[nvidia GT 240] no desktop after X started

[Shreepad S]

Tried to run, in order
- Ubuntu 12.04 LiveDVD (64-bit Desktop): Burnt to DVD and booted from disk
- Ubuntu 12.04 LiveCD (64-bit Desktop): Written to USB stick via usb-creator and booted from USB
- Xubuntu 12.04 LiveCD (64-bit Desktop): Written to USB stick via usb-creator and booted from USB

In each case, got the same behaviour
- System would boot from the disk/ USB
- Would be presented with the splah/ progress screen (the one with the dots on plain background for Ubuntu and bouncing progress bar with background image for Xubuntu)
- After that screen would fill up with coloured noise, random black/ coloured pixels all over the screen
- Unable to do anything other than a hard reboot

This was with using an old NVidia GT 240 card (which works fine with Lucid 10.04.4 64-bit Desktop). Complete system specs:
- Intel C2D E7200 || Intel DG33FB mobo || 4 GB RAM || 64 bit Lucid Desktop || WD Caviar Black 1TB, Green 2TB
- Palit Sonic GT 240 (OC'd NVidia card) || Dell U2412M Monitor || Logitech Quickcam Connect || Acer 3300U Scanner

Next I went into BIOS and forced it to use the onboard Intel graphics (Intel DG33FB board with Intel GMA 3100 graphics) and Xubuntu booted up fine and got into the desktop with no problems. Launched a few apps and all seems fine.

Based on my advanced analytical skills (!) I conclude there is a problem with the graphics driver on the LiveCD/DVD in Ubuntu/Xubuntu.
WORKAROUND: Use the NVidia proprietary drivers (nvidia-current, v295.40) installed from the repos under 'safe mode'.

---
.tmp.unity.support.test.0:

ApportVersion: 2.0.1-0ubuntu5
Architecture: amd64
CasperVersion: 1.315
CompizPlugins: [core,composite,opengl,compiztoolbox,decor,vpswitch,snap,mousepoll,resize,place,move,wall,grid,regex,imgpng,session,gnomecompat,animation,fade,unitymtgrabhandles,workarounds,scale,expo,ezoom,unityshell]
CompositorRunning: compiz
DistUpgraded: Fresh install
DistroCodename: precise
DistroRelease: Ubuntu 12.04
DistroVariant: ubuntu
ExtraDebuggingInterest: Yes, if not too technical
GraphicsCard:
 Intel Corporation 82G33/G31 Express Integrated Graphics Controller [8086:29c2] (rev 02) (prog-if 00 [VGA controller])
   Subsystem: Intel Corporation Device [8086:5044]
LiveMediaBuild: Ubuntu 12.04 LTS "Precise Pangolin" - Release amd64 (20120425)
Package: xserver-xorg-video-nouveau 1:0.0.16+git20111201+b5534a1-1build2
PackageArchitecture: amd64
ProcEnviron:
 TERM=xterm
 PATH=(custom, no user)
 LANG=en_US.UTF-8
 SHELL=/bin/bash
ProcKernelCmdLine: BOOT_IMAGE=/casper/vmlinuz noprompt cdrom-detect/try-usb=true persistent file=/cdrom/preseed/username.seed boot=casper initrd=/casper/initrd.lz quiet splash --
ProcVersionSignature: Ubuntu 3.2.0-23.36-generic 3.2.14
Tags: precise ubuntu compiz-0.9
Uname: Linux 3.2.0-23-generic x86_64
UpgradeStatus: No upgrade log present (probably fresh install)
UserGroups: adm cdrom dip lpadmin plugdev sambashare sudo
dmi.bios.date: 02/18/2008
dmi.bios.vendor: Intel Corp.
dmi.bios.version: DPP3510J.86A.0407.2008.0218.0923
dmi.board.asset.tag: Base Board Asset Tag
dmi.board.name: DG33FB
dmi.board.vendor: Intel Corporation
dmi.board.version: AAD81072-307
dmi.chassis.type: 3
dmi.modalias: dmi:bvnIntelCorp.:bvrDPP3510J.86A.0407.2008.0218.0923:bd02/18/2008:svn:pn:pvr:rvnIntelCorporation:rnDG33FB:rvrAAD81072-307:cvn:ct3:cvr:
version.compiz: compiz 1:0.9.7.6-0ubuntu1
version.ia32-libs: ia32-libs N/A
version.libdrm2: libdrm2 2.4.32-1ubuntu1
version.libgl1-mesa-dri: libgl1-mesa-dri 8.0.2-0ubuntu3
version.libgl1-mesa-dri-experimental: libgl1-mesa-dri-experimental N/A
version.libgl1-mesa-glx: libgl1-mesa-glx 8.0.2-0ubuntu3
version.xserver-xorg-core: xserver-xorg-core 2:1.11.4-0ubuntu10
version.xserver-xorg-input-evdev: xserver-xorg-input-evdev 1:2.7.0-0ubuntu1
version.xserver-xorg-video-ati: xserver-xorg-video-ati 1:6.14.99~git20111219.aacbd629-0ubuntu2
version.xserver-xorg-video-intel: xserver-xorg-video-intel 2:2.17.0-1ubuntu4
version.xserver-xorg-video-nouveau: xserver-xorg-video-nouveau 1:0.0.16+git20111201+b5534a1-1build2

