Ubuntu 8.04 x86_64 2.6.24-16-generic nvidia restricted kernel module fails to load

[Nick]

The last set up upgrades (around April 12 2008) installed a new kernel. The new kernel is:

Linux 2.6.24-16-generic #1 SMP Thu Apr 10 12:47:45 UTC 2008 x86_64 GNU/Linux

The nvidia kernel module with this kernel does not load:

$ sudo modprobe nvidia
FATAL: Error running install command for nvidia
$ dmesg | grep -i nvidia
<nothing returned>

I made sure the kernel module exists:

$ find /lib/linux-restricted-modules/2.6.24-16-generic -name "nv*"
/lib/linux-restricted-modules/2.6.24-16-generic/nvidia
/lib/linux-restricted-modules/2.6.24-16-generic/nvidia/nv-vm.o
/lib/linux-restricted-modules/2.6.24-16-generic/nvidia/nv-i2c.o
/lib/linux-restricted-modules/2.6.24-16-generic/nvidia/nvidia.mod.o
/lib/linux-restricted-modules/2.6.24-16-generic/nvidia/nv.o
/lib/linux-restricted-modules/2.6.24-16-generic/nvidia/nv-kernel.o
/lib/linux-restricted-modules/2.6.24-16-generic/nvidia_new
/lib/linux-restricted-modules/2.6.24-16-generic/nvidia_new/nv-vm.o
/lib/linux-restricted-modules/2.6.24-16-generic/nvidia_new/nv-i2c.o
/lib/linux-restricted-modules/2.6.24-16-generic/nvidia_new/nvacpi.o
/lib/linux-restricted-modules/2.6.24-16-generic/nvidia_new/nvidia.mod.o
/lib/linux-restricted-modules/2.6.24-16-generic/nvidia_new/nv.o
/lib/linux-restricted-modules/2.6.24-16-generic/nvidia_new/nv-kernel.o
/lib/linux-restricted-modules/2.6.24-16-generic/nvidia_legacy
/lib/linux-restricted-modules/2.6.24-16-generic/nvidia_legacy/nv-vm.o
/lib/linux-restricted-modules/2.6.24-16-generic/nvidia_legacy/nvidia.mod.o
/lib/linux-restricted-modules/2.6.24-16-generic/nvidia_legacy/nv.o
/lib/linux-restricted-modules/2.6.24-16-generic/nvidia_legacy/nv-kernel.o

Rebooting back to 2.6.24-15 works fine.

$ lspic | grep -i nvidia
01:00.0 VGA compatible controller: nVidia Corporation GeForce 8600 GT (rev a1)

[Tuomas Aavikko (taavikko)]

I Confirm, the dublicate bug. With one exception,
My comp. is standard 32bit. Nvidia 6800

Other computer is 64bit, and it's working fine!
Difference is in graphics controller: Nvidia 8600GS

[Thomas E Jenkins (thomas-jenkins)]

I had the same issue. Running 'sudo depmod' seems to have fixed it.

[Martin Pitt (pitti)]

Judging by looking at the duplicate bug (bug 216680) there seems to be a missing "depmod -a" call somewhere?

[Nick (weegreenblobbie)]

Yes! Running "sudo depmod" worked for me as well!

For it to work, I booted to the troubled kernel, this case: 2.6.24-16-generic. After I got the "low graphic mode" screen in Gnome, I switched to one of the text consoles by pressing CTRLl + ALT + F2. I logged in and ran:

$ sudo depmod
<entered password>
$

I got no output. I guess that means it worked.

I rebooted and everything is good!

[Tuomas Aavikko (taavikko)]

Changed status to invalid, since problems been solved.
Feel free to change it back if issue reappears.