Are the Nvidia Geforce 9600GT supported on Kubuntu 9.04?

[samdotm]

Hello everybody

Since the release of Kubuntu 9.04, I have been trying to install the driver for my nvidia geforce 9600gt graphic cards, I tried installing the newest and oldest version of the driver, in many different ways (install through hardware drivers, envyng and manually) and I always get the same result after rebooting my computer, I cant access my desktop, I always have to login though the console and cant access the graphic environment of the kubuntu desktop. The most frustrating thing in all that is once the driver installed, i can't restore my original setting no-matter what i do, except with envyng, i can type this command and will get my gnu back after reboot and restoring the backup of the original xorg.conf file:


envyng --uninstall-all

I don't think I am doing anything wrong, and after many hours of research on google and ubuntu/kubuntu's forums, I start wondering if the new release kubuntu/ubuntu 9.04 don't support the nvidia geforce 9600gt. I might be wrong but I am losing hope.

Does anyone know anything about it?

[JohanLingen]

I can only confirm that this happens also with my 9500GT. Tried to change some options in xorg.conf, but no luck yet.

[mintlars]

According to the nvidia-documentation, both 9500 GT and 9600 GT should be supported with the latest drivers (180.51, don't know which version support was added to these gpu:s though). Try to install them "the nvidia way". I used to use envyng before, but it always failed in some way for me, but it always works installing the way it's described by nvidia.

Short how to:
1. dowload driver here: http://us.download.nvidia.com/XFree86/Linux-x86/180.51/NVIDIA-Linux-x86-180.51-pkg1.run
2. press ctrl-alt-f1
3. login using you're username and password
4. do 'sudo /etc/init.d/kdm stop'
5. cd to the directory where you downloaded the driver
6. there, do 'sudo sh NVIDIA-Linux-x86-180.51.pkg1.run' and follow instructions (it's mostly just a matter of pressing ok and yes a bunch of times)
7. when the installer is finished, do ctrl-alt-f7 or 'sudo reboot'

That should work. Otherwise I'm bummed on this one.

[samdotm]

Thanks for your answer, I might try again, but do you have any command i could use incease this doesnt work? I am just sick on re-installing kubuntu each time the driver fail to display my desktop.

[mbjbdc08]

i am using nvidia 9600 gt no problem here even running dual monitor setup
i use hardware driver progam that is already installed
then go into terminal run sudo nvidia-settings to fine tune

[samdotm]

i am using nvidia 9600 gt no problem here even running dual monitor setup
i use hardware driver progam that is already installed
then go into terminal run sudo nvidia-settings to fine tune


Did you have the same issue as me when you installed the driver? which mean, not having the desktop appearing but the console?

Thanks for your replies everyone

[mbjbdc08]

the desktop reappears after installation

[JohanLingen]

Well, I also had no luck with the 180.51 driver which minlars suggested. It's even more dramatic as it results in the screen turning black voor about 10 seconds, then it's ten seconds OK and then "blacks out" again.

I also tried the boot option "vmalloc=256M" (with 180.44 driver), but it made no difference.

KDE loads with the vesa driver, but crashes within 10 minutes.

Does anyone else have an update?

[muzicman0]

one thing that I used to have to do is add the boot options noapic and nolapic. You can do this at boot time by going to the grub menu to see if it works...if it does, then you can add it as default...I'm grasping at straws here, but it is worth a try...if you need help on how to add these, let me know...

mm0

[JohanLingen]

noapic and/or nolapic made me boot with the 180.44 drivers! First success.

For 9600GT you might still need to install the 180.51 drivers from the nvidia site, as the release notes say "Support for 9600GT added".

I am not fully satisfied however, When I press shutdown, the globe still looks like an egg, though nvidia-settings say that I am really using 1680x1050 (my native screen resolution). Also, I tried to start a game to test resolution settings. The game didn't start.
I emptied my xorg.conf, started nvidia-settings with elevated rights and made it write to the xorg.conf file. I added SubSections in the "Screen" section. But it all made no difference...

Any more tips?

[muzicman0]

Well, the first thing would be to find out for sure if you are running 1680x1050...I'm not sure what 'Globe' you are referring to...but if it is after you click shutdown, then it may revert back to a lower res...I know the bootup splash used to do that.

mm0

[samdotm]

one thing that I used to have to do is add the boot options noapic and nolapic. You can do this at boot time by going to the grub menu to see if it works...if it does, then you can add it as default...I'm grasping at straws here, but it is worth a try...if you need help on how to add these, let me know...

mm0


thanks for your reply , could you explain me how to do that if you dont mind, it would be really helpfull.

[muzicman0]

I'm going from memory here...

when you boot, hit ESC to get into the grub menu. Select whatever kernel you usually boot (should default to that one already), and hit 'e' for edit. I think you need to hit 'e' again...and add noapic nolapic to the end of the boot string.

hit enter, then press 'b' to boot. This is not a permanent change. If it works, you can edit your /boot/grub/sources.list file to add the same string on the kernel line.

mm0

[JohanLingen]

What Muzicman0 says is almost correct, between pressing your first and second 'e', you should press the down array to select the second (and longest) line that defines the kernel you boot. Let us know if it works!


With the 180.44 driver I got this message while starting anything that would require OpenGL: "Couldn't find matching GLX visual"
Nvidia-settings said: "Fail to query the GLX server vendor 180.44"

So I installed the 180.51 driver and this works... differently.
It starts out with nice but very slow fading effects, then notifies me after a minute or 2 that Compositing is disabled because of bad performance (go Jaunty!), so that option will be turned off.
Trying to start a game again: Glob2 is a success, but Warzone2100 is a failure, it starts but then gives me a black screen. Pressing CTRL+ALT+F7 or CTRL+ALT+F1 does nothing.