[Fabio Marconi (fabiomarconi)]

Hello
Can you please, from an usb key with persistence (let usb-creator as default settings), freshly created, boot with the nvidia card, reproduce the bug, shutdown, remove the nvidia card, boot a live session connected and run in a terminal
apport-collect -p xserver-xorg-video-nouveau 993907
or if not working try
apport-collect 993907
Thanks
Fabio

---
Ubuntu Bug Squad volunteer triager
http://wiki.ubuntu.com/BugSquad

[Shreepad S (shreepads)]

Hi

Could you please clarify
a. Which build to use, Ubuntu 12.04 LiveCD (64-bit Desktop)?
b. Just write ISO to usb via usb-creator default settings (currently running in Lucid 10.04.4)? Not too sure what you mean by 'with persistence'...
c. Once I reproduce the bug I don't have a way to do a controlled shutdown, have to do a hard reset, will that affect anything further?
d. Do I have to physically remove the NVidia card or is it sufficient to disable in BIOS as before (i.e. set BIOS to use onboard Intel GMA graphics)? Will this affect the outcome?
e. When you say "boot a live session connected" I assume you mean just boot from USB live session with internet connected?

Thanks!
Shreepad

________________________________
 From: Fabio Marconi <email address hidden>
To: <email address hidden>
Sent: Thursday, 3 May 2012 6:46 PM
Subject: [Bug 993907] Re: [nvidia GT 240] no desktop after X started

Hello
Can you please, from an usb key with persistence (let usb-creator as  default settings), freshly created, boot with the nvidia card, reproduce the bug, shutdown, remove the nvidia card, boot a live session connected and run in a terminal
apport-collect -p xserver-xorg-video-nouveau 993907
or if not working try
apport-collect 993907
Thanks
Fabio

---
Ubuntu Bug Squad volunteer triager
http://wiki.ubuntu.com/BugSquad

** Changed in: xserver-xorg-video-nouveau (Ubuntu)
       Status: New => Incomplete

--
You received this bug notification because you are subscribed to the bug
report.
https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/993907

Title:
  [nvidia GT 240] no desktop after X started

Status in “xserver-xorg-video-nouveau” package in Ubuntu:
  Incomplete

Bug description:
  Hi

  Tried to run, in order
  - Ubuntu 12.04 LiveDVD (64-bit Desktop): Burnt to DVD and booted from disk
  - Ubuntu 12.04 LiveCD (64-bit Desktop): Written to USB stick via usb-creator and booted from USB
  - Xubuntu 12.04 LiveCD (64-bit Desktop): Written to USB stick via usb-creator and booted from USB

  In each case, got the same behaviour
  - System would boot from the disk/ USB
  - Would be presented with the splah/ progress screen (the one with the dots on plain background for Ubuntu and bouncing progress bar with background image for Xubuntu)
  - After that screen would fill up with coloured noise, random black/ coloured pixels all over the screen
  - Unable to do anything other than a hard reboot

  This was with using an old NVidia GT 240 card (which works fine with Lucid 10.04.4 64-bit Desktop). Complete system specs:
  - Intel C2D E7200 || Intel DG33FB mobo || 4 GB RAM || 64 bit Lucid Desktop || WD Caviar Black 1TB, Green 2TB
  - Palit Sonic GT 240 (OC'd NVidia card) || Dell U2412M Monitor || Logitech Quickcam Connect || Acer 3300U Scanner

  Next I went into BIOS and forced it to use the onboard Intel graphics
  (Intel DG33FB board with Intel GMA 3100 graphics) and Xubuntu booted
  up fine and got into the desktop with no problems. Launched a few apps
  and all seems fine.

  Based on my advanced analytical skills (!) I conclude there is a
  problem with the graphics driver on the LiveCD/DVD in Ubuntu/Xubuntu.

  Shreepad S

To manage notifications about this bug go to:
htt...

