8086:0166 [Dell XPS 13 L322X] backlight stopped working after update 3.8.0-18.28

[Adrian Patrascu]

I'm on 13.04 beta 2 and I've been updating daily. After today's update, I was asked to restart and, after the restart, the backlight stopped working. What's worse is that the backlight is stuck in the lowest possible setting. I can barely see enough to type out this bug report. This is not a hardware problem. When I restart the computer the backlight turns on property but burns off when the Ubuntu encryption screen comes up (I'm using full disk encryption). Please fix this as soon as possible.

XPS 13 version: L322x
Display version: FHD (1080p)
---
ApportVersion: 2.9.2-0ubuntu8
Architecture: amd64
AudioDevicesInUse:
 USER PID ACCESS COMMAND
 /dev/snd/controlC0: cr45h 1901 F.... pulseaudio
DistroRelease: Ubuntu 13.04
HibernationDevice: RESUME=UUID=a5d2ab8b-a068-4a69-95a6-b4e955b290f5
InstallationDate: Installed on 2013-04-08 (9 days ago)
InstallationMedia: Ubuntu 13.04 "Raring Ringtail" - Alpha amd64 (20130402.1)
MachineType: Dell Inc. Dell System XPS L322X
MarkForUpload: True
Package: linux (not installed)
ProcEnviron:
 TERM=xterm
 PATH=(custom, no user)
 XDG_RUNTIME_DIR=<set>
 LANG=en_US.UTF-8
 SHELL=/bin/bash
ProcFB: 0 inteldrmfb
ProcKernelCmdLine: BOOT_IMAGE=/vmlinuz-3.8.0-18-generic root=/dev/mapper/ubuntu--vg-root ro quiet splash vt.handoff=7
ProcVersionSignature: Ubuntu 3.8.0-18.28-generic 3.8.6
RelatedPackageVersions:
 linux-restricted-modules-3.8.0-18-generic N/A
 linux-backports-modules-3.8.0-18-generic N/A
 linux-firmware 1.105
Tags: raring
Uname: Linux 3.8.0-18-generic x86_64
UpgradeStatus: No upgrade log present (probably fresh install)
UserGroups: adm cdrom dip lpadmin plugdev sambashare sudo
dmi.bios.date: 01/22/2013
dmi.bios.vendor: Dell Inc.
dmi.bios.version: A07
dmi.board.name: 0PJHXN
dmi.board.vendor: Dell Inc.
dmi.board.version: A00
dmi.chassis.type: 8
dmi.chassis.vendor: Dell Inc.
dmi.chassis.version: 0.1
dmi.modalias: dmi:bvnDellInc.:bvrA07:bd01/22/2013:svnDellInc.:pnDellSystemXPSL322X:pvr:rvnDellInc.:rn0PJHXN:rvrA00:cvnDellInc.:ct8:cvr0.1:
dmi.product.name: Dell System XPS L322X
dmi.sys.vendor: Dell Inc.

[Adrian Patrascu (adrian-patrascu)]

One more thing, the backlight buttons work and the corresponding bar on ths screen moves up and down, but there is no actual change in the backlight (i.e. it remains at it's lowest setting at all times).

[Kamal Mostafa (kamalmostafa)]

This problem affects only the new 1080p model of XPS13.

It was introduced in 3.8.0-18.28 by this fix for another regression, LP: #1162026:

  [ Kamal Mostafa ]

  * SAUCE: (no-up) drm/i915: quirk no PCH_PWM_ENABLE for Dell XPS13
    backlight
    - LP: #1162026, #1163720

[Kamal Mostafa (kamalmostafa)]

@Adrian, thanks for reporting this problem. I think I understand the root cause (which was my backlight fix for the 780p XPS13 models). On your 1080p XPS13, please run the command "apport-collect 1169376" in a terminal window, which will capture the hardware profile of that model and post it to this bug report. I'll use that data to work on a fix which doesn't break the 1080p model.

[Adrian Patrascu (adrian-patrascu)]

apport information

[Adrian Patrascu (adrian-patrascu)]

apport information

[Adrian Patrascu (adrian-patrascu)]

apport information

[Adrian Patrascu (adrian-patrascu)]

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[Adrian Patrascu (adrian-patrascu)]

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[Adrian Patrascu (adrian-patrascu)]

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[Adrian Patrascu (adrian-patrascu)]

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[Adrian Patrascu (adrian-patrascu)]

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[Adrian Patrascu (adrian-patrascu)]

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[Adrian Patrascu (adrian-patrascu)]

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[Adrian Patrascu (adrian-patrascu)]

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[Adrian Patrascu (adrian-patrascu)]

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[Adrian Patrascu (adrian-patrascu)]

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[Adrian Patrascu (adrian-patrascu)]

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[Adrian Patrascu (adrian-patrascu)]

apport information

[Adrian Patrascu (adrian-patrascu)]

apport information

[Adrian Patrascu (adrian-patrascu)]

Ok. I had to install 'python-apport' and 'python-launchpadlib' but I got it to work.

Looks like the results auto-posted so I hope that is all you need.

Also, is there a temporary fix I can implement now? I really need to be able to use my computer again.

[Marco Cè (marco89-7)]

I too have this problem with a XPS 13 1080p. If necessary, I can provide information or test patched kernels.
A temporary workaround for me is to manually select kernel 3.8.0-17 at boot instead of 3.8.0-18.

[Adrian Patrascu (adrian-patrascu)]

Thank you Marco. That worked. I'll use 3.8.0-17 until they fix -18.

[Kamal Mostafa (kamalmostafa)]

@Adrian and Marco-

I have prepared a test kernel which should restore the backlight behavior on the XPS13-FHD. Please install this kernel and report your results.

To install: Download the two "linux*.deb" files at http://people.canonical.com/~kamal/lp1169376/ then, in a terminal window, change to the directory where you saved them, and install them together by issuing the command 'sudo dpkg -i linux*.deb'. Reboot, then verify that your backlight behavior is restored (and that the command 'uname -a' includes the string "#28+lp1169376" to ensure that you're running the test kernel).

[Adrian Patrascu (adrian-patrascu)]

Done.

----------------
$ uname -a
Linux cr45h-pc 3.8.0-18-generic #28+lp1169376 SMP Fri Apr 19 00:33:04 UTC 2013 x86_64 x86_64 x86_64 GNU/Linux
----------------

It works. The backlight is back on and the function keys (used to change the backlight level) work as well. Thanks for the quick fix.

One last question: Once this fix is incorporated into the main branch, is there a simple way for me to remove the test kernels?

[Koos (k-meijering)]

Hi

I've also tested this build of the kernel and I can confirm it is working.
------
$ uname -a
Linux XPS-L322X 3.8.0-18-generic #28+lp1169376 SMP Fri Apr 19 00:33:04 UTC 2013 x86_64 x86_64 x86_64 GNU/Linux
------

answer on Adrian's question
search for the installed kernels:

$ dpkg --get-selections | grep linux
libselinux1:amd64 install
libselinux1:i386 install
linux-firmware install
linux-generic install
linux-headers-3.8.0-19 install
linux-headers-3.8.0-19-generic install
linux-headers-generic install
linux-image-3.8.0-18-generic install
linux-image-3.8.0-19-generic install
linux-image-extra-3.8.0-18-generic install
linux-image-extra-3.8.0-19-generic install
linux-image-generic install
linux-libc-dev:amd64 install
linux-sound-base install
pptp-linux install
syslinux install
syslinux-common install
syslinux-legacy install
util-linux install

now you see the installed kernels.
In the case you would remove the 3.8.0-18 kernel the following command will do it

$ dpkg --get-selections | grep linux
libselinux1:amd64 install
libselinux1:i386 install
linux-firmware install
linux-generic install
linux-headers-3.8.0-19 install
linux-headers-3.8.0-19-generic install
linux-headers-generic install
linux-image-3.8.0-18-generic install
linux-image-3.8.0-19-generic install
linux-image-extra-3.8.0-18-generic install
linux-image-extra-3.8.0-19-generic install
linux-image-generic install
linux-libc-dev:amd64 install
linux-sound-base install
pptp-linux install
syslinux install
syslinux-common install
syslinux-legacy install
util-linux install

in the case you would like to remove the 3.8.0-18 version the following command will do it:
$ sudo dpkg --purge linux-image-3.8.0-18-generic linux-image-extra-3.8.0-18-generic

[Kamal Mostafa (kamalmostafa)]

The fix for this will appear in the next stock Ubuntu Raring kernel version 3.8.0-20.30.

The current Raring kernel version 3.8.0-19.29 (just released) does not yet contain the fix, so I have updated the patched test kernel at http://people.canonical.com/~kamal/lp1169376/ with a -19 based replacement (see instructions in comment #23).

Later, after upgrading to the stock Raring 3.8.0-20.30 kernel, you can remove the test kernels with the command "sudo apt-get remove linux-image-3.8.0-18-generic" (and/or "-19-generic"), or just leave them installed as backup kernels.

[Adrian Patrascu (adrian-patrascu)]

Awesome. Thanks again for the quick fix.

On Fri, Apr 19, 2013 at 2:40 PM, Kamal Mostafa <email address hidden> wrote:

> The fix for this will appear in the next stock Ubuntu Raring kernel
> version 3.8.0-20.30.
>
> The current Raring kernel version 3.8.0-19.29 (just released) does not
> yet contain the fix, so I have updated the patched test kernel at
> http://people.canonical.com/~kamal/lp1169376/ with a -19 based
> replacement (see instructions in comment #23).
>
> Later, after upgrading to the stock Raring 3.8.0-20.30 kernel, you can
> remove the test kernels with the command "sudo apt-get remove linux-
> image-3.8.0-18-generic" (and/or "-19-generic"), or just leave them
> installed as backup kernels.
>
> --
> You received this bug notification because you are subscribed to the bug
> report.
> https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/1169376
>
> Title:
> XPS13 backlight stopped working after update 3.8.0-18.28
>
> Status in Dell Sputnik:
> Confirmed
> Status in “linux” package in Ubuntu:
> In Progress
>
> Bug description:
> I'm on 13.04 beta 2 and I've been updating daily. After today's
> update, I was asked to restart and, after the restart, the backlight
> stopped working. What's worse is that the backlight is stuck in the
> lowest possible setting. I can barely see enough to type out this bug
> report. This is not a hardware problem. When I restart the computer
> the backlight turns on property but burns off when the Ubuntu
> encryption screen comes up (I'm using full disk encryption). Please
> fix this as soon as possible.
>
> XPS 13 version: L322x
> Display version: FHD (1080p)
> ---
> ApportVersion: 2.9.2-0ubuntu8
> Architecture: amd64
> AudioDevicesInUse:
> USER PID ACCESS COMMAND
> /dev/snd/controlC0: cr45h 1901 F.... pulseaudio
> DistroRelease: Ubuntu 13.04
> HibernationDevice: RESUME=UUID=a5d2ab8b-a068-4a69-95a6-b4e955b290f5
> InstallationDate: Installed on 2013-04-08 (9 days ago)
> InstallationMedia: Ubuntu 13.04 "Raring Ringtail" - Alpha amd64
> (20130402.1)
> MachineType: Dell Inc. Dell System XPS L322X
> MarkForUpload: True
> Package: linux (not installed)
> ProcEnviron:
> TERM=xterm
> PATH=(custom, no user)
> XDG_RUNTIME_DIR=<set>
> LANG=en_US.UTF-8
> SHELL=/bin/bash
> ProcFB: 0 inteldrmfb
> ProcKernelCmdLine: BOOT_IMAGE=/vmlinuz-3.8.0-18-generic
> root=/dev/mapper/ubuntu--vg-root ro quiet splash vt.handoff=7
> ProcVersionSignature: Ubuntu 3.8.0-18.28-generic 3.8.6
> RelatedPackageVersions:
> linux-restricted-modules-3.8.0-18-generic N/A
> linux-backports-modules-3.8.0-18-generic N/A
> linux-firmware 1.105
> Tags: raring
> Uname: Linux 3.8.0-18-generic x86_64
> UpgradeStatus: No upgrade log present (probably fresh install)
> UserGroups: adm cdrom dip lpadmin plugdev sambashare sudo
> dmi.bios.date: 01/22/2013
> dmi.bios.vendor: Dell Inc.
> dmi.bios.version: A07
> dmi.board.name: 0PJHXN
> dmi.board.vendor: Dell Inc.
> dmi.board.version: A00
> dmi.chassis.type: 8
> dmi.chassis.vendor: Dell Inc.
> dmi.chassis.version: 0.1
> dmi.modalias:
> dmi:bvnDellInc.:bvrA07:bd01/22/2013:svn...