[muzicman0]

thanks JohanLingen! I was worried I would forget something...I'm stuck on Windows at work...

mm0

[JohanLingen]

No, thank YOU, you've been a great help so far.

The grey globe (left of the shutdown button) is round when I start up with compositing effects, but it turns into an egg again, when compositing is disabled... just not there yet...

[samdotm]

:( it didnt work, still fall and that screen, ubuntu 9.04 linux tty1
when i type sudo startx i get the following error

(ee) failed to load module "type1" (module does not exist, 0)
(ee) failed to load moduke "freetype" (module does not exist, 0)
fatal server error :
no screens found
do you think it is a problem with my xorg.conf file?

[muzicman0]

can you post your xorg.conf?

[samdotm]

can you post your xorg.conf?

here is my xorg.conf:


# nvidia-xconfig: X configuration file generated by nvidia-xconfig
# nvidia-xconfig: version 1.0 (buildmeister@builder63) Thu Apr 16 19:36:29 P$

Section "ServerLayout"
Identifier "Layout0"
Screen 0 "Screen0"
InputDevice "Keyboard0" "CoreKeyboard"
InputDevice "Mouse0" "CorePointer"
EndSection

Section "Files"
EndSection

Section "Module"
Load "dbe"
Load "extmod"
Load "type1"
Load "freetype"
Load "glx"
EndSection

Section "InputDevice"
# generated from default
Identifier "Mouse0"
Driver "mouse"
Option "Protocol" "auto"
Option "Device" "/dev/psaux"
Option "Emulate3Buttons" "no"
Option "ZAxisMapping" "4 5"
EndSection

Section "InputDevice"
# generated from default
Identifier "Keyboard0"
Driver "kbd"
EndSection

Section "Monitor"
Identifier "Monitor0"
VendorName "Unknown"
ModelName "Unknown"
HorizSync 28.0 - 33.0
VertRefresh 43.0 - 72.0
Option "DPMS"
EndSection

Section "Device"
Identifier "Device0"
Driver "nvidia"
VendorName "NVIDIA Corporation"
EndSection

Section "Screen"
Identifier "Screen0"
Device "Device0"
Monitor "Monitor0"
DefaultDepth 24
SubSection "Display"
Depth "Display"
EndSubSection
EndSection


could you also tell me how to enable sli if one day my display becomes normal again.

Thank you

[samdotm]

And here is my Xorg.0.log



X.Org X Server 1.6.0
Release Date: 2009-2-25
X Protocol Version 11, Revision 0
Build Operating System: Linux 2.6.24-23-server i686 Ubuntu
Current Operating System: Linux linux 2.6.28-11-generic #42-Ubuntu SMP Fri Apr 17 01:57:59 UTC 2009 i686
Build Date: 09 April 2009 02:10:02AM
xorg-server 2:1.6.0-0ubuntu14 (buildd@rothera.buildd)
Before reporting problems, check http://wiki.x.org
to make sure that you have the latest version.
Markers: (--) probed, (**) from config file, (==) default setting,
(++) from command line, (!!) notice, (II) informational,
(WW) warning, (EE) error, (NI) not implemented, (??) unknown.
(==) Log file: "/var/log/Xorg.0.log", Time: Tue Apr 28 19:19:16 2009
(==) Using config file: "/etc/X11/xorg.conf"
(==) ServerLayout "Layout0"
(**) |-->Screen "Screen0" (0)
(**) | |-->Monitor "Monitor0"
(**) | |-->Device "Device0"
(**) |-->Input Device "Keyboard0"
(**) |-->Input Device "Mouse0"
(==) Automatically adding devices
(==) Automatically enabling devices
(WW) The directory "/usr/share/fonts/X11/cyrillic" does not exist.
Entry deleted from font path.
(==) FontPath set to:
/usr/share/fonts/X11/misc,
/usr/share/fonts/X11/100dpi/:unscaled,
/usr/share/fonts/X11/75dpi/:unscaled,
/usr/share/fonts/X11/Type1,
/usr/share/fonts/X11/100dpi,
/usr/share/fonts/X11/75dpi,
/var/lib/defoma/x-ttcidfont-conf.d/dirs/TrueType,
built-ins
(==) ModulePath set to "/usr/lib/xorg/modules"
(WW) AllowEmptyInput is on, devices using drivers 'kbd', 'mouse' or 'vmmouse' will be disabled.
(WW) Disabling Keyboard0
(WW) Disabling Mouse0
(II) Loader magic: 0x3bc0
(II) Module ABI versions:
X.Org ANSI C Emulation: 0.4
X.Org Video Driver: 5.0
X.Org XInput driver : 4.0
X.Org Server Extension : 2.0
(II) Loader running on linux
(--) using VT number 7