[Fabio Marconi (fabiomarconi)]

Hello
a - yes
b - yes
c - no
d - remove or bios as you prefer, essential you boot the working card.
e - connected to internet
Thanks
Fabio
---
Ubuntu Bug Squad volunteer triager
http://wiki.ubuntu.com/BugSquad

[Fabio Marconi (fabiomarconi)]

Persistence mean that all the settings, logs and file will be saved so you can seen it the next time you boot

[Shreepad S (shreepads)]

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[Shreepad S (shreepads)]

Hi

Done, was able to run apport-collect -p xserver-xorg-video-nouveau 993907 as described above.

One point I should mention, not sure if relevant, the NVidia card is connected to the monitor via DVI-D cable but the Intel GMA onboard is connected via VGA cable (that's the only option).

Shreepad

PS The global menu bar is a bit of a pain in the a**!

[Shreepad S (shreepads)]

Trying to install 'current' proprietary NVidia drivers from Software Centre (nvidia-current 295.40-0ubuntu1)

Will this driver install also be persisted to the USB stick and available for the next boot? If so, I'll report if this allows the NVidia card to function correctly...

Although the current certified 64-bit Linux driver for this card is 295.49.

[Shreepad S (shreepads)]

Nope that didn't work (assuming the proprietary driver install persisted).

After successful install I rebooted and switched back to NVidia card in the BIOS, same result as before, coloured noise on the screen...

[Fabio Marconi (fabiomarconi)]

Hello
If you have again Ubuntu installed on HD, please try to add nomodeset to the boot line ( boot with left shift hold down if you havent got a dual boot, when grub appear press e select linux line and before 'quiet' add nomodeset , ctrl+x to boot)
---
Ubuntu Bug Squad volunteer triager
http://wiki.ubuntu.com/BugSquad

[Shreepad S (shreepads)]

Hi

No I haven't installed 12.04 to hard disk as yet (because of this bug), only running Live session off the USB as per above. There is no grub menu presented when booted from the USB. Is there a way to trigger the grub menu (from USB live session) or edit the boot line in the USB data?

Or do you mean adding this to my currently running 10.04.4 from hard disk? But that works perfectly fine with the NVidia card (am using the latest proprietary drivers there).

Shreepad

[Fabio Marconi (fabiomarconi)]

Boot the live session and at the first purple screen (keyboard=uman) press a key, press F6 and' if i remember well, there is the option nomodeset, elsewhere press esc and in the terminal line appearing type nomodeset before 'quiet splash' then enter twice to boot, this modality is valid only for one boot.
---
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[Shreepad S (shreepads)]

Tried following your suggestion (also looked at http://ubuntuforums.org/archive/index.php/t-1613132.html) but when I press any key and then the F6 key I don't get to see the menu which displays boot options from USB live session, just a grey box in the bottom left side, on which there is a dark grey band that moves up and down when I press the arrow keys. Even the main menu listing various options is just a dark grey bar...

Since this only lasts for the given session doing it from a session running off Intel would be pointless so I thought I'll update the boot parameters in grub (instructions same post as above)

So I edited /etc/default/grub to include
       GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT="quiet splash nomodeset"

But when I tried
       sudo update-grub
I got
       /usr/sbin/grub-probe: error: cannot find a device for / (is /dev mounted?)

So can't get that option to stick either... Any way to update the USB boot params persistently while using Intel graphics?

Last option I'm going to try and get the latest NVidia driver installed from the Software Centre working...

[Shreepad S (shreepads)]

Nope, no luck getting the proprietary drivers to work either.

Added a file disable-nouveau.conf in the directory /etc/modprobe.d/ with the following contents
     blacklist nouveau
     options nouveau modeset=0

There already was a file with blacklist nouveau (courtesy of the NVidia proprietary driver install I guess) but tossed this in for good measure, rebooted with NVidia card, same result as before.

[Shreepad S (shreepads)]

Tried with Linux Mint 13 (Cinnamon 64-bit) Live DVD on USB and faced the exactly same situation
- Coloured noise on NVidia
- All well on integrated Intel graphics (G33)

Not suprising I guess seeing how Mint 13 is directly derived from Precise.

To try something else, I installed Linux Mint 13 (Cinnamon 64-bit) to another large USB and booted from it (using the Intel graphics).

I then followed the instructions I'd written earlier for installing the proprietary NVidia drivers ([URL="http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1665630"]link[/URL]) with some minor tweaks.

Now posting this from Linux Mint 13 (Cinnamon 64-bit) running off the larger USB and with the NVidia graphics running fine!! :)

Long story short, the same should work on Precise as well, will give it a shot when I have some time and report... But Cinnamon is such a blessing (over Unity) that I'm tempted... :P

[Shreepad S (shreepads)]

Same issue in 12.04.1 LTS as well, but I have a few additional data points (with screen photos), which surprised me...