[Gorgonilla (lviggiani)]

Same issue here. Fixed by following instructions from post #23.
Thanks!

[Adrian Patrascu (adrian-patrascu)]

Thanks again to Kamal at Canonical for the quick response. This bug
probably affected a lot more people than just the ones posting here.

[Adrian Patrascu (adrian-patrascu)]

Kamal,

I just realized that my backlight is stuck at 100%. The Function keys move the bar but the backlight does not actually adjust. Can you look into this one more time?

Thanks!

[LJ (the-mr-lj-88)]

I just tested 3.9.0-030900-generic on my XPS12 and the bug occurs again. On the XPS 12 changing the brightness with the hotkeys always works, but on the login-screen the brightness is set to level 0 (=backlight off)

[Kamal Mostafa (kamalmostafa)]

Update on this issue: An unrelated high-priority security fix prompted the release of a new Ubuntu 13.04 (Raring) kernel version (3.8.0-19.30) which does not yet contain the patch for this bug. The patch for this bug is now scheduled for inclusion in the next Raring kernel version (3.8.0-20.something) in the next couple of weeks. I have updated my interim fix kernel accordingly: XPS13-FHD users should download and install the pair of linux packages from http://people.canonical.com/~kamal/lp1169376/ by using the instructions described in comment #23.

@Adrian, if your XPS13-FHD backlight is now for some reason stuck again, please verify that you're still running an interim fix kernel. Check that your 'uname -a' output contains the string "lp1169376". (And do you have any idea what might have changed between your good result noted in comment #24?)

@LJ, note that this bug report and the patch being discussed here is relevant only for the XPS13-FHD (not the XPS12) running on the stock Raring 3.8.0-based kernel. The problem you're describing is (must be) a separate issue. If you experience it on a standard Ubuntu kernel, please file a bug here. If the problem only occurs in mainline, please file a bug on bugzilla.kernel.org.

[Richard Bluhm (richard-bluhm)]

I had the same issue on a XPS13 FHD, applied the latest patched kernel and now the sound device only shows "dummy output". No sound. May this be related to the patch? Before the backlight was making issues but the sound worked fine.

[Brad Figg (brad-figg)]

This bug is awaiting verification that the kernel in -proposed solves the problem. Please test the kernel and update this bug with the results. If the problem is solved, change the tag 'verification-needed' to 'verification-done'.

If verification is not done by one week from today, this fix will be dropped from the source code, and this bug will be closed.

See https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Testing/EnableProposed for documentation how to enable and use -proposed. Thank you!

[Richard Bluhm (richard-bluhm)]

tried Linux xps13 3.8.0-20-generic #31-Ubuntu SMP from the proposed ppa, backlight issues are back. not fixed!

[Koos (k-meijering)]

Running now the kernel form proposed and the backlight is working

$ uname -a
Linux XPS-L322X 3.8.0-20-generic #31-Ubuntu SMP Mon May 6 17:03:32 UTC 2013 x86_64 x86_64 x86_64 GNU/Linux

I say "fixed"

[Steven Pollmann (spollmann)]

I can also confirm that the backlight control is working as well.
My Machine: XPS 13 (FHD 1080p i7, 256GB, 8GB RAM)

Kernel: 3.8.0-20-generic #31-Ubuntu SMP Mon May 6 17:03:32 UTC 2013 x86_64 x86_64 x86_64 GNU/Linux

As an aside, I have noticed, however, that the "auto-dim" doesn't seem to work still. (The auto-dim feature where the screen and keyboard dim when the computer idle for a minute or so . The keyboard backlight does autodim, however the screen does dim at all)

[Richard Bluhm (richard-bluhm)]

I tried again.

uname -a
Linux xps13 3.8.0-20-generic #31-Ubuntu SMP Mon May 6 17:03:32 UTC 2013 x86_64 x86_64 x86_64 GNU/Linux

I happily join the others and say "fixed"!

[Andreas Eriksson (andreas-d-eriksson)]

Linux kraken3 3.8.0-20-generic #31-Ubuntu SMP Mon May 6 17:03:32 UTC 2013 x86_64 x86_64 x86_64 GNU/Linux

Works even for my machine. Problem solved.

[Kamal Mostafa (kamalmostafa)]

Thanks everyone, for the verification that the 3.8.0-20.31 kernel (a.k.a. "3.8.0-20-generic #31-Ubuntu") fixes the problem. This bug is now resolved.

@Adrian, my expectation is that 3.8.0-20.31 should be working for you also. If that's not the case, please contact me directly.

@Richard, the audio issue you mentioned isn't likely related to this issue. If you're still experiencing a problem with it, please file a separate bug report.

[Adrian Patrascu (adrian-patrascu)]

Kamal,

Based on all of the previous comments, I am certain this issue has been
fixed. Unfortunately, I can't verify the fix myself right now. I had to
switch back to Windows temporarily because I had too many problems with
Ubuntu and the XPS 13 is my primary computer. I will re-install Ubutntu at
some future time once I know that all of the issues I encountered have been
addressed. Thanks again for fixing this one.

On Thu, May 9, 2013 at 10:29 AM, Kamal Mostafa <email address hidden> wrote:

> Thanks everyone, for the verification that the 3.8.0-20.31 kernel
> (a.k.a. "3.8.0-20-generic #31-Ubuntu") fixes the problem. This bug is
> now resolved.
>
> @Adrian, my expectation is that 3.8.0-20.31 should be working for you
> also. If that's not the case, please contact me directly.
>
> @Richard, the audio issue you mentioned isn't likely related to this
> issue. If you're still experiencing a problem with it, please file a
> separate bug report.
>
>
> ** Tags removed: verification-needed-raring
> ** Tags added: verification-done-raring
>
> ** Changed in: dell-sputnik
> Status: Confirmed => Fix Committed
>
> --
> You received this bug notification because you are subscribed to the bug
> report.
> https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/1169376
>
> Title:
> XPS13 backlight stopped working after update 3.8.0-18.28
>
> Status in Dell Sputnik:
> Fix Committed
> Status in “linux” package in Ubuntu:
> Fix Committed
>
> Bug description:
> I'm on 13.04 beta 2 and I've been updating daily. After today's
> update, I was asked to restart and, after the restart, the backlight
> stopped working. What's worse is that the backlight is stuck in the
> lowest possible setting. I can barely see enough to type out this bug
> report. This is not a hardware problem. When I restart the computer
> the backlight turns on property but burns off when the Ubuntu
> encryption screen comes up (I'm using full disk encryption). Please
> fix this as soon as possible.
>
> XPS 13 version: L322x
> Display version: FHD (1080p)
> ---
> ApportVersion: 2.9.2-0ubuntu8
> Architecture: amd64
> AudioDevicesInUse:
> USER PID ACCESS COMMAND
> /dev/snd/controlC0: cr45h 1901 F.... pulseaudio
> DistroRelease: Ubuntu 13.04
> HibernationDevice: RESUME=UUID=a5d2ab8b-a068-4a69-95a6-b4e955b290f5
> InstallationDate: Installed on 2013-04-08 (9 days ago)
> InstallationMedia: Ubuntu 13.04 "Raring Ringtail" - Alpha amd64
> (20130402.1)
> MachineType: Dell Inc. Dell System XPS L322X
> MarkForUpload: True
> Package: linux (not installed)
> ProcEnviron:
> TERM=xterm
> PATH=(custom, no user)
> XDG_RUNTIME_DIR=<set>
> LANG=en_US.UTF-8
> SHELL=/bin/bash
> ProcFB: 0 inteldrmfb
> ProcKernelCmdLine: BOOT_IMAGE=/vmlinuz-3.8.0-18-generic
> root=/dev/mapper/ubuntu--vg-root ro quiet splash vt.handoff=7
> ProcVersionSignature: Ubuntu 3.8.0-18.28-generic 3.8.6
> RelatedPackageVersions:
> linux-restricted-modules-3.8.0-18-generic N/A
> linux-backports-modules-3.8.0-18-generic N/A
> linux-firmware 1.105
> Tags: raring
> Uname: Linux 3.8.0-18-generic x86_64
> UpgradeStatus: No upgrade l...

[Koos (k-meijering)]

There was a new build of the kernel released and the problem returned.

[Gorgonilla (lviggiani)]

@Kmal:
I've just installed ubuntu updates to kernel 3.8.0-21.37 and the brightness bug is back again.
I'm switching back to your pathced kernel 3.8.0-19-generic #30+lp1169376.
It seems that your patch has not been merged into official repos... :(

Have you any patched version of 3.8.0-21 ?

[Marco Cè (marco89-7)]

Same issue for me, blacklight is again broken on 3.8.0-21. On 3.8.0-20 the bug was fixed... but from the changelog it seems that 3.8.0-21 is based on 3.8.0-19, which has the bug. Is this possible?

[Anders Østhus (aosthus)]

It is fixed again for me in 3.8.0-22.

[Gorgonilla (lviggiani)]

is 3.8.0-22 available as update?
Because synaptics to me only shows 3.8.0.21.37 after update...

[Anders Østhus (aosthus)]

It's only available in raring-proposed for now. Not sure when/if it gets pushed to main.

[Gorgonilla (lviggiani)]

Got it. It works, thanks!

I'm wondering how this goes with normal users... I mean, the sputnik ppa says that for raring the ppa it is not required as the patch is in merged to main.
But this is not actually true as it is in raring-proposed (that is not enabled by default).
So the problem is that it it doesn't flow into main, sooner or later the patch might also disappear from raring-proposed or from next Ubuntu 13.10.

Also Dell seems having a partnership with Canonical and is selling Ubuntu pre installed pc/laptops as well and without this patch, it makes the laptop unusable.

So, IMHO, we should ask Canonical to get this path into main. Don't you think so?

[Kent Baxley (kentb)]

I wouldn't worry too much about the patches disappearing. As long as they don't cause any regressions while the proposed kernel is being tested, then you should see the updated kernel and backlight fixes go out very soon. Some more info on the stable release cadence can be found here:

https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Kernel/StableReleaseCadence

The backlight issues for this laptop have been rather tricky to address, and the 3.8 kernels for raring are the first ones to natively carry any of the work from upstream in them (hence no need for a special ppa). As you can see, it's taken some work to get it right, but, 13.04 and higher should eventually contain a permanent fix.