(!!) More than one possible primary device found
(--) PCI: (0@3:0:0) nVidia Corporation G94 [GeForce 9600 GT] rev 161, Mem @ 0xec000000/16777216, 0xd0000000/268435456, 0xea000000/33554432, I/O @ 0x00009c00/128, BIOS @ 0x????????/524288
(--) PCI: (0@4:0:0) nVidia Corporation G94 [GeForce 9600 GT] rev 161, Mem @ 0xe8000000/16777216, 0xc0000000/268435456, 0xe6000000/33554432, I/O @ 0x00008c00/128, BIOS @ 0x????????/524288
(II) Open ACPI successful (/var/run/acpid.socket)
(II) System resource ranges:
[0] -1 0 0xffffffff - 0xffffffff (0x1) MX[B]
[1] -1 0 0x000f0000 - 0x000fffff (0x10000) MX[B]
[2] -1 0 0x000c0000 - 0x000effff (0x30000) MX[B]
[3] -1 0 0x00000000 - 0x0009ffff (0xa0000) MX[B]
[4] -1 0 0x0000ffff - 0x0000ffff (0x1) IX[B]
[5] -1 0 0x00000000 - 0x00000000 (0x1) IX[B]
(II) "extmod" will be loaded. This was enabled by default and also specified in the config file.
(II) "dbe" will be loaded. This was enabled by default and also specified in the config file.
(II) "glx" will be loaded. This was enabled by default and also specified in the config file.
(II) "record" will be loaded by default.
(II) "dri" will be loaded by default.
(II) "dri2" will be loaded by default.
(II) LoadModule: "dbe"
(II) Loading /usr/lib/xorg/modules/extensions//libdbe.so
(II) Module dbe: vendor="X.Org Foundation"
compiled for 1.6.0, module version = 1.0.0
Module class: X.Org Server Extension
ABI class: X.Org Server Extension, version 2.0
(II) Loading extension DOUBLE-BUFFER
(II) LoadModule: "extmod"
(II) Loading /usr/lib/xorg/modules/extensions//libextmod.so
(II) Module extmod: vendor="X.Org Foundation"
compiled for 1.6.0, module version = 1.0.0
Module class: X.Org Server Extension
ABI class: X.Org Server Extension, version 2.0
(II) Loading extension MIT-SCREEN-SAVER
(II) Loading extension XFree86-VidModeExtension
(II) Loading extension XFree86-DGA
(II) Loading extension DPMS
(II) Loading extension XVideo
(II) Loading extension XVideo-MotionCompensation
(II) Loading extension X-Resource
(II) LoadModule: "type1"
(WW) Warning, couldn't open module type1
(II) UnloadModule: "type1"
(EE) Failed to load module "type1" (module does not exist, 0)
(II) LoadModule: "freetype"
(WW) Warning, couldn't open module freetype
(II) UnloadModule: "freetype"
(EE) Failed to load module "freetype" (module does not exist, 0)
(II) LoadModule: "glx"
(II) Loading /usr/lib/xorg/modules/extensions//libglx.so
(II) Module glx: vendor="NVIDIA Corporation"
compiled for 4.0.2, module version = 1.0.0
Module class: X.Org Server Extension
(II) NVIDIA GLX Module 180.51 Thu Apr 16 19:32:09 PDT 2009
(II) Loading extension GLX
(II) LoadModule: "record"
(II) Loading /usr/lib/xorg/modules/extensions//librecord.so
(II) Module record: vendor="X.Org Foundation"
compiled for 1.6.0, module version = 1.13.0
Module class: X.Org Server Extension
ABI class: X.Org Server Extension, version 2.0
(II) Loading extension RECORD
(II) LoadModule: "dri"
(II) Loading /usr/lib/xorg/modules/extensions//libdri.so
(II) Module dri: vendor="X.Org Foundation"
compiled for 1.6.0, module version = 1.0.0
ABI class: X.Org Server Extension, version 2.0
(II) Loading extension XFree86-DRI
(II) LoadModule: "dri2"
(II) Loading /usr/lib/xorg/modules/extensions//libdri2.so
(II) Module dri2: vendor="X.Org Foundation"
compiled for 1.6.0, module version = 1.0.0
ABI class: X.Org Server Extension, version 2.0
(II) Loading extension DRI2
(II) LoadModule: "nvidia"
(II) Loading /usr/lib/xorg/modules/drivers//nvidia_drv.so
(II) Module nvidia: vendor="NVIDIA Corporation"
compiled for 4.0.2, module version = 1.0.0
Module class: X.Org Video Driver
(II) NVIDIA dlloader X Driver 180.51 Thu Apr 16 19:08:39 PDT 2009
(II) NVIDIA Unified Driver for all Supported NVIDIA GPUs
(II) Primary Device is:
(EE) No devices detected.

Fatal server error:
no screens found

Please consult the The X.Org Foundation support
at http://wiki.x.org
for help.
Please also check the log file at "/var/log/Xorg.0.log" for additional information.

ddxSigGiveUp: Closing log

[dibl]

I reviewed the thread -- I don't see a couple of things mentioned, that might make a difference:

1. Before running the downloaded installer, you should have installed the linux-headers-`uname -r` and build-essential packages.

2. After running the downloaded installer, and BEFORE issuing the startx command, you should run the
sudo nvidia-xconfig utility.


If you're not sure about whether you did these, back up your xorg.conf file
sudo mv /etc/X11/xorg.conf /etc/X11/xorg.conf.bak28apr09 and then run through the driver installation process again and make sure not to skip the
sudo nvidia-xconfig step.

[samdotm]

I reviewed the thread -- I don't see a couple of things mentioned, that might make a difference:

1. Before running the downloaded installer, you should have installed the linux-headers-`uname -r` and build-essential packages.

2. After running the downloaded installer, and BEFORE issuing the startx command, you should run the
sudo nvidia-xconfig utility.


If you're not sure about whether you did these, back up your xorg.conf file
sudo mv /etc/X11/xorg.conf /etc/X11/xorg.conf.bak28apr09 and then run through the driver installation process again and make sure not to skip the
sudo nvidia-xconfig step.


I have done all those steps already, and always the same result, I could try again, but i don't want to re-install kubuntu again. do you have a solution to uninstall the driver for me to start all over again?

[muzicman0]

you don't need to uninstall the driver. The installer will ask you if you want to uninstall as part of the new installation process. It should detect the existing driver.

mm0

[dibl]

i don't want to re-install kubuntu again.