Steps:

1. Downloaded 12.04.1 64 bit desktop DVD .iso

2. Written to USB stick via Startup Disk Creator in Lucid (64 bit desktop)

3. Restarted the system and booted from USB stick. Initial boot screen (where if you press any key it throws up the language selection followed by list of boot options) shows up as a small grey bar with a white border in the bottom left corner as before: See attachment BootScreen.jpg

4. Next up the boot progress screen works fine, as before. See attachment ProgressIndicator.jpg

5. Next up the Desktop, and this was a surprise, shows a corrupted desktop with some parts showing a view of the Snow Mountain track in Tuxcart. See attachment DesktopWithTuxcart.jpg

My son was playing this particular track on Lucid just immediately before the restart (from Lucid to Precise on USB), which was done from the system menu in Lucid.

My guess is that the memory on the graphics card retains the earlier data from the Tuxcart run before restart and the desktop process/ driver in Precise is not handling the graphics card memory properly, causing this to be displayed.

I wanted to confirm if this would work a second time, so I hit the reset switch on the desktop cabinet (not the power down switch) and restarted Precise from the USB (I couldn't do a controlled restart as the desktop was corrupted). I got back to the exactly same corrupted desktop, showing part of the Snow Mountain track in Tuxcart.

Next I shutdown the computer, switched off the power supply and let it rest for a while. This time after booting Precise from the USB I was presented with the corrupted desktop with random noise as before. See attachment DesktopPostColdStart.jpg

So I think my guess is right...

Next I switched the BIOS setting to use the onboard Intel graphics and was able to boot into the Precise desktop. There were a few problems from that point on re installing Precise but they are unrelated to this bug (I think!!).

[Shreepad S (shreepads)]

For those who, like me, are fortunate enough to have working integrated graphics (in addition to the NVidia card), workaround available as per this:

http://ubuntuforums.org/showpost.php?p=12203570&postcount=8

For those who only have the NVidia card I think something similar can be attempted using the alternate text based installer. Else they could continue to use Lucid 10.04.4, where this card works just fine...

[pat (pzang-x)]

I downloaded the driver for 64bit ubuntu here:

http://www.geforce.com/drivers/results/47534

which is the official driver from nvidia and run it under "graphic safe mode". Then reboot and it works fine.

DON'T update your driver in the software center if you got this work, since I update the nvidia there and it just crashed.

[Shreepad S (shreepads)]

Thanks! Actually the NVidia proprietary drivers (nvidia-current, v295.40) installed from the repos under 'safe mode' are working fine for me!

Of course I was able to do this action because I had the integrated Intel graphics, when switched to NVidia card it was all garbage on the screen...

[penalvch (penalvch)]

Shreepad S, 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>

Also, could you please test the latest upstream kernel available following https://wiki.ubuntu.com/KernelMainlineBuilds ? It will allow additional upstream developers to examine the issue. Please do not test the daily folder, but the one all the way at the bottom. Once you've tested the upstream kernel, please comment on which kernel version specifically you tested. If this bug is fixed in the mainline kernel, please add the following tags:
kernel-fixed-upstream
kernel-fixed-upstream-VERSION-NUMBER

where VERSION-NUMBER is the version number of the kernel you tested. For example:
kernel-fixed-upstream-v3.11-rc5

This can be done by clicking on the yellow circle with a black pencil icon next to the word Tags located at the bottom of the bug description. As well, please remove the tag:
needs-upstream-testing

If the mainline kernel does not fix this bug, please add the following tags:
kernel-bug-exists-upstream
kernel-bug-exists-upstream-VERSION-NUMBER

As well, please remove the tag:
needs-upstream-testing

Once testing of the upstream kernel is complete, please mark this bug's Status as Confirmed. Please let us know your results. Thank you for your understanding.

[Shreepad S (shreepads)]

Hi Christopher

I'm sorry but I've stopped using Ubuntu and won't be able to help you with this. In any case I don't run the latest release/ kernel and stick to LTS versions as this is my primary (and only) desktop.

FWIW I've run into the same isue while installing Debian Wheezy 7.0 and the fix was the same, boot into safe mode and install the proprietary drivers from the repos.

If there is an equivalent bug tracker in Debian that you could point me to I will be happy to log it there, if this will help upstream.

Regards
Shreepad

[Launchpad Janitor (janitor)]

[Expired for linux (Ubuntu) because there has been no activity for 60 days.]