[Adam Conrad (adconrad)]

The verification of this Stable Release Update has completed successfully and the package has now been released to -updates. Subsequently, the Ubuntu Stable Release Updates Team is being unsubscribed and will not receive messages about this bug report. In the event that you encounter a regression using the package from -updates please report a new bug using ubuntu-bug and tag the bug report regression-update so we can easily find any regresssions.

[Michele Kipiel (michele-kipiel)]

Linux 3.8.0-22 breaks backlight control on my dell xps13.
Going back to 3.8.0-21 fixes the problem.

[Kent Baxley (kentb)]

For those of you whose backlight was working with 3.8.0-22 what BIOS are you at on your XPS 13?

Likewise, for those who's backlight broke with 3.8.0-22 but still works with -21, what's your BIOS revision?

Results have been all over the map, here. Some say -22 fixes while other say it breaks it but -21 fixes it again.

[Karo Launonen (wuukie)]

Hi,

3.8.0-22 fixes the backlight problem for me. Thanks! 3.8.0-21 didn't work.

dmidecode says bios version is A08, system product name "Dell System XPS L322X".

[Luis Angel Vicente Sanchez (langel-vicente)]

Hi,

Product Name: Dell System XPS L322X
BIOS Version: A08 (Just updated)

3.8.0-21 worked
3.8.0-22 doesn't work

With BIOS version A07 it was the same.

[Luis Angel Vicente Sanchez (langel-vicente)]

Updated to 3.8.0-23-generic #34-Ubuntu SMP, backlight brightness control still not working:

Product Name: Dell System XPS L322X
BIOS Version: A08

[Anders Østhus (aosthus)]

On my XPS L322X, BIOS Version A08 both in 3.8.0-22-generic and 3.8.0-23-generic the backlight control works.
After boot, the backlight level is normal, and I am able to adjust it up anddown.

On my system, I did have issues on 3.8.0-21-generic, as described in the original post.

I've also tried 3.8.0-20-generic, and this one works as well for me.

[Luis Angel Vicente Sanchez (langel-vicente)]

This is quite strange. I'm using xubuntu 13.04 but... instead of doing a fresh install I updated my 12.10 installation to 13.04.

[Luis Angel Vicente Sanchez (langel-vicente)]

Clean Ubuntu 13.04 64bits installation, backlick control doesn't work neither on 3.8.0-23 nor 3.8.0-24.

Product Name: Dell System XPS L322X
BIOS Version: A08

[Koos (k-meijering)]

I've also a clean install with Ubuntu 13.04 64bit, and the back-light control is working with the latest kernel, also I've the latest bios installed A08.

So lets compare the settings for the bios,
mine are:

Advanced
  Intel (R) SpeedStep (tm) Enabled
  Virtualization Enabled
  USB Emulation Enabled
  USB Powershare Enabled
  USB Wake Support Disabled
  SATA Operation AHCI
  Function Key Behavior Function Key
  Intel (R) Smart Connect Technology Enabled
  Miscekkaneous Devices
    External USB Ports Enabled
    USB debug Disabled

Security
  Secure Boot Configuration
    Protected Signatures Enabled (User Mode)
    Customized Signatures Disabled (Standard Mode)
    CertNames Win8 Certificates
  Set Asset Tag Enter
  Admin Password is: Cleared
  System Password is: Cleared

  HDD Password State: Cleared

  Set Admin Password Enter
  Set System Password Enter

  Set HDD Password Enter
  Password change: Permitted
  Computrace: Deactivated
  TPM Security Disabled
  TPM Activation Deactivated

Boot
  Boot Priority Order
  UEFI Boot:
     ubuntu
     Network boot

  Secure Boot Disabled
  Load Lagacy Option Rom Disabled
  Boot List Option UEFI

I hope for you all to find here a solution.

[Luis Angel Vicente Sanchez (langel-vicente)]

Same BIOS options... except mine is the Ubuntu version so I don't have any reference to Win8 Certificates.

[Koos (k-meijering)]

Mine is also the Ubuntu version. I thought the bios for the Windows and the Ubuntu version are the same.
Does everyone with a problem with the back-light, missing the reference to the Win8 Certificates.

[Martin Borho (martin-borho)]

I've upgraded from 12.10 to 13.04 with 3.8.0-23-generic and the backlight control stopped working. It works on 3.8.0-21-generic, but not on 3.8.0-22-generic.

I have a XPS L322X with BIOS Version A08

[Wren Turkal (wt-penguintechs-org)]

Mine is also broken.

$ uname -a
Linux wt-demo 3.8.0-23-generic #34-Ubuntu SMP Wed May 29 20:22:58 UTC 2013 x86_64 x86_64 x86_64 GNU/Linux

This is a 1080P model that came with 12.04 and was upgraded to 13.04. The brightness can be changed when in grub, but it stops working once I am in LInux. I am running BIOS A08. Would you want me to post the apport thing like the earlier poster did?

[Luis Angel Vicente Sanchez (langel-vicente)]

Mine is also a ubuntu 1080p version.
On 4 Jun 2013 10:11, "Warren Turkal" <email address hidden> wrote:

> Mine is also broken.
>
> $ uname -a
> Linux wt-demo 3.8.0-23-generic #34-Ubuntu SMP Wed May 29 20:22:58 UTC 2013
> x86_64 x86_64 x86_64 GNU/Linux
>
> This is a 1080P model that came with 12.04 and was upgraded to 13.04.
> The brightness can be changed when in grub, but it stops working once I
> am in LInux. I am running BIOS A08. Would you want me to post the apport
> thing like the earlier poster did?
>
> --
> You received this bug notification because you are subscribed to the bug
> report.
> https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/1169376
>
> Title:
> XPS13 backlight stopped working after update 3.8.0-18.28
>
> Status in Dell Sputnik:
> Confirmed
> Status in “linux” package in Ubuntu:
> Confirmed
>
> Bug description:
> I'm on 13.04 beta 2 and I've been updating daily. After today's
> update, I was asked to restart and, after the restart, the backlight
> stopped working. What's worse is that the backlight is stuck in the
> lowest possible setting. I can barely see enough to type out this bug
> report. This is not a hardware problem. When I restart the computer
> the backlight turns on property but burns off when the Ubuntu
> encryption screen comes up (I'm using full disk encryption). Please
> fix this as soon as possible.
>
> XPS 13 version: L322x
> Display version: FHD (1080p)
> ---
> ApportVersion: 2.9.2-0ubuntu8
> Architecture: amd64
> AudioDevicesInUse:
> USER PID ACCESS COMMAND
> /dev/snd/controlC0: cr45h 1901 F.... pulseaudio
> DistroRelease: Ubuntu 13.04
> HibernationDevice: RESUME=UUID=a5d2ab8b-a068-4a69-95a6-b4e955b290f5
> InstallationDate: Installed on 2013-04-08 (9 days ago)
> InstallationMedia: Ubuntu 13.04 "Raring Ringtail" - Alpha amd64
> (20130402.1)
> MachineType: Dell Inc. Dell System XPS L322X
> MarkForUpload: True
> Package: linux (not installed)
> ProcEnviron:
> TERM=xterm
> PATH=(custom, no user)
> XDG_RUNTIME_DIR=<set>
> LANG=en_US.UTF-8
> SHELL=/bin/bash
> ProcFB: 0 inteldrmfb
> ProcKernelCmdLine: BOOT_IMAGE=/vmlinuz-3.8.0-18-generic
> root=/dev/mapper/ubuntu--vg-root ro quiet splash vt.handoff=7
> ProcVersionSignature: Ubuntu 3.8.0-18.28-generic 3.8.6
> RelatedPackageVersions:
> linux-restricted-modules-3.8.0-18-generic N/A
> linux-backports-modules-3.8.0-18-generic N/A
> linux-firmware 1.105
> Tags: raring
> Uname: Linux 3.8.0-18-generic x86_64
> UpgradeStatus: No upgrade log present (probably fresh install)
> UserGroups: adm cdrom dip lpadmin plugdev sambashare sudo
> dmi.bios.date: 01/22/2013
> dmi.bios.vendor: Dell Inc.
> dmi.bios.version: A07
> dmi.board.name: 0PJHXN
> dmi.board.vendor: Dell Inc.
> dmi.board.version: A00
> dmi.chassis.type: 8
> dmi.chassis.vendor: Dell Inc.
> dmi.chassis.version: 0.1
> dmi.modalias:
> dmi:bvnDellInc.:bvrA07:bd01/22/2013:svnDellInc.:pnDellSystemXPSL322X:pvr:rvnDellInc.:rn0PJHXN:rvrA00:cvnDellInc.:ct8:cvr0.1:
> dmi.product.name: Dell System XPS L322X
> dmi.sys.vendor: Dell Inc.
>
> To manage notifications about this ...

[Bruno Beaufils (beaufils)]

This bug affects me too but on another completely different kind of hardware : Apple MacBookPro10,1 (F***ing Retina ones).

This behavior seems to have started with one of the last kernel upgrade. Unfortunately I took time to notice it (brightness is fixed at some average level) and thus am not able to say with which kernel upgrade it appeared.

I use fresh 13.04 installation, with regular upgrade, with two partition encrypted (srv which contains my home, bind mounted, and the swap).

BTW, suspend/resume started not working well (resume works only less than 10% of the time) at the same time (probably with the same upgrade).

[Marcus Rugger (marcusrugger)]

I did a clean install of 13.04 64-bit on my brand new XPS 13 Developer's Edition laptop and let it pull the latest updates. It is now running kernel 3.8.0-23-generic.

The back-light control does not work. When I use the control, the on-screen 'progress bar' pops up and goes up and down per my key presses, but the actual brightness of the display does not change.

I also tried the test kernels linked to in post #23 (and updated on May 1st, apparently). The brightness control does not work with it, either.

[Kent Baxley (kentb)]

That's pretty close to what I experienced as well with my test machine:

XPS 13, FHD, originally with the 12.04 pre-load.

BIOS A08 in Legacy Mode

13.04 clean install

The backlight controls worked with the 3.8.0-19 #29 kernel (the
original one with 13.04). I updated to -23 and -24 (in proposed) and
now they don't work anymore. Booting back to -19 the backlight
controls work again. Next week, I'll try stepping through the
different kernels to see where things may have changed.