No no no! I do not mean re-install Kubuntu!

Muzicman0 is 100% correct. You can re-run the nVidia driver installation using the downloaded 185.19 driver (or the 180.xx released version -- does not matter). It will check for previous installation and remove it prior to installing the new driver.

[samdotm]

No it didn't chance anything at all.

[dibl]

32-bit or 64-bit?

Are you exiting the GUI with Ctrl-Alt-F1, and shutting down the X server with
sudo /etc/init.d/kdm stop before you run the installer?

[muzicman0]

hmmm...I just posted this, but it didn't take...wierd...

Anyways...

The only other thing I can think of is if you installed the Kubuntu version of the driver, and then installed the nVidia binary...I have seen issues with this.

Has the driver worked on previous versions for you? I used to have a 9600, but sold my desktop...

mm0

[samdotm]

Ubuntu 8.0x worked perfectly well on the same computer. I installed the driver with envyng and it could run compiz fusion and other of this kind.

I will try installing again, and I will let you know if it worked

[dibl]

I don't know if EnvyNG has been updated for 9.04, or not. I would think it should be, by now.

If you're going to try again, you might want to try the new beta driver, 185.18.04, from here:

http://www.nvnews.net/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=1990290

muzicman0 is right about the nvidia-glx-xxx package -- if you ever had that installed, you need to
sudo apt-get remove --purge nvidia* before running the downloaded driver installer.

[muzicman0]

When you try again, this is how I do it:

1) Download the nvidia driver you want. leave it in your home directory.
2) sudo apt-get install build-essential linux-headers-'uname-r' (not sure on the 'linux-headers')
3) boot into recovery mode, and drop to root shell
4) enter cd /home/username
5) enter sh NV {and press tab}
6) go through the install process, and allow the installer to update your xorg.

a couple things...I know that I shouldn't use a root shell on my /home directory...but I have never had a problem doing it this way...also, the installer will throw a few warnings, but again, it always works.

works for me...

[flarson]

I wonder if a bus_id entry would help the driver find the device? If you look at the log that is the problem, when the driver loads it can not find a device to drive. Man xorg.conf will tell you about the bus_id entry.

[dibl]

When you try again, this is how I do it:

1) Download the nvidia driver you want. leave it in your home directory.
2) sudo apt-get install build-essential linux-headers-'uname-r' (not sure on the 'linux-headers')
3) boot into recovery mode, and drop to root shell
4) enter cd /home/username
5) enter sh NV {and press tab}
6) go through the install process, and allow the installer to update your xorg.

a couple things...I know that I shouldn't use a root shell on my /home directory...but I have never had a problem doing it this way...also, the installer will throw a few warnings, but again, it always works.

works for me...


Yep, that is the correct process. I personally copy the downloaded installer to /tmp before running it -- bad things can happen to your ~.ICEauthority or other user configuration files sometimes when you do root operations in your user's home directory. But not always.

[JohanLingen]

When you try again, this is how I do it:

1) Download the nvidia driver you want. leave it in your home directory.
2) sudo apt-get install build-essential linux-headers-'uname-r' (not sure on the 'linux-headers')
3) boot into recovery mode, and drop to root shell
4) enter cd /home/username
5) enter sh NV {and press tab}
6) go through the install process, and allow the installer to update your xorg.

a couple things...I know that I shouldn't use a root shell on my /home directory...but I have never had a problem doing it this way...also, the installer will throw a few warnings, but again, it always works.

works for me...

I didn't drop to root shell from recovery mode, but logged out (and forgot to stop kdm). It fixed my OpenGL problems though. I do still have issues on Compositing and sometimes my screen doesn' t get any signal anymore. I used the 180.51 driver.

[samdotm]

i had a few more go but no success. i will try with a beta driver tomorrow. thanks alot for the time you spend helping me. i really hope im not doing anything stupid that would make you waste your time.

sam

[dibl]

i really hope im not doing anything stupid that would make you waste your time.



Heh heh -- no worries, sam -- it's all for the development of your character!

;D


Don

[dogbear]

HI ALL!
I've been following the thread closely because my nVidia driver is no longer working. I've upgraded from Kubuntu 8.10 to 9.04. I've tried the three new drivers listed in the nVidia panel and all have the same result. Nix. Zilch.
So I downloaded the latest driver as you all mentioned. That didn't work either... but for an interesting reason that might shed some light on this problem:
The nVidia installer (for 180.51) showed the following message:
No precompiled kernel interface was found to match your kernel; would you like the installer to download a kernel interface for your kernel from nVidia ftp site?
Did the Kubuntu upgrade install a new kernel as well??? I'm not a Linux head as such so I'm not really sure what I'm talking about.
So I selected 'Yes' and continued with the installation...
No matching precompiled kernel interface was found on the nVidia ftp site; this means that the instsaller will need to compile a kernel interface for your kernel.
I thought "cool!" and selected 'Yes'.
The CC Version check failed.
The compiler used to compile the kernel (gcc 4.2) does not exactly match the current compiler (gcc 4.3) The Linux 2.6 kernel module loader rejects kernel modules built with a version of gcc that does not exactly match that of the compiler used to build the running kernel.
Damn. So it looks like I have a couple of choices at this point, yes? I can let the installer recompile the kernel interface module if I install the 4.2 version of gcc OR I can recompile the kernel with the 4.3 version of gcc.
Just as a final note: After I quit from the installer, I tried to start the x-server again by 'startx'. It failed with a bunch of messages, one of which said this:
API mismatch: the NVidia kernel module has version 96.43.05, but this NVidia driver component has verson 180.44.
What does this all mean? Do I need to recompile anything to get the video card working again? Or do I wait for a bug fix of some sort?
Please help. I'm confused and my head's hurting.
Thanks.

