

    noahsark Notebook Evangelist

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    maybe try a "cheat code" at grub line? Not sure if Ubuntu has something like that... for kanotix I use:
    screen=1400x1050
    and it gets my monitor set up right, otherwise I get some weird non-native resolution.

    Edited for clarity.
     
    noahsark, Jun 14, 2006
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  6. TedJ

    TedJ Asus fan in a can!

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    The V6Va has the ATI x700 GPU, correct? If so, you'll need to install the ATI binary drivers... A howto can be found on the Ubuntu Wiki here.

    Looks like you're currently running with the VESA drivers, which are best described as the "lowest common denominator". As such, custom or extended resolutions (SXGA and any of the widescreen resolutions) aren't recognised.
     
    TedJ, Jun 14, 2006
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  7. Leo_s84

    Leo_s84 Notebook Geek

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    Did you change the xorg.conf? I set my native resolution (1680 x 1050) by configuring it
     
    Leo_s84, Jun 14, 2006
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  8. Crosstalk

    Crosstalk Notebook Geek

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    I'm running the X700.

    TedJ - I followed the steps, but how can I make those settings permanent? It installs but I have to reboot to get the changes to take effect.

    I am using the 6.06 final. I'm going to try some of the suggestions at the Ubuntu forum.
     
    Crosstalk, Jun 14, 2006
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  9. Leo_s84

    Leo_s84 Notebook Geek

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    Leo_s84, Jun 14, 2006
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  10. Crosstalk

    Crosstalk Notebook Geek

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    Finally got this working! I had to setup a static IP and install the ATI driver as described in the Ubuntu Wiki. Then I edited xorg.conf to point it to the fglrx driver instead of the ati driver. Then I did telinit 1, followed by telinit 2, and to my amazement GDM came up!
     
    Crosstalk, Jun 14, 2006
    #10