On Wed, Jun 5, 2013 at 7:07 PM, Marcus Rugger <email address hidden> wrote:
> I did a clean install of 13.04 64-bit on my brand new XPS 13 Developer's
> Edition laptop and let it pull the latest updates. It is now running
> kernel 3.8.0-23-generic.
>
> The back-light control does not work. When I use the control, the on-
> screen 'progress bar' pops up and goes up and down per my key presses,
> but the actual brightness of the display does not change.
>
> I also tried the test kernels linked to in post #23 (and updated on May
> 1st, apparently). The brightness control does not work with it, either.
>
> --
> You received this bug notification because you are subscribed to the bug
> report.
> https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/1169376
>
> Title:
> XPS13 backlight stopped working after update 3.8.0-18.28
>
> Status in Dell Sputnik:
> Confirmed
> Status in “linux” package in Ubuntu:
> Confirmed
>
> Bug description:
> I'm on 13.04 beta 2 and I've been updating daily. After today's
> update, I was asked to restart and, after the restart, the backlight
> stopped working. What's worse is that the backlight is stuck in the
> lowest possible setting. I can barely see enough to type out this bug
> report. This is not a hardware problem. When I restart the computer
> the backlight turns on property but burns off when the Ubuntu
> encryption screen comes up (I'm using full disk encryption). Please
> fix this as soon as possible.
>
> XPS 13 version: L322x
> Display version: FHD (1080p)
> ---
> ApportVersion: 2.9.2-0ubuntu8
> Architecture: amd64
> AudioDevicesInUse:
> USER PID ACCESS COMMAND
> /dev/snd/controlC0: cr45h 1901 F.... pulseaudio
> DistroRelease: Ubuntu 13.04
> HibernationDevice: RESUME=UUID=a5d2ab8b-a068-4a69-95a6-b4e955b290f5
> InstallationDate: Installed on 2013-04-08 (9 days ago)
> InstallationMedia: Ubuntu 13.04 "Raring Ringtail" - Alpha amd64 (20130402.1)
> MachineType: Dell Inc. Dell System XPS L322X
> MarkForUpload: True
> Package: linux (not installed)
> ProcEnviron:
> TERM=xterm
> PATH=(custom, no user)
> XDG_RUNTIME_DIR=<set>
> LANG=en_US.UTF-8
> SHELL=/bin/bash
> ProcFB: 0 inteldrmfb
> ProcKernelCmdLine: BOOT_IMAGE=/vmlinuz-3.8.0-18-generic root=/dev/mapper/ubuntu--vg-root ro quiet splash vt.handoff=7
> ProcVersionSignature: Ubuntu 3.8.0-18.28-generic 3.8.6
> RelatedPackageVersions:
> linux-restricted-modules-3.8.0-18-generic N/A
> linux-backports-modules-3.8.0-18-generic N/A
> linux-firmware 1.105
> Tags: raring
> Uname: Linux 3.8.0-18-generic x86_64
> UpgradeStatus: No upgrade log present (probably fresh install)
> ...

[j0sh (josh-pixael)]

It doesn't work for me as well on a dell xps 13 sputnik

$ uname -a
Linux XPS-L322X 3.8.0-23-generic #34-Ubuntu SMP Wed May 29 20:22:58 UTC 2013 x86_64 x86_64 x86_64 GNU/Linux

[Calvin Li (calvin-li-lt)]

I am on 3.9 kernel (for an unrelated issue) and can confirm bug exists here.

$ uname -a
Linux 3.9.2-030902-generic #201305111035 SMP Sat May 11 14:36:04 UTC 2013 x86_64 x86_64 x86_64 GNU/Linux

I have been using this workaround:

sudo bash -c '/bin/echo 0 > /sys/class/backlight/intel_backlight/brightness'

[Luis Angel Vicente Sanchez (langel-vicente)]

Updated to:

3.8.0-25-generic #37-Ubuntu SMP Thu Jun 6 20:47:07 UTC 2013 x86_64 x86_64 x86_64 GNU/Linux

Backlight control still not working.

Product Name: Dell System XPS L322X (1080p)
BIOS Version: A08

[Marcus Rugger (marcusrugger)]

Today, I got down the latest source to the Ubuntu kernel and took a look at what was changed that broke the brightness control. On April 8th, they decided to take out a line that applied to Ivy Bridge processors in the file drivers/gpu/drm/i915/intel_display.c. I put the line back in, recompiled the kernel and installed it and now the brightness control is working fine on my laptop (a new XPS 13 Developer's Edition, which has an Ivy Bridge processor).

I'm not qualified to determine what the proper fix is for this, but apparently at least some machines with Ivy Bridge processors require that the 'quirk' be left in.

[[e-mail] (gandalf-lechner-m)]

As of kernel 3.8.0-25-generic, backlight is not properly working for me (xps ubuntu edition, 13.04 kubuntu clean install). With the workaround echo 0 > /sys/class/backlight/intel_backlight/brightness the brightness keys work, but the on screen display isn't shown when changing brightness. However, changing brightness via the slide in the energy settings does show the osd.

[tim phillips (timothy-john-phillips)]

Ubuntu 13.04 clean install on XPS 13 Developer Edition (Sputnik)
Up to date packages which includes kernel 3.8.0-25-generic
brightness not working as well documented above...

ran:
sudo bash -c '/bin/echo 0 > /sys/class/backlight/intel_backlight/brightness'

it now works. keyboard controls, on-screen display, and the brightness actually changes.

[seanlano (seanlano)]

The above workaround works for me, but only until I close the lid. When I open it again, I have to do the command again to fix the brightness adjustment.

[Luis Angel Vicente Sanchez (langel-vicente)]

Even if there is a workaround that you should apply every time the screen
goes to standby, somebody should take into account the discovery Marcus
Rugger; it's really sad that the same people that deleted that line is not
able to make a diff to check the difference between latest 4-5 kernels with
the bug and the last one that was working.

It seems that they didn't believe it wasn't working even if there are tens
of report saying that last 4-5 versions are broken for XPS13 FullHD
"Sputnik" and other laptops... or even worst... it seems they don't care if
it's working or not.

2013/6/12 seanlano <email address hidden>

> The above workaround works for me, but only until I close the lid. When
> I open it again, I have to do the command again to fix the brightness
> adjustment.
>
> --
> You received this bug notification because you are subscribed to the bug
> report.
> https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/1169376
>
> Title:
> XPS13 backlight stopped working after update 3.8.0-18.28
>
> Status in Dell Sputnik:
> Confirmed
> Status in “linux” package in Ubuntu:
> Confirmed
>
> Bug description:
> I'm on 13.04 beta 2 and I've been updating daily. After today's
> update, I was asked to restart and, after the restart, the backlight
> stopped working. What's worse is that the backlight is stuck in the
> lowest possible setting. I can barely see enough to type out this bug
> report. This is not a hardware problem. When I restart the computer
> the backlight turns on property but burns off when the Ubuntu
> encryption screen comes up (I'm using full disk encryption). Please
> fix this as soon as possible.
>
> XPS 13 version: L322x
> Display version: FHD (1080p)
> ---
> ApportVersion: 2.9.2-0ubuntu8
> Architecture: amd64
> AudioDevicesInUse:
> USER PID ACCESS COMMAND
> /dev/snd/controlC0: cr45h 1901 F.... pulseaudio
> DistroRelease: Ubuntu 13.04
> HibernationDevice: RESUME=UUID=a5d2ab8b-a068-4a69-95a6-b4e955b290f5
> InstallationDate: Installed on 2013-04-08 (9 days ago)
> InstallationMedia: Ubuntu 13.04 "Raring Ringtail" - Alpha amd64
> (20130402.1)
> MachineType: Dell Inc. Dell System XPS L322X
> MarkForUpload: True
> Package: linux (not installed)
> ProcEnviron:
> TERM=xterm
> PATH=(custom, no user)
> XDG_RUNTIME_DIR=<set>
> LANG=en_US.UTF-8
> SHELL=/bin/bash
> ProcFB: 0 inteldrmfb
> ProcKernelCmdLine: BOOT_IMAGE=/vmlinuz-3.8.0-18-generic
> root=/dev/mapper/ubuntu--vg-root ro quiet splash vt.handoff=7
> ProcVersionSignature: Ubuntu 3.8.0-18.28-generic 3.8.6
> RelatedPackageVersions:
> linux-restricted-modules-3.8.0-18-generic N/A
> linux-backports-modules-3.8.0-18-generic N/A
> linux-firmware 1.105
> Tags: raring
> Uname: Linux 3.8.0-18-generic x86_64
> UpgradeStatus: No upgrade log present (probably fresh install)
> UserGroups: adm cdrom dip lpadmin plugdev sambashare sudo
> dmi.bios.date: 01/22/2013
> dmi.bios.vendor: Dell Inc.
> dmi.bios.version: A07
> dmi.board.name: 0PJHXN
> dmi.board.vendor: Dell Inc.
> dmi.board.version: A00
> dmi.chassis.type: 8
> dmi.chassis.vendor: Dell Inc.
> dmi.chass...

[Luis Angel Vicente Sanchez (langel-vicente)]

Even if there is a workaround that you should apply every time the screen goes to standby, somebody should take into account the discovery Marcus Rugger; it's really sad that the same people that deleted that line is not able to make a diff to check the difference between latest 4-5 kernels with the bug and the last one that was working.

It seems that they didn't believe it wasn't working even if there are tens of report saying that last 4-5 versions are broken for XPS13 FullHD "Sputnik" and other laptops... or even worst... it seems they don't care if it's working or not.

[[e-mail] (gandalf-lechner-m)]

@seanlano: That's just the same in my case, I always have to repeat the workaround after suspend or shutdown.

[Kyle Fazzari (kyrofa)]

@langel-vicente: It's not that no one cares, it's that the people supporting you don't have the FullHD laptops and don't see this issue (such as myself). I can't fix it if I don't have the hardware that has the problem allowing me to tinker with it.

[Luis Angel Vicente Sanchez (langel-vicente)]

@Kyle Fazzari

Dell is selling XPS13 with Ubuntu preinstalled and Canonical is working
with them to provide full compatibility. It's hard to believe that Dell is
not willing to give away some XPS13 FullHD to canonical to help with
compatibility problems. I would not complain if it were a regression on one
release and Canonical would not have this
http://www.ubuntu.com/partners/dell on his webpage; but release after
release same bug means that Canonical make a change in the kernel, finger
cross and release it hoping it works... i don't mind if for every ubuntu
version I have to use a special PPA to have a system working, as I did with
12.04 and 12.10, but the whole point of saying that Canonical certified
that Ubuntu works in Dell XPS13 is a big selling point of this laptop. I
really appreciate the effort to make the touchpad work properly,... but I'm
a software developer and it's hard to believe for me that patches are
released without proper testing even in a alpha/beta release.

I opened a duplicate bug before finding this one, there I confirmed this
was a problem also with latest 3.10 at that time:

https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/1179315

[Kent Baxley (kentb)]

The results from here are now starting to mirror this bug:

https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/linux/+bug/1163720

We may want to merge these together.

Also keep in mind with regard to certification that the only certified release on this machine right now is the 12.04 pre-load:

http://www.ubuntu.com/certification/hardware/201209-11840/

[Kyle Fazzari (kyrofa)]

@langel-vicente: I understand the frustration. However, as kentb wrote, the only system that's certified is Ubuntu 12.04. Also, you're right: Dell did provided Canonical with a Sputnik laptop-- one of the beta ones, without FullHD. Then Dell updated the hardware, and I don't know (but doubt) that they provided a new laptop to Canonical. Canonical isn't releasing updates and crossing their fingers, they're releasing updates for problems they can reproduce and fix. There IS no "proper testing" as far as this case is concerned: Canonical isn't a huge company with a collection of all these laptops on which they test every change. That's infeasible, especially considering that Canonical makes but a small percentage of kernel changes that you see.

It's worth pointing out that, as far as I've noticed, Dell merely got all the players to the table (Cypress, Canonical, etc.); that is certainly worth something, but they have never seemed to really support this from a software standpoint. The touchpad stuff wasn't Dell-- in fact, it was me. I don't work for either party-- I just got one of the beta Sputniks and hated the touchpad.

If you're a developer, are you able to perhaps start looking into this? You have a good starting point with the workaround posted!

[Marcus Rugger (marcusrugger)]

I wanted to point out a typo in my post (#75). I wrote, "On April 8th..." That should be "April 18th".

I would be glad to provide what ever information the Canonical developers need to move forward on this issue. I'm perfectly comfortable with modifying and compiling kernels. I've not done a lot of it nor am I familiar with this code. But, I'm willing to work whoever.

Also, I could also post my build of the latest kernel if people wanted to install it to get their brightness control working again.

[Bruno Beaufils (beaufils)]

I opened a new bug with more general title since I get the exact same behavior with Apple MacBookPro10,1 but with no workaround working.