[JohanLingen]

I encountered the message about the preconfigured kernel interface not found with each driver I installed. New to me is the not about gcc...

I would indeed run "sudo aptitude remove gcc-4.3 && sudo aptitude install gcc-4.2" and see what it does.

The last error is of the same kind I encountered when I tried to install the 185 version. I think this may be the result of installing the driver by dropping to root prompt without letting Kubuntu start first. If you did so, you should have seen an error message stating that you are still in runlevel 1 and not 3.

The 185 version failed miserably for me (black screen). The 180.44 version is also not very comfortable as quite frequently the contact with my screen just dissappears (it will look for analog and digital signal a few times and then turn off).

[flarson]

Before you start messing with downgrading compilers try it with 4.3. Many of us have been ignoring that message for over a year with no problem.

[samdotm]

I am back!
After trying and trying again, nothing changed, I really don't get it. I installed kubuntu and 2 others computers this week and I didn't have any problem, I can install the video drivers properly. I don't know why it should be such a pain in installing a video driver on my computer. Or my graphic card isn't well supported, or there must be a problem with my configuration. I installed kubuntu on a netbook (samsung n10 -- something like that ::)), not only the graphic driver worked after installing kubuntu, but the desktop effects run smoothly.... And me, with my 2 geforce cards, i can't even enable the desktop effects. It's really frustrating. I had to reinstall kubuntu because i didn't find a way to put my config back to normal, and I didn't install kubuntu just to be able to use the terminal :D.
I am not going to try again to install the drivers, I am just scared I will lose the desktop again.
Anyways, thanks everyone for your help.

[JohanLingen]

For me, I suspect that some graphics problem might be related to the fact that Jaunty cannot cope with my Asus P5VD2-MX motherboard's ACPI functions. I don't know if this suspicion is surreal or that it might be true, but I do know it's not making Jaunty more attractive to use, so I filed a bug for it (lacking information though, as I don't know what kind of information I should add).

[dibl]

OK, I just now downloaded and installed the latest Beta nVidia driver, 185.18.08. I followed this procedure exactly:

http://kubuntuforums.net/forums/index.php?topic=3100807.msg164892#msg164892

and it works perfectly on my GTX260 card. The 9600GT is not that different (I had one until recently), the procedure should work the same.

[samdotm]

I might have a try when I am back home. For more information, I have got an Asus P5N-T Deluxe motherboard. It might help you to understand my problem. Thank you for not giving up eheh.

[JohanLingen]

OK, I just now downloaded and installed the latest Beta nVidia driver, 185.18.08. I followed this procedure exactly:

http://kubuntuforums.net/forums/index.php?topic=3100807.msg164892#msg164892

and it works perfectly on my GTX260 card. The 9600GT is not that different (I had one until recently), the procedure should work the same.

That was quite totally not working :) (for 9500GT, by the way)

I followed your instructions and installed 185.18.08. All went well, but when I rebooted, Kubuntu would load, but then turn totally black. CTRL+ALT+F.. was not working in any way.
So I tried again with 185.18.04 and got a warning about some kernel module messed up, because I compiled it too many times (??). Tried again and succeeded to install, but the screen would still apear black. So I used envyng again. Back on the screen, but without OpgenGL and without Compositing.

[dibl]

I followed your instructions and installed 185.18.08. All went well, but when I rebooted, Kubuntu would load, but then turn totally black.


These newer nVidia cards seem to need a "boot option" to get past the *buntu splash screens and greeters. #2 in the FAQs in my signature has some guidance on that -- it depends a lot on your display/monitor, which one you need.

For starters, you might try "xforcevesa" and see how that works. If it doesn't help, try "vga=788" or one of the other vga codes that fits your monitor's capabilities.

[JohanLingen]

I didn't try the vga option yet, but I guess xforcevesa suits my monitor, as this boot option has been configured during installation.

[windows2003]

Hi;

I think they support them:

Annyway I did go to Kmenu => Programme's =>System => Hardware Drivers

There I did let install a driver for mine graphic Nvidia Card. You will see wich one is recommended! I did install it and it works fine! (You can also see on the flower and the text below that screen of it is tested by the Ubuntu developpers or not!)

It's not a 9600GT but a 9800GTX, so if mine can work, yours also can work on Kubuntu 9.04

Below a print-out from mine log
Informatie NVIDIA(0): Support for GLX with the Damage and Composite X extensions is
Informatie NVIDIA(0): enabled.
Informatie NVIDIA(0): NVIDIA GPU GeForce 9800 GTX/9800 GTX+ (G92) at PCI:1:0:0
Informatie NVIDIA(0): (GPU-0)
Opgespoord NVIDIA(0): Memory: 524288 kBytes
Opgespoord NVIDIA(0): VideoBIOS: 62.92.56.00.03
Informatie NVIDIA(0): Detected PCI Express Link width: 16X
Opgespoord NVIDIA(0): Interlaced video modes are supported on this GPU
Opgespoord NVIDIA(0): Connected display device(s) on GeForce 9800 GTX/9800 GTX+ at
Opgespoord NVIDIA(0): PCI:1:0:0:
Opgespoord NVIDIA(0): Samsung SyncMaster (DFP-1)
Opgespoord NVIDIA(0): Samsung SyncMaster (DFP-1): 330.0 MHz maximum pixel clock
Opgespoord NVIDIA(0): Samsung SyncMaster (DFP-1): Internal Dual Link TMDS
Informatie NVIDIA(0): Assigned Display Device: DFP-1
Informatie NVIDIA(0): "nvidia-auto-select"
Informatie NVIDIA(0): Virtual screen size determined to be 1680 x 1050
Informatie NVIDIA(0): Initialized GPU GART.
Informatie NVIDIA(0): Setting mode "nvidia-auto-select"
Informatie Loading extension NV-GLX
Informatie NVIDIA(0): NVIDIA 3D Acceleration Architecture Initialized

Greetz 8)

p.s: I found a nice site for your question:
http://home.euphonynet.be/watislinux/aanpassen.html

It's written at ducht, I know.. :P but you can follow the nice screenshots ;)

[samdotm]

Alright, I am half way there. I installed the driver without any problems and I can see my desktop. What I did is remove one of my 2 graphic cards then install the driver. So there must be a problem with SLI config.
Now, because I didn't bought 2 graphic cards just to put one in my computer and one on the wall, how do I fully enable my SLI config??

Thanks everyone for your support.

Edit:
I forgot to say, after installation of the driver, when I put the second card back into the computer, I can't see the desktop again. So I suppose the problem is in my xorg.conf. What do you think?


# nvidia-xconfig: X configuration file generated by nvidia-xconfig
# nvidia-xconfig: version 1.0 (buildmeister@builder57) Thu Apr 16 17:18:41 PDT 2009

Section "ServerLayout"
Identifier "Layout0"
Screen 0 "Screen0"
InputDevice "Keyboard0" "CoreKeyboard"
InputDevice "Mouse0" "CorePointer"
EndSection

Section "Files"
EndSection

Section "Module"
Load "dbe"
Load "extmod"
Load "type1"
Load "freetype"
Load "glx"
EndSection

Section "InputDevice"
# generated from default
Identifier "Mouse0"
Driver "mouse"
Option "Protocol" "auto"
Option "Device" "/dev/psaux"
Option "Emulate3Buttons" "no"
Option "ZAxisMapping" "4 5"
EndSection

Section "InputDevice"
# generated from default
Identifier "Keyboard0"
Driver "kbd"
EndSection

Section "Monitor"
Identifier "Monitor0"
VendorName "Unknown"
ModelName "Unknown"
HorizSync 28.0 - 33.0
VertRefresh 43.0 - 72.0
Option "DPMS"
EndSection

Section "Device"
Identifier "Device0"
Driver "nvidia"
VendorName "NVIDIA Corporation"
EndSection

Section "Screen"
Identifier "Screen0"
Device "Device0"
Monitor "Monitor0"
DefaultDepth 24
SubSection "Display"
Depth 24
EndSubSection
EndSection

[muzicman0]

I found this (http://www.justlinux.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-149053.html)...not sure if it will help or not.

[samdotm]

YES! Thanks muzicman0, you gave me half of the solution. It's working now. I just needed to had the BusID is the xorg.conf of my graphic card that was linked to the monitor.