The bug number is #1190341. I do not know how to link those two together in any other way thant citing them in comment.

[Luis Angel Vicente Sanchez (langel-vicente)]

Ivy bridge aswell? That woild be something in common.
On 12 Jun 2013 20:25, "Bruno Beaufils" <email address hidden> wrote:

> I opened a new bug with more general title since I get the exact same
> behavior with Apple MacBookPro10,1 but with no workaround working.
>
> The bug number is #1190341. I do not know how to link those two together
> in any other way thant citing them in comment.
>
> --
> You received this bug notification because you are subscribed to the bug
> report.
> https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/1169376
>
> Title:
> XPS13 backlight stopped working after update 3.8.0-18.28
>
> Status in Dell Sputnik:
> Confirmed
> Status in “linux” package in Ubuntu:
> Confirmed
>
> Bug description:
> I'm on 13.04 beta 2 and I've been updating daily. After today's
> update, I was asked to restart and, after the restart, the backlight
> stopped working. What's worse is that the backlight is stuck in the
> lowest possible setting. I can barely see enough to type out this bug
> report. This is not a hardware problem. When I restart the computer
> the backlight turns on property but burns off when the Ubuntu
> encryption screen comes up (I'm using full disk encryption). Please
> fix this as soon as possible.
>
> XPS 13 version: L322x
> Display version: FHD (1080p)
> ---
> ApportVersion: 2.9.2-0ubuntu8
> Architecture: amd64
> AudioDevicesInUse:
> USER PID ACCESS COMMAND
> /dev/snd/controlC0: cr45h 1901 F.... pulseaudio
> DistroRelease: Ubuntu 13.04
> HibernationDevice: RESUME=UUID=a5d2ab8b-a068-4a69-95a6-b4e955b290f5
> InstallationDate: Installed on 2013-04-08 (9 days ago)
> InstallationMedia: Ubuntu 13.04 "Raring Ringtail" - Alpha amd64
> (20130402.1)
> MachineType: Dell Inc. Dell System XPS L322X
> MarkForUpload: True
> Package: linux (not installed)
> ProcEnviron:
> TERM=xterm
> PATH=(custom, no user)
> XDG_RUNTIME_DIR=<set>
> LANG=en_US.UTF-8
> SHELL=/bin/bash
> ProcFB: 0 inteldrmfb
> ProcKernelCmdLine: BOOT_IMAGE=/vmlinuz-3.8.0-18-generic
> root=/dev/mapper/ubuntu--vg-root ro quiet splash vt.handoff=7
> ProcVersionSignature: Ubuntu 3.8.0-18.28-generic 3.8.6
> RelatedPackageVersions:
> linux-restricted-modules-3.8.0-18-generic N/A
> linux-backports-modules-3.8.0-18-generic N/A
> linux-firmware 1.105
> Tags: raring
> Uname: Linux 3.8.0-18-generic x86_64
> UpgradeStatus: No upgrade log present (probably fresh install)
> UserGroups: adm cdrom dip lpadmin plugdev sambashare sudo
> dmi.bios.date: 01/22/2013
> dmi.bios.vendor: Dell Inc.
> dmi.bios.version: A07
> dmi.board.name: 0PJHXN
> dmi.board.vendor: Dell Inc.
> dmi.board.version: A00
> dmi.chassis.type: 8
> dmi.chassis.vendor: Dell Inc.
> dmi.chassis.version: 0.1
> dmi.modalias:
> dmi:bvnDellInc.:bvrA07:bd01/22/2013:svnDellInc.:pnDellSystemXPSL322X:pvr:rvnDellInc.:rn0PJHXN:rvrA00:cvnDellInc.:ct8:cvr0.1:
> dmi.product.name: Dell System XPS L322X
> dmi.sys.vendor: Dell Inc.
>
> To manage notifications about this bug go to:
> https://bugs.launchpad.net/dell-sputnik/+bug/1169376/+subscriptions
>

[Karo Launonen (wuukie)]

I upgraded to 3.8.0-23-generic and backlight controls still work.

dmidecode -s processor-version says: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-3687U CPU @ 2.10GHz

[Batuhan Osmanoglu (batuhan-osmanoglu)]

Hi all,

For a different issue related to usb3 I upgraded from 12.04 to 13.04 yesterday and noticed the backlight issue. I don't have a solution but an OK workaround based on Calvin Li's suggestion.

First, in order to run his command at startup, I added it to /etc/rc.local. Complete file is at the end of the message.

Then I added a script to /etc/pm/sleep.d/90_intel_backlight_workaround so that the backlight stays the same after a suspend/resume cycle. See file below. Make sure the file is executable (mode 755).

I tested it briefly for fresh boot, sleep, resume and it seems to work. I did not test hibernate/thaw, as I don't use it very much. My laptop is XPS13 non-HD windows version. bios version is A03 (probably need to update).

best,
batu
--
#!/bin/sh -e
#
# rc.local
#
# This script is executed at the end of each multiuser runlevel.
# Make sure that the script will "exit 0" on success or any other
# value on error.
#
# In order to enable or disable this script just change the execution
# bits.
#
# By default this script does nothing.

echo 0 > /sys/class/backlight/intel_backlight/brightness

exit 0
--

#!/bin/sh
#this is: /etc/pm/sleep.d/90_intel_backlight_workaround

# Arguments can be:
# "suspend suspend"
# "resume suspend"
# "thaw hibernate"

case "$1" in
        "resume" )
                echo 0 > /sys/class/backlight/intel_backlight/brightness
                cp /run/intel_backlight_workaround /sys/class/backlight/acpi_video0/brightness
        ;;
        "suspend" )
         cp /sys/class/backlight/acpi_video0/brightness /run/intel_backlight_workaround
        ;;
esac

[[e-mail] (gandalf-lechner-m)]

@Batuhan: I tested your workaround script and it works fine for me, thanks a lot! (HD XPS13 "Sputnik", Kubuntu 13.04, kernel 3.8.0-25-generic, BIOS A07)

Installing the ubuntu-desktop package, I also found that the onscreen display not being displayed when changing brightness seems to be a KDE bug, at least the OSD is working in an ubuntu session.

slightly off-topic: could someone please point me to a website explaining how to upgrade the BIOS within ubuntu. Are there relevant differences between A07 and A08?

[Luis Angel Vicente Sanchez (langel-vicente)]

Upgraded to 3.8.0-26-generic #38-Ubuntu SMP, backlight control still not
working on XPS13 Full HD laptop with latest bios.

2013/6/17 <email address hidden> <email address hidden>

> @Batuhan: I tested your workaround script and it works fine for me,
> thanks a lot! (HD XPS13 "Sputnik", Kubuntu 13.04, kernel
> 3.8.0-25-generic, BIOS A07)
>
> Installing the ubuntu-desktop package, I also found that the onscreen
> display not being displayed when changing brightness seems to be a KDE
> bug, at least the OSD is working in an ubuntu session.
>
> slightly off-topic: could someone please point me to a website
> explaining how to upgrade the BIOS within ubuntu. Are there relevant
> differences between A07 and A08?
>
> --
> You received this bug notification because you are subscribed to the bug
> report.
> https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/1169376
>
> Title:
> XPS13 backlight stopped working after update 3.8.0-18.28
>
> Status in Dell Sputnik:
> Confirmed
> Status in “linux” package in Ubuntu:
> Confirmed
>
> Bug description:
> I'm on 13.04 beta 2 and I've been updating daily. After today's
> update, I was asked to restart and, after the restart, the backlight
> stopped working. What's worse is that the backlight is stuck in the
> lowest possible setting. I can barely see enough to type out this bug
> report. This is not a hardware problem. When I restart the computer
> the backlight turns on property but burns off when the Ubuntu
> encryption screen comes up (I'm using full disk encryption). Please
> fix this as soon as possible.
>
> XPS 13 version: L322x
> Display version: FHD (1080p)
> ---
> ApportVersion: 2.9.2-0ubuntu8
> Architecture: amd64
> AudioDevicesInUse:
> USER PID ACCESS COMMAND
> /dev/snd/controlC0: cr45h 1901 F.... pulseaudio
> DistroRelease: Ubuntu 13.04
> HibernationDevice: RESUME=UUID=a5d2ab8b-a068-4a69-95a6-b4e955b290f5
> InstallationDate: Installed on 2013-04-08 (9 days ago)
> InstallationMedia: Ubuntu 13.04 "Raring Ringtail" - Alpha amd64
> (20130402.1)
> MachineType: Dell Inc. Dell System XPS L322X
> MarkForUpload: True
> Package: linux (not installed)
> ProcEnviron:
> TERM=xterm
> PATH=(custom, no user)
> XDG_RUNTIME_DIR=<set>
> LANG=en_US.UTF-8
> SHELL=/bin/bash
> ProcFB: 0 inteldrmfb
> ProcKernelCmdLine: BOOT_IMAGE=/vmlinuz-3.8.0-18-generic
> root=/dev/mapper/ubuntu--vg-root ro quiet splash vt.handoff=7
> ProcVersionSignature: Ubuntu 3.8.0-18.28-generic 3.8.6
> RelatedPackageVersions:
> linux-restricted-modules-3.8.0-18-generic N/A
> linux-backports-modules-3.8.0-18-generic N/A
> linux-firmware 1.105
> Tags: raring
> Uname: Linux 3.8.0-18-generic x86_64
> UpgradeStatus: No upgrade log present (probably fresh install)
> UserGroups: adm cdrom dip lpadmin plugdev sambashare sudo
> dmi.bios.date: 01/22/2013
> dmi.bios.vendor: Dell Inc.
> dmi.bios.version: A07
> dmi.board.name: 0PJHXN
> dmi.board.vendor: Dell Inc.
> dmi.board.version: A00
> dmi.chassis.type: 8
> dmi.chassis.vendor: Dell Inc.
> dmi.chassis.version: 0.1
> dmi.modalias:
> dmi:bvnDellInc.:bvrA07:bd01...

[povniet (kevin-georgy)]

@Batuhan Thanks a lot for your workaround, worked for me as well! (XPS13 HD Sputnik, 3.8.0-25-generic, BIOS A09)

[zmpeg (zmpeg)]

Clean 13.04 install, same problem, the workaround from @Batuhan helps me also. (XPS 13 HD Sputnik, 3.8.0.25-generic BIOS A08)

[Nasreddine (nacer)]

Have you fixed this bug ?

[Jim Hodapp (jhodapp)]

Confirmed that this is still an issue for me with kernel: 3.8.0-26-generic

[Daniel Farina (drfarina)]

Confirmed that this is still an issue for me with kernel: 3.8.0-27-generic

[Francisco Cribari (cribari)]

It seems that some progress is being made:

https://bugzilla.kernel.org/show_bug.cgi?id=47941

[Mark Rose (markrose)]

Is this the same bug as https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/precise/+source/linux/+bug/954661 ?

[Martin Borho (martin-borho)]

The workaround from @Batuhan works for me too (Dell Sputnik, 3.8.0-26-generic, BIOS A08)

[Mikhail Vorozhtsov (mvorozhtsov)]

I can confirm that https://bugzilla.kernel.org/attachment.cgi?id=97751 fixes the issue on the FHD version (also works after suspend and blank screen). I've attached the patch rebased on top of 3.8.0-26.38 in case somebody is eager to try it too.

[Francisco Cribari (cribari)]

The problem remains in kernel 3.8.0-27.

[Kent Baxley (kentb)]

A patch is being worked on to fix this once and for all. We got an FHD system into the hands of someone to hammer all of this out.