In the terminal

lspci
I got

00:00.0 Host bridge: nVidia Corporation C55 Host Bridge (rev a2)
00:00.1 RAM memory: nVidia Corporation C55 Memory Controller (rev a1)
00:00.2 RAM memory: nVidia Corporation C55 Memory Controller (rev a1)
00:00.3 RAM memory: nVidia Corporation C55 Memory Controller (rev a1)
00:00.4 RAM memory: nVidia Corporation C55 Memory Controller (rev a1)
00:00.5 RAM memory: nVidia Corporation C55 Memory Controller (rev a2)
00:00.6 RAM memory: nVidia Corporation C55 Memory Controller (rev a1)
00:00.7 RAM memory: nVidia Corporation C55 Memory Controller (rev a1)
00:01.0 RAM memory: nVidia Corporation C55 Memory Controller (rev a1)
00:01.1 RAM memory: nVidia Corporation C55 Memory Controller (rev a1)
00:01.2 RAM memory: nVidia Corporation C55 Memory Controller (rev a1)
00:01.3 RAM memory: nVidia Corporation C55 Memory Controller (rev a1)
00:01.4 RAM memory: nVidia Corporation C55 Memory Controller (rev a1)
00:01.5 RAM memory: nVidia Corporation C55 Memory Controller (rev a1)
00:01.6 RAM memory: nVidia Corporation C55 Memory Controller (rev a1)
00:02.0 RAM memory: nVidia Corporation C55 Memory Controller (rev a1)
00:02.1 RAM memory: nVidia Corporation C55 Memory Controller (rev a1)
00:02.2 RAM memory: nVidia Corporation C55 Memory Controller (rev a1)
00:03.0 PCI bridge: nVidia Corporation C55 PCI Express bridge (rev a1)
00:09.0 RAM memory: nVidia Corporation MCP55 Memory Controller (rev a2)
00:0a.0 ISA bridge: nVidia Corporation MCP55 LPC Bridge (rev a3)
00:0a.1 SMBus: nVidia Corporation MCP55 SMBus (rev a3)
00:0b.0 USB Controller: nVidia Corporation MCP55 USB Controller (rev a1)
00:0b.1 USB Controller: nVidia Corporation MCP55 USB Controller (rev a2)
00:0d.0 IDE interface: nVidia Corporation MCP55 IDE (rev a1)
00:0e.0 IDE interface: nVidia Corporation MCP55 SATA Controller (rev a3)
00:0e.1 IDE interface: nVidia Corporation MCP55 SATA Controller (rev a3)
00:0e.2 IDE interface: nVidia Corporation MCP55 SATA Controller (rev a3)
00:0f.0 PCI bridge: nVidia Corporation MCP55 PCI bridge (rev a2)
00:0f.1 Audio device: nVidia Corporation MCP55 High Definition Audio (rev a2)
00:11.0 Bridge: nVidia Corporation MCP55 Ethernet (rev a3)
00:16.0 PCI bridge: nVidia Corporation MCP55 PCI Express bridge (rev a3)
01:00.0 PCI bridge: nVidia Corporation Device 05b1 (rev a2)
02:00.0 PCI bridge: nVidia Corporation Device 05b1 (rev a2)
02:02.0 PCI bridge: nVidia Corporation Device 05b1 (rev a2)
03:00.0 VGA compatible controller: nVidia Corporation G94 [GeForce 9600 GT] (rev a1)
04:00.0 VGA compatible controller: nVidia Corporation G94 [GeForce 9600 GT] (rev a1)
05:06.0 Ethernet controller: Marvell Technology Group Ltd. 88W8361 [TopDog] 802.11n Wireless (rev 03)
05:0b.0 FireWire (IEEE 1394): VIA Technologies, Inc. VT6306 Fire II IEEE 1394 OHCI Link Layer Controller (rev c0)
06:00.0 IDE interface: Marvell Technology Group Ltd. 88SE6121 SATA II Controller (rev b2)
samuel@samuel-desktop:~$ lspci
00:00.0 Host bridge: nVidia Corporation C55 Host Bridge (rev a2)
00:00.1 RAM memory: nVidia Corporation C55 Memory Controller (rev a1)
00:00.2 RAM memory: nVidia Corporation C55 Memory Controller (rev a1)
00:00.3 RAM memory: nVidia Corporation C55 Memory Controller (rev a1)
00:00.4 RAM memory: nVidia Corporation C55 Memory Controller (rev a1)
00:00.5 RAM memory: nVidia Corporation C55 Memory Controller (rev a2)
00:00.6 RAM memory: nVidia Corporation C55 Memory Controller (rev a1)
00:00.7 RAM memory: nVidia Corporation C55 Memory Controller (rev a1)
00:01.0 RAM memory: nVidia Corporation C55 Memory Controller (rev a1)
00:01.1 RAM memory: nVidia Corporation C55 Memory Controller (rev a1)
00:01.2 RAM memory: nVidia Corporation C55 Memory Controller (rev a1)
00:01.3 RAM memory: nVidia Corporation C55 Memory Controller (rev a1)
00:01.4 RAM memory: nVidia Corporation C55 Memory Controller (rev a1)
00:01.5 RAM memory: nVidia Corporation C55 Memory Controller (rev a1)
00:01.6 RAM memory: nVidia Corporation C55 Memory Controller (rev a1)
00:02.0 RAM memory: nVidia Corporation C55 Memory Controller (rev a1)
00:02.1 RAM memory: nVidia Corporation C55 Memory Controller (rev a1)
00:02.2 RAM memory: nVidia Corporation C55 Memory Controller (rev a1)
00:03.0 PCI bridge: nVidia Corporation C55 PCI Express bridge (rev a1)
00:09.0 RAM memory: nVidia Corporation MCP55 Memory Controller (rev a2)
00:0a.0 ISA bridge: nVidia Corporation MCP55 LPC Bridge (rev a3)
00:0a.1 SMBus: nVidia Corporation MCP55 SMBus (rev a3)
00:0b.0 USB Controller: nVidia Corporation MCP55 USB Controller (rev a1)
00:0b.1 USB Controller: nVidia Corporation MCP55 USB Controller (rev a2)
00:0d.0 IDE interface: nVidia Corporation MCP55 IDE (rev a1)
00:0e.0 IDE interface: nVidia Corporation MCP55 SATA Controller (rev a3)
00:0e.1 IDE interface: nVidia Corporation MCP55 SATA Controller (rev a3)
00:0e.2 IDE interface: nVidia Corporation MCP55 SATA Controller (rev a3)
00:0f.0 PCI bridge: nVidia Corporation MCP55 PCI bridge (rev a2)
00:0f.1 Audio device: nVidia Corporation MCP55 High Definition Audio (rev a2)
00:11.0 Bridge: nVidia Corporation MCP55 Ethernet (rev a3)
00:16.0 PCI bridge: nVidia Corporation MCP55 PCI Express bridge (rev a3)
01:00.0 PCI bridge: nVidia Corporation Device 05b1 (rev a2)
02:00.0 PCI bridge: nVidia Corporation Device 05b1 (rev a2)
02:02.0 PCI bridge: nVidia Corporation Device 05b1 (rev a2)
03:00.0 VGA compatible controller: nVidia Corporation G94 [GeForce 9600 GT] (rev a1)
04:00.0 VGA compatible controller: nVidia Corporation G94 [GeForce 9600 GT] (rev a1)
05:06.0 Ethernet controller: Marvell Technology Group Ltd. 88W8361 [TopDog] 802.11n Wireless (rev 03)
05:0b.0 FireWire (IEEE 1394): VIA Technologies, Inc. VT6306 Fire II IEEE 1394 OHCI Link Layer Controller (rev c0)
06:00.0 IDE interface: Marvell Technology Group Ltd. 88SE6121 SATA II Controller (rev b2)

04:00.0 VGA compatible controller: nVidia Corporation G94 [GeForce 9600 GT] (rev a1)
This is the graphic card linked to the screen. Here is the bus id 04:00

Then in the xorg.conf


# nvidia-xconfig: X configuration file generated by nvidia-xconfig
# nvidia-xconfig:  version 1.0  (buildmeister@builder57)  Thu Apr 16 17:18:41 PDT 2009