There is some upstream ACPI stuff that needs to settle first, but, this should be happening very soon if not already. Once that's done the 13.10 development release will pick this up first, followed by a backport to 13.04.

3.8.0-27 doesn't have any fixes in it yet.

I don't have an exact ETA on when all of this will be pushed out right but it will be soon.

[Nasreddine (nacer)]

Same problem here within version Linux ubuntu 3.8.0-28-generic #41-Ubuntu SMP Fri Jul 26 16:26:01 UTC 2013 x86_64 x86_64 x86_64 GNU/Linux

[Nikki1993 (nikki-icekronik)]

I have no idea what happened but installing Ubuntu in UEFI mode on my XPS 13 laptop fixed the brightness issues. I am able to change brightness with function keys and it will lower or increase the brightness accordingly.
Kernel 3.8.0-28-generic here

[Bib (bybeu)]

Issue remains here in L322X fresh 13.04 installed in BIOS mode (A08). 3.8.0-19-generic at install time, but I didn't notice the issue.
I can say the issue remains in 3.8.0-26-generic and 3.8.0-27-generic. OSD bar OK but backlight seems stuck to some value.

[Bib (bybeu)]

Same once BIOS is flashed to A09.

[Bib (bybeu)]

I can confirm that FHD lcd backlight controls F4/F5 works from BIOS to grub included, and broken once ubuntu is loaded.
In the same time, keyboard backlight control F6 works only once ubuntu is loaded (not from BIOS to grub included).

[Jared Dominguez (jared-dominguez)]

I tested with these kernels in both UEFI and BIOS (CSM) mode:
linux-image-3.8.0-27-generic (raring)
linux-image-3.8.0-29-generic (raring-proposed)

In all four cases, the backlight buttons do not work correctly.

[Nikki1993 (nikki-icekronik)]

Daniel, did you actually reinstalled Ubuntu in UEFI mode? because it fixed the issue for me. Simply switching BIOS mode to UEFI mode doesn't help. Your system still boots in Legacy mode. You have to have Ubuntu installed in UEFI mode in order for brightness to work.

[Nikki1993 (nikki-icekronik)]

reinstall* typos......

[Jared Dominguez (jared-dominguez)]

Yes, I did a full reinstall and tested all four cases as in my last comment. When I did the UEFI install, I booted the Ubuntu 13.04 Desktop installer in UEFI mode since I was trying not to make my life too difficult. :) I forgot to mention, but the firmware version was A09 as well. I did not customize the install at all and copied the output of "dpkg -l" to check for any differences.

[Jared Dominguez (jared-dominguez)]

Nikki: Oh, actually, which version of Ubuntu are you installing? I ask because I've not seen any issues on Ubuntu 12.04...

[Francisco Cribari (cribari)]

Still broke in kernel 3.8.0-29.

[Francisco Cribari (cribari)]

Still broken in kernel 3.8.0-29.

[Nikki1993 (nikki-icekronik)]

Daniel, I am using Ubuntu 13.04 64 bit right now. So far no issues with the brightness. I am on the 3.8.0-29 kernel.

[Kent Baxley (kentb)]

@Francisco and others,

Please check here for the latest status on what's going on upstream:

https://bugzilla.kernel.org/show_bug.cgi?id=47941

Some users have popped out of the woodwork to declare that the most recent patches that went in *breaks* the backlight completely (black screen on boot) for one particular XPS13 configuration: IvyBridge with UEFI enabled
along with Legacy BIOS enabled. (Those same users also say that backlight control *always* worked for them, even without _any_ patch).

To complicate things further, a couple of other users with the same UEFI +Legacy configuration say the exact opposite: That the quirk patch fixes their never-before-working backlight control (same as for all the other non-UEFI users).

If anyone with an affected machine is willing to pitch in and help with the latest patches being worked on please do so.

[Luis Angel Vicente Sanchez (langel-vicente)]

I have a full hd xps13... that is, IvyBridge and I didn't change the UEFI
configuration of my laptop and my brightness control; I will provide the
exact details when I arrive at home today.

The work around somebody posted here is working for my so I were not
willing to reinstall UEFI version before 13.10 is released but I would do
it this weekend to verify if that works in my laptop or I could try any
patch if anybody post a simple guide on how to do it.

2013/8/20 Kent Baxley <email address hidden>

> @Francisco and others,
>
> Please check here for the latest status on what's going on upstream:
>
> https://bugzilla.kernel.org/show_bug.cgi?id=47941
>
> Some users have popped out of the woodwork to declare that the most recent
> patches that went in *breaks* the backlight completely (black screen on
> boot) for one particular XPS13 configuration: IvyBridge with UEFI enabled
> along with Legacy BIOS enabled. (Those same users also say that backlight
> control *always* worked for them, even without _any_ patch).
>
> To complicate things further, a couple of other users with the same UEFI
> +Legacy configuration say the exact opposite: That the quirk patch
> fixes their never-before-working backlight control (same as for all the
> other non-UEFI users).
>
> If anyone with an affected machine is willing to pitch in and help with
> the latest patches being worked on please do so.
>
> --
> You received this bug notification because you are subscribed to the bug
> report.
> https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/1169376
>
> Title:
> XPS13 backlight stopped working after update 3.8.0-18.28
>
> Status in Dell Sputnik:
> Confirmed
> Status in “linux” package in Ubuntu:
> Confirmed
>
> Bug description:
> I'm on 13.04 beta 2 and I've been updating daily. After today's
> update, I was asked to restart and, after the restart, the backlight
> stopped working. What's worse is that the backlight is stuck in the
> lowest possible setting. I can barely see enough to type out this bug
> report. This is not a hardware problem. When I restart the computer
> the backlight turns on property but burns off when the Ubuntu
> encryption screen comes up (I'm using full disk encryption). Please
> fix this as soon as possible.
>
> XPS 13 version: L322x
> Display version: FHD (1080p)
> ---
> ApportVersion: 2.9.2-0ubuntu8
> Architecture: amd64
> AudioDevicesInUse:
> USER PID ACCESS COMMAND
> /dev/snd/controlC0: cr45h 1901 F.... pulseaudio
> DistroRelease: Ubuntu 13.04
> HibernationDevice: RESUME=UUID=a5d2ab8b-a068-4a69-95a6-b4e955b290f5
> InstallationDate: Installed on 2013-04-08 (9 days ago)
> InstallationMedia: Ubuntu 13.04 "Raring Ringtail" - Alpha amd64
> (20130402.1)
> MachineType: Dell Inc. Dell System XPS L322X
> MarkForUpload: True
> Package: linux (not installed)
> ProcEnviron:
> TERM=xterm
> PATH=(custom, no user)
> XDG_RUNTIME_DIR=<set>
> LANG=en_US.UTF-8
> SHELL=/bin/bash
> ProcFB: 0 inteldrmfb
> ProcKernelCmdLine: BOOT_IMAGE=/vmlinuz-3.8.0-18-generic
> root=/dev/mapper/ubuntu--vg-root ro quiet splash vt.handoff=7
> ProcVersionSignature: Ubuntu 3.8.0-18.28-generic 3.8....

[Francisco Cribari (cribari)]

I installed kernel 3.11.0-031100rc6. It fixes the problem.

[Luis Angel Vicente Sanchez (langel-vicente)]

XPS 13 - Full HD - kernel 3.8.0-30-generic ... finally brightness control
works again!

2013/8/22 Francisco Cribari <email address hidden>

> I installed kernel 3.11.0-031100rc6. It fixes the problem.
>
> --
> You received this bug notification because you are subscribed to the bug
> report.
> https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/1169376
>
> Title:
> XPS13 backlight stopped working after update 3.8.0-18.28
>
> Status in Dell Sputnik:
> Confirmed
> Status in “linux” package in Ubuntu:
> Confirmed
>
> Bug description:
> I'm on 13.04 beta 2 and I've been updating daily. After today's
> update, I was asked to restart and, after the restart, the backlight
> stopped working. What's worse is that the backlight is stuck in the
> lowest possible setting. I can barely see enough to type out this bug
> report. This is not a hardware problem. When I restart the computer
> the backlight turns on property but burns off when the Ubuntu
> encryption screen comes up (I'm using full disk encryption). Please
> fix this as soon as possible.
>
> XPS 13 version: L322x
> Display version: FHD (1080p)
> ---
> ApportVersion: 2.9.2-0ubuntu8
> Architecture: amd64
> AudioDevicesInUse:
> USER PID ACCESS COMMAND
> /dev/snd/controlC0: cr45h 1901 F.... pulseaudio
> DistroRelease: Ubuntu 13.04
> HibernationDevice: RESUME=UUID=a5d2ab8b-a068-4a69-95a6-b4e955b290f5
> InstallationDate: Installed on 2013-04-08 (9 days ago)
> InstallationMedia: Ubuntu 13.04 "Raring Ringtail" - Alpha amd64
> (20130402.1)
> MachineType: Dell Inc. Dell System XPS L322X
> MarkForUpload: True
> Package: linux (not installed)
> ProcEnviron:
> TERM=xterm
> PATH=(custom, no user)
> XDG_RUNTIME_DIR=<set>
> LANG=en_US.UTF-8
> SHELL=/bin/bash
> ProcFB: 0 inteldrmfb
> ProcKernelCmdLine: BOOT_IMAGE=/vmlinuz-3.8.0-18-generic
> root=/dev/mapper/ubuntu--vg-root ro quiet splash vt.handoff=7
> ProcVersionSignature: Ubuntu 3.8.0-18.28-generic 3.8.6
> RelatedPackageVersions:
> linux-restricted-modules-3.8.0-18-generic N/A
> linux-backports-modules-3.8.0-18-generic N/A
> linux-firmware 1.105
> Tags: raring
> Uname: Linux 3.8.0-18-generic x86_64
> UpgradeStatus: No upgrade log present (probably fresh install)
> UserGroups: adm cdrom dip lpadmin plugdev sambashare sudo
> dmi.bios.date: 01/22/2013
> dmi.bios.vendor: Dell Inc.
> dmi.bios.version: A07
> dmi.board.name: 0PJHXN
> dmi.board.vendor: Dell Inc.
> dmi.board.version: A00
> dmi.chassis.type: 8
> dmi.chassis.vendor: Dell Inc.
> dmi.chassis.version: 0.1
> dmi.modalias:
> dmi:bvnDellInc.:bvrA07:bd01/22/2013:svnDellInc.:pnDellSystemXPSL322X:pvr:rvnDellInc.:rn0PJHXN:rvrA00:cvnDellInc.:ct8:cvr0.1:
> dmi.product.name: Dell System XPS L322X
> dmi.sys.vendor: Dell Inc.
>
> To manage notifications about this bug go to:
> https://bugs.launchpad.net/dell-sputnik/+bug/1169376/+subscriptions
>

[[e-mail] (gandalf-lechner-m)]

Also here, 3.8.0-30-generic made brightness control work again (XPS13 full HD) =)

[Francisco Cribari (cribari)]

Kernel 3.8.0-30 does not show up when I do a sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get dist-upgrade .

[QT (quitetall)]

Just got a new kernel on 12.10, and backlight control is lost.

$ uname -a
Linux sputnik 3.5.0-39-generic #60-Ubuntu SMP Tue Aug 13 18:33:05 UTC 2013 x86_64 x86_64 x86_64 GNU/Linux

[Marco Cè (marco89-7)]

Kernel 3.8.0-30 broke brightness control in my case.
I have an IvyBridge fullHD XPS13, BIOS version A08, with Ubuntu 13.04 booting in UEFI mode with Legacy Option Rom disabled.
Actually, with this configuration brightness control was broken in 3.8.0-18, fixed in 3.8.0-20, broken again in 3.8.0-21 and fixed for 3.8.0-22... Exaclty the opposite of what some users report.
Now I found that brightness control works with 3.8.0-30 booting in UEFI mode with Legacy Option Rom enable (but not used).
For me, this is an acceptable workaround, but if someone is using Secure Boot it is not possible to enable Legacy Option Rom.
It seems that when booting in UEFI mode different quirks are needed depending on the Legacy Option Rom setting in BIOS.

[Marco Cè (marco89-7)]

To be precise, the situation of brightness control is the following:
                             3.8.0-28 3.8.0-30
Legacy Option Rom enabled stuck at max working
                  disabled working stuck at min

I am available for other tests.

[autra (autra)]

Problem fixed with 3.10.10 (didn't test other kernel though). (XPS13 full XH and I believe my bios is A08, and UEFI disabled)

[penalvch (penalvch)]

Adrian Patrascu, this bug was reported a while ago and there hasn't been any activity in it recently. We were wondering if this is still an issue? If so, could you please test for this with the latest development release of Ubuntu? ISO images are available from http://cdimage.ubuntu.com/daily-live/current/ .

If it remains an issue, could you please run the following command in the development release from a Terminal (Applications->Accessories->Terminal), as it will automatically gather and attach updated debug information to this report:

apport-collect -p linux <replace-with-bug-number>

[autra (autra)]

"there hasn't been any activity in it recently"
Are you kidding me?? :-)

[Adrian Patrascu (adrian-patrascu)]

Chris,

It is true that I haven't posted anything lately, but many others have
taken up the slack. The XPS 13 is my primary computer and I had to switch
back to Windows because of several bugs (including this one) that were
causing me to spend more time troubleshooting than getting actual work
done. Sorry, but I cannot provide any further feedback at the moment. I
will eventually switch back to Ubuntu but, for now, I will now be able to
help troubleshoot.... Of course, there have been plenty of other people
posting updates. It seems incredible that you are still trying to fix this
after so long. I reported it immediately after it happened and while 13.04
was still in beta. You should have been able to just revert the change that
created the problem.

-Adrian

On Tue, Sep 3, 2013 at 8:29 AM, autra <email address hidden> wrote:

> "there hasn't been any activity in it recently"
> Are you kidding me?? :-)
>
> --
> You received this bug notification because you are subscribed to the bug
> report.
> https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/1169376
>
> Title:
> XPS13 backlight stopped working after update 3.8.0-18.28
>
> Status in Dell Sputnik:
> Confirmed
> Status in “linux” package in Ubuntu:
> Incomplete
>
> Bug description:
> I'm on 13.04 beta 2 and I've been updating daily. After today's
> update, I was asked to restart and, after the restart, the backlight
> stopped working. What's worse is that the backlight is stuck in the
> lowest possible setting. I can barely see enough to type out this bug
> report. This is not a hardware problem. When I restart the computer
> the backlight turns on property but burns off when the Ubuntu
> encryption screen comes up (I'm using full disk encryption). Please
> fix this as soon as possible.
>
> XPS 13 version: L322x
> Display version: FHD (1080p)
> ---
> ApportVersion: 2.9.2-0ubuntu8
> Architecture: amd64
> AudioDevicesInUse:
> USER PID ACCESS COMMAND
> /dev/snd/controlC0: cr45h 1901 F.... pulseaudio
> DistroRelease: Ubuntu 13.04
> HibernationDevice: RESUME=UUID=a5d2ab8b-a068-4a69-95a6-b4e955b290f5
> InstallationDate: Installed on 2013-04-08 (9 days ago)
> InstallationMedia: Ubuntu 13.04 "Raring Ringtail" - Alpha amd64
> (20130402.1)
> MachineType: Dell Inc. Dell System XPS L322X
> MarkForUpload: True
> Package: linux (not installed)
> ProcEnviron:
> TERM=xterm
> PATH=(custom, no user)
> XDG_RUNTIME_DIR=<set>
> LANG=en_US.UTF-8
> SHELL=/bin/bash
> ProcFB: 0 inteldrmfb
> ProcKernelCmdLine: BOOT_IMAGE=/vmlinuz-3.8.0-18-generic
> root=/dev/mapper/ubuntu--vg-root ro quiet splash vt.handoff=7
> ProcVersionSignature: Ubuntu 3.8.0-18.28-generic 3.8.6
> RelatedPackageVersions:
> linux-restricted-modules-3.8.0-18-generic N/A
> linux-backports-modules-3.8.0-18-generic N/A
> linux-firmware 1.105
> Tags: raring
> Uname: Linux 3.8.0-18-generic x86_64
> UpgradeStatus: No upgrade log present (probably fresh install)
> UserGroups: adm cdrom dip lpadmin plugdev sambashare sudo
> dmi.bios.date: 01/22/2013
> dmi.bios.vendor: Dell Inc.
> dmi.bios.version: A07
> dmi.board.name: 0PJHX...

[Luis Angel Vicente Sanchez (langel-vicente)]

I can confirm that with 3.8.0-30-generic #44-Ubuntu SMP the brightness
control works for a FHD Dell 13 XPS (L322X) with latest BIOS.

[Vangelis Tasoulas (cyberang3l)]

How did you get kernel 3.8.0-30?

[Nikki1993 (nikki-icekronik)]

Activate "Proposed" repository to get kernel 3.8.0-30 or just wait when kernel is going to be moved to stable repository, don't remember which one exactly.

[Koos (k-meijering)]

With the latest update, 3.8.0-30.44, the back light stop working again.
In the change log I saw that the fix which was added in 3.8.0-20.31 is removed.

The latest kernel makes the XPS 13 unusable.

[Vangelis Tasoulas (cyberang3l)]

With the latest update today, the backlight works nicely again on my XPS 13 (L322X), BIOS A09/

[Luis Angel Vicente Sanchez (langel-vicente)]

I assume you don't have a xps13 full HD as 3.8.0-30.44 makes the backlight
work in my xps13 full HD (it stopped working after 3.8.0-20.31).
On 5 Sep 2013 21:31, "Koos" <email address hidden> wrote:

> With the latest update, 3.8.0-30.44, the back light stop working again.
> In the change log I saw that the fix which was added in 3.8.0-20.31 is
> removed.
>
> The latest kernel makes the XPS 13 unusable.
>
> --
> You received this bug notification because you are subscribed to the bug
> report.
> https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/1169376
>
> Title:
> XPS13 backlight stopped working after update 3.8.0-18.28
>
> Status in Dell Sputnik:
> Confirmed
> Status in “linux” package in Ubuntu:
> Incomplete
>
> Bug description:
> I'm on 13.04 beta 2 and I've been updating daily. After today's
> update, I was asked to restart and, after the restart, the backlight
> stopped working. What's worse is that the backlight is stuck in the
> lowest possible setting. I can barely see enough to type out this bug
> report. This is not a hardware problem. When I restart the computer
> the backlight turns on property but burns off when the Ubuntu
> encryption screen comes up (I'm using full disk encryption). Please
> fix this as soon as possible.
>
> XPS 13 version: L322x
> Display version: FHD (1080p)
> ---
> ApportVersion: 2.9.2-0ubuntu8
> Architecture: amd64
> AudioDevicesInUse:
> USER PID ACCESS COMMAND
> /dev/snd/controlC0: cr45h 1901 F.... pulseaudio
> DistroRelease: Ubuntu 13.04
> HibernationDevice: RESUME=UUID=a5d2ab8b-a068-4a69-95a6-b4e955b290f5
> InstallationDate: Installed on 2013-04-08 (9 days ago)
> InstallationMedia: Ubuntu 13.04 "Raring Ringtail" - Alpha amd64
> (20130402.1)
> MachineType: Dell Inc. Dell System XPS L322X
> MarkForUpload: True
> Package: linux (not installed)
> ProcEnviron:
> TERM=xterm
> PATH=(custom, no user)
> XDG_RUNTIME_DIR=<set>
> LANG=en_US.UTF-8
> SHELL=/bin/bash
> ProcFB: 0 inteldrmfb
> ProcKernelCmdLine: BOOT_IMAGE=/vmlinuz-3.8.0-18-generic
> root=/dev/mapper/ubuntu--vg-root ro quiet splash vt.handoff=7
> ProcVersionSignature: Ubuntu 3.8.0-18.28-generic 3.8.6
> RelatedPackageVersions:
> linux-restricted-modules-3.8.0-18-generic N/A
> linux-backports-modules-3.8.0-18-generic N/A
> linux-firmware 1.105
> Tags: raring
> Uname: Linux 3.8.0-18-generic x86_64
> UpgradeStatus: No upgrade log present (probably fresh install)
> UserGroups: adm cdrom dip lpadmin plugdev sambashare sudo
> dmi.bios.date: 01/22/2013
> dmi.bios.vendor: Dell Inc.
> dmi.bios.version: A07
> dmi.board.name: 0PJHXN
> dmi.board.vendor: Dell Inc.
> dmi.board.version: A00
> dmi.chassis.type: 8
> dmi.chassis.vendor: Dell Inc.
> dmi.chassis.version: 0.1
> dmi.modalias:
> dmi:bvnDellInc.:bvrA07:bd01/22/2013:svnDellInc.:pnDellSystemXPSL322X:pvr:rvnDellInc.:rn0PJHXN:rvrA00:cvnDellInc.:ct8:cvr0.1:
> dmi.product.name: Dell System XPS L322X
> dmi.sys.vendor: Dell Inc.
>
> To manage notifications about this bug go to:
> https://bugs.launchpad.net/dell-sputnik/+bug/1169376/+subscriptions
>

[zmpeg (zmpeg)]

@Koos on the contrary 3.8.0-30-44 fixed my backlight. I have the 1080p version.. Yours also?

[Koos (k-meijering)]

I have the DELl XPS 13 (L322X) Developer edition, that is the 1080p version, I run it in UEFI boot mode.
it has the latest bios verion A09.

[martin (joliclic)]

me too, like Koos, I have the DELl XPS 13, with the 1080 display, and the back light stop working with the kernel 3.8.0-30-44 .
I have to start with the previous kernel (but the CTRL+ F4/F5 does'nt work, and brightness is always max)

[Luis Angel Vicente Sanchez (langel-vicente)]

I have the Dell XPS 13 (L322X) 1080 bios version A09 and I run it in legacy
boot mode. The back light control is working for me.