Section "ServerLayout"
    Identifier    "Layout0"
    Screen      0  "Screen0" 0 0
    InputDevice    "Keyboard0" "CoreKeyboard"
    InputDevice    "Mouse0" "CorePointer"
EndSection

Section "Files"
EndSection

Section "Module"
    Load          "dbe"
    Load          "extmod"
    Load          "type1"
    Load          "freetype"
    Load          "glx"
EndSection

Section "InputDevice"

    # generated from default
    Identifier    "Mouse0"
    Driver        "mouse"
    Option        "Protocol" "auto"
    Option        "Device" "/dev/psaux"
    Option        "Emulate3Buttons" "no"
    Option        "ZAxisMapping" "4 5"
EndSection

Section "InputDevice"

    # generated from default
    Identifier    "Keyboard0"
    Driver        "kbd"
EndSection

Section "Monitor"
    Identifier    "Monitor0"
    VendorName    "Unknown"
    ModelName      "Unknown"
    HorizSync      28.0 - 33.0
    VertRefresh    43.0 - 72.0
    Option        "DPMS"
EndSection

Section "Device"
    Identifier    "Device0"
    Driver          "nvidia"
    BusID       "4:0:0"
    BoardName      "GeForce 9600 GT"
    VendorName    "NVIDIA Corporation"
EndSection

Section "Screen"
    Identifier    "Screen0"
    Device        "Device0"
    Monitor        "Monitor0"
    DefaultDepth    24
    Option        "AddARGBGLXVisuals" "True"
    Option        "SLI" "on"
    SubSection    "Display"
        Depth      24
    EndSubSection
EndSection


And that's it. Now it's working very well.

Thanks alot everyone!!!! So like some people said before, it was something to do with the xorg.conf, not the driver.  ;D

Now I don't know how to make that post as Solved ...

[muzicman0]

Glad it's working...can't take credit though...just a quick google search...I missed in this thread that it was SLI, so when I saw that, I figured I would look again.

mm0

[Onitora]

Hello all,

I feel like a bit of a dummy after reading through all the posts on this topic and still posting / re-opening it, but hopefully some Kubuntu guru will take pity on an unworthy n00b such as myself and help potential Linux convert navigate this problem...

So, I've installed Jaunty. The initial reboot after install was fine, (aside from all the text being absolutely tiny for some reason... having to stand inches away from a 55" LCD to read the text is RIDICULOUS BTW; but I digress as that's an issue for another time...) and I get back to the desktop and update my graphics card driver. Upon rebooting I see the splash screen; the bar fills and then I'm taken to a black screen which begins to fill with white text that tells me several checks are being conducted. After the checks list stops and all the results return [OK] : Nothing happens... The screen just hangs.

I Ctrl+Alt+Del to reboot. Boot up in Recovery. Attempt to auto-fix graphics = No go. Same as above on reboot. Attempt to fix broken packages = No go. Same as above on reboot. Run system check = No go. Same as above on reboot.

Now, after reading through the prior posts on this subject, I find that the OP is a MUCH more advanced user than I am and so, try as I might, I got very lost in my attempt to decipher what was going on and how the fix was finally arrived at.... :-\

If anyone can help me fix this issue I would be very grateful.
If anyone can point me to any sites that might help me alleviate my Kubuntu n00b-ish-ness, I would also be very grateful.

Thanks in advance for your assistance.

[muzicman0]

when you get to the black screen, try pressing ctrl-alt-f1...see if it will let you log in. If so, try entering the command (after login)


startx

see wha the error msg is. My guess is that you don't have the drivers installed correctly...but maybe...are you also running SLI, or just one card? If just one, what kind...I assume nVidia 9400, but not sure.

mm0

[dibl]

@Onitora, if you posted on this thread because of the 9600GT, then the answer is "YES".

Do as muzicman0 says, so we can see what the problem is. You should be using the 185.18.14 nVidia proprietary driver, assuming you want 3D and eye candy and such.

[Onitora]

when you get to the black screen, try pressing ctrl-alt-f1...see if it will let you log in. If so, try entering the command (after login)


startx

see wha the error msg is. My guess is that you don't have the drivers installed correctly...but maybe...are you also running SLI, or just one card? If just one, what kind...I assume nVidia 9400, but not sure.

mm0


Alright. Here's what I jotted down:

Primary Device is not PCI
(EE) No devices detected

Fatal Server Error:
No Screens found

ddxSigGiveUp: Closing Log
Giving up

xinit: No such file or directory (errno 2): Unable to connect to xserver

xinit: No such process (errno3): Server Error


And to answer the questions in the replies - The cards are SLI-linked and both are 9600GTs.

[dibl]

Primary Device is not PCI
(EE) No devices detected



I do not remember ever seeing this problem posted. There's no use worrying about the driver if the computer can't find any nVidia cards!

???

How can you have an SLI configuration on anything other than the PCI bus?

???

There's something fundamentally wrong here -- either with the computer platform, or the information. Is there an onboard video chip on the motherboard, that is still enabled in BIOS, or something like that?

If that computer ever finds the cards on the PCI bus, then you'll need to note their individual PCI bus addresses, and make two separate "Device" stanzas in the /etc/X11/xorg.conf file, one for each address, as show here:

http://ubuntuforums.org/showpost.php?p=7383926&postcount=2

[Onitora]

Heheh. Well, THAT'S interesting... Can you help me understand why I was able to see everything just fine during installation, (albeit the fonts were unreasonably tiny,) graphics, menus, etc. Even after the 1st reboot after install, everything was displaying fine. The cards were at least initially detected, because the system recommended the nVidia drivers be installed, (right?) How did they just disappear?

I'll have to look into BIOS to see about the on-board video...