On 5 Sep 2013 21:55, "Koos" <email address hidden> wrote:

> I have the DELl XPS 13 (L322X) Developer edition, that is the 1080p
> version, I run it in UEFI boot mode.
> it has the latest bios verion A09.
>
> --
> You received this bug notification because you are subscribed to the bug
> report.
> https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/1169376
>
> Title:
> XPS13 backlight stopped working after update 3.8.0-18.28
>
> Status in Dell Sputnik:
> Confirmed
> Status in “linux” package in Ubuntu:
> Incomplete
>
> Bug description:
> I'm on 13.04 beta 2 and I've been updating daily. After today's
> update, I was asked to restart and, after the restart, the backlight
> stopped working. What's worse is that the backlight is stuck in the
> lowest possible setting. I can barely see enough to type out this bug
> report. This is not a hardware problem. When I restart the computer
> the backlight turns on property but burns off when the Ubuntu
> encryption screen comes up (I'm using full disk encryption). Please
> fix this as soon as possible.
>
> XPS 13 version: L322x
> Display version: FHD (1080p)
> ---
> ApportVersion: 2.9.2-0ubuntu8
> Architecture: amd64
> AudioDevicesInUse:
> USER PID ACCESS COMMAND
> /dev/snd/controlC0: cr45h 1901 F.... pulseaudio
> DistroRelease: Ubuntu 13.04
> HibernationDevice: RESUME=UUID=a5d2ab8b-a068-4a69-95a6-b4e955b290f5
> InstallationDate: Installed on 2013-04-08 (9 days ago)
> InstallationMedia: Ubuntu 13.04 "Raring Ringtail" - Alpha amd64
> (20130402.1)
> MachineType: Dell Inc. Dell System XPS L322X
> MarkForUpload: True
> Package: linux (not installed)
> ProcEnviron:
> TERM=xterm
> PATH=(custom, no user)
> XDG_RUNTIME_DIR=<set>
> LANG=en_US.UTF-8
> SHELL=/bin/bash
> ProcFB: 0 inteldrmfb
> ProcKernelCmdLine: BOOT_IMAGE=/vmlinuz-3.8.0-18-generic
> root=/dev/mapper/ubuntu--vg-root ro quiet splash vt.handoff=7
> ProcVersionSignature: Ubuntu 3.8.0-18.28-generic 3.8.6
> RelatedPackageVersions:
> linux-restricted-modules-3.8.0-18-generic N/A
> linux-backports-modules-3.8.0-18-generic N/A
> linux-firmware 1.105
> Tags: raring
> Uname: Linux 3.8.0-18-generic x86_64
> UpgradeStatus: No upgrade log present (probably fresh install)
> UserGroups: adm cdrom dip lpadmin plugdev sambashare sudo
> dmi.bios.date: 01/22/2013
> dmi.bios.vendor: Dell Inc.
> dmi.bios.version: A07
> dmi.board.name: 0PJHXN
> dmi.board.vendor: Dell Inc.
> dmi.board.version: A00
> dmi.chassis.type: 8
> dmi.chassis.vendor: Dell Inc.
> dmi.chassis.version: 0.1
> dmi.modalias:
> dmi:bvnDellInc.:bvrA07:bd01/22/2013:svnDellInc.:pnDellSystemXPSL322X:pvr:rvnDellInc.:rn0PJHXN:rvrA00:cvnDellInc.:ct8:cvr0.1:
> dmi.product.name: Dell System XPS L322X
> dmi.sys.vendor: Dell Inc.
>
> To manage notifications about this bug go to:
> https://bugs.launchpad.net/dell-sputnik/+bug/1169376/+subscriptions
>

[zmpeg (zmpeg)]

@Koos I have almost the exact same setup, except not sure about the UEFI boot mode. I have the developer edition and installed xubuntu from a flash drive. Is your backlight completely off or just the controls not work? The controls were the problem for me: before 3.8.0-30-44 the backlight was always full brightness.

L322X, 1080p, A08

[martin (joliclic)]

there's an error in my previous report.

- kernel 3.8.0-29 : everything ok, brightness is adjustable, with CTRL+F4/F5 or via a XFCE widget

- kernel 3.8.0-30 : nothing work, brightness always minimum, CTRL+F4/F5 doesn't work, XFCE widget doesn't work.

My laptop is a Dell XPS 13 with the 1080p display, BIOS A09, UEFI boot.

me@mylaptop:~$ uname -a
Linux mylaptop 3.8.0-29-generic #42-Ubuntu SMP Tue Aug 13 19:40:39 UTC 2013 x86_64 x86_64 x86_64 GNU/Linux

[Daniele Dellafiore (ildella)]

same here on XPS 13
Linux slap 3.8.0-30-generic #44-Ubuntu SMP Thu Aug 22 20:52:24 UTC 2013 x86_64 x86_64 x86_64 GNU/Linux

last kernel worked fine, after update brightness always minimum, Fn F4/F5 does not change luminosity (just shows the progress bar change...)

There's a way to roll back to previous kernel?

[Martin Flaska (flegy)]

The same for me, xps13, full hd, booting from UEFI. Working well with previous kernel version (3.8.0-29-generic). After updating to the latest (3.8.0-30-generic) the problem is back again.

martin@flegy-nb:~$ uname -a
Linux flegy-nb 3.8.0-30-generic #44-Ubuntu SMP Thu Aug 22 20:52:24 UTC 2013 x86_64 x86_64 x86_64 GNU/Linux
martin@flegy-nb:~$ cat /etc/issue
Ubuntu 13.04 \n \l

When I am trying to change backlight (f4/f5) I see changes in

 /sys/class/backlight/intel_backlight/actual_brightness

but without any effect on the backlight

[Martin Flaska (flegy)]

... additional info to my previous comment:

after enabling "Load Legacy Option Rom" in BIOS, backlight is working ok (also when I use f4/f5 keys).

Bios version A08, model XPS L322X

[Marc-Antoine Lemieux (lemieux)]

ApportVersion: 2.9.2-0ubuntu8.3
Architecture: amd64
AudioDevicesInUse:
 USER PID ACCESS COMMAND
 /dev/snd/controlC0: marcolem 2472 F.... pulseaudio
CRDA: Error: [Errno 2] No such file or directory
DistroRelease: Ubuntu 13.04
EcryptfsInUse: Yes
HibernationDevice: RESUME=UUID=5539729c-9ba4-4e77-8432-2226c23d5f88
InstallationDate: Installed on 2013-05-12 (117 days ago)
InstallationMedia: Ubuntu-Server 13.04 "Raring Ringtail" - Release amd64 (20130423.1)
MachineType: Dell Inc. Dell System XPS L322X
MarkForUpload: True
Package: linux (not installed)
ProcFB: 0 inteldrmfb
ProcKernelCmdLine: BOOT_IMAGE=/boot/vmlinuz-3.8.0-30-generic root=UUID=3a3f9607-b220-4fa4-90fc-ce0f9acf8eea ro quiet splash acpi_osi=Linux acpi_backlight=vendor vt.handoff=7
ProcVersionSignature: Ubuntu 3.8.0-30.44-generic 3.8.13.6
RelatedPackageVersions:
 linux-restricted-modules-3.8.0-30-generic N/A
 linux-backports-modules-3.8.0-30-generic N/A
 linux-firmware 1.106
Tags: raring
Uname: Linux 3.8.0-30-generic x86_64
UpgradeStatus: No upgrade log present (probably fresh install)
UserGroups: adm cdrom dip lpadmin plugdev sambashare sudo users
dmi.bios.date: 05/15/2013
dmi.bios.vendor: Dell Inc.
dmi.bios.version: A09
dmi.board.name: 0PJHXN
dmi.board.vendor: Dell Inc.
dmi.board.version: A00
dmi.chassis.type: 8
dmi.chassis.vendor: Dell Inc.
dmi.chassis.version: 0.1
dmi.modalias: dmi:bvnDellInc.:bvrA09:bd05/15/2013:svnDellInc.:pnDellSystemXPSL322X:pvr:rvnDellInc.:rn0PJHXN:rvrA00:cvnDellInc.:ct8:cvr0.1:
dmi.product.name: Dell System XPS L322X
dmi.sys.vendor: Dell Inc.

[Marc-Antoine Lemieux (lemieux)]

Same here with Ubuntu 13.04 on 3.8.0-30-generic Bios A09. Full brightness on Legacy, minimum brightness on UEFI. The control keys are not working at all.

[Marc-Antoine Lemieux (lemieux)]

I had acpi_backlight=vendor in grub. It works perfectly once I removed it.

[Bib (bybeu)]

Still work in 3.8.0-31-generic x86_64 A09 BIOS mode

[martin (joliclic)]

and still NOT working in 3.8.0-31-generic x86_64 A09 UEFI mode

[Bib (bybeu)]

@Christopher M. Penalvch
Why did you remove the l322x 1080p tags? Didn't you see Adrian Patracu's report is for this very machine, what Kamal confirms in post #2. I added the l322x tag to clarify between backlight issues confusion with the l321x, because these 2 machines are called xps13 by Dell, what seems to me, regarding these issues, the source of confusion.

[penalvch (penalvch)]

Bib, , if you have a bug in Ubuntu, the Ubuntu Kernel team, Ubuntu Bug Control team, and Ubuntu Bug Squad would like you to please file a new report by executing the following in a terminal while booted into a Ubuntu repository kernel (not a mainline one) via:
ubuntu-bug linux

For more on this, please read the official Ubuntu documentation:
Ubuntu Bug Control and Ubuntu Bug Squad: https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Bugs/BestPractices#X.2BAC8-Reporting.Focus_on_One_Issue
Ubuntu Kernel Team: https://wiki.ubuntu.com/KernelTeam/KernelTeamBugPolicies#Filing_Kernel_Bug_reports
Ubuntu Community: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/ReportingBugs#Bug_reporting_etiquette

When opening up the new report, please feel free to subscribe me to it.

Please note, not filing a new report would delay your problem being addressed as quickly as possible.

No need exists to comment here at this time. After reading the above documentation in it's entirety, if you have further questions, you are welcome to redirect them to the appropriate mailing list or forum via http://www.ubuntu.com/support/community/mailinglists , or you may contact me directly.

Thank you for your understanding.

[autra (autra)]

Bib, the rule is one bug per hardware (even if everything indicates that it is the same issue) :-)

[zmpeg (zmpeg)]

3.8.0-30-44 fixed my backlight. Has been working fine since. I have the 1080p dell xps 13 (L322x). I'm using xUbuntu. How can I check if I have UEFI boot?

[Jim Hodapp (jhodapp)]

This seems to be fixed for me now as well.

[povniet (kevin-georgy)]

3.8.0-31-generic (don't know if it was before) solve the problem for me too, even with removing the fix described at #90

[c0h1b4 (dwidman)]

Bug is back on 3.14.0.
From 3.8.0 to 3.13.7 it was ok, now it is back. So please anyone help.

[penalvch (penalvch)]

c0h1b4, thank you for your comment. So your hardware and problem may be tracked, could you please file a new report with Ubuntu by executing the following in a terminal while booted into a Ubuntu repository kernel (not a mainline one) via:
ubuntu-bug linux

For more on this, please read the official Ubuntu documentation:
Ubuntu Bug Control and Ubuntu Bug Squad: https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Bugs/BestPractices#X.2BAC8-Reporting.Focus_on_One_Issue
Ubuntu Kernel Team: https://wiki.ubuntu.com/KernelTeam/KernelTeamBugPolicies#Filing_Kernel_Bug_reports
Ubuntu Community: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/ReportingBugs#Bug_reporting_etiquette

When opening up the new report, please feel free to subscribe me to it.

Thank you for your understanding.

Helpful bug reporting tips:
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/ReportingBugs

[c0h1b4 (dwidman)]

Christopher,

thanks for your support, but I believe that this is a very well documented issue with remedies like typing "echo 0 > /sys/class/backlight/intel_backlight/brightness" on the command line solves.

The big issue is that after the computer resumes from suspend, the brightness go 100% and the keyboard commands for brightness can't change the brightness until the command I stated above is executed on terminal.

As I said, it was fixed in the kernels 3.8.0 - 3.13.7 and the bug was reintroduced on the kernel 3.14.0 and I can also inform that it is on kernel 3.14.1 and 3.15.rc1.

I will wait until Apr 17th to upgrade my Ubuntu 14.04 and see how it behaves. I will report the issues/success here. As for now, I am back to kernel 3.13.