Video driver problems

[Skyguy]

This is getting me frustrated!... My Ubuntu 8.04 is trying to download the latest updates - including the latest proprietary video driver updates for my ATI video card. But something about the latest updates isn't working!

Here's what is happening:
-The updates download successfully and I reboot to complete the install.
-The system prompts boots up and prompts me to install my username & pw.
-After I enter the info., the login process continues... BUT when the desktop should appear, all I get is my mouse pointer and a blank white screen.

So far, I've tried:
-Rebooting again... (no luck)
-Restoring my system from a backup file and trying to download the updates once again. (The same problem appears when the updates are complete and installed.)
-Downloading the and installing Linux video driver from the AMD/ATI site. (http://ati.amd.com/support/drivers/linux/linux-radeon.html) (I end up rebooting and being prompted to - unsuccessfully - try to setup the monitor and video card driver settings. I end up with a default 800x600 setting, and not my proper 1440x900.)

The only thing that 'seems' to work is choosing to log in with the 'default GNOME' settings option just before I enter my username and pw.


Has anyone heard of something like this?

[Dragon@Home]

Im having similar issues with my video card - see thread about microsoft
update issues - no soln yet

[Ken_ver_1_5]

Ok lets see if I understand you you have installed ubuntu
then clicked on update. the update system give you a list of things it will
update. In that list is an update for the video card you have?

what happens if you uncheck the update for the video card?

drivers for ati cards can be a bit hit and miss.
Is the installer finding the correct driver in the first place?

[cdnLilWolf]

If Compiz loads before your proprietary drivers do it will toss the cookies like that. If you can boot into Runlevel 3 you can remove Compiz (as per below) then re-install it. That should do it.

sudo apt-get remove compiz-core

I'm a bit rusty on how I fixed it when using Hardy, but I believe that's how I did it.

[ssadams]

the best way to install the ati drivers is from a runmode that is text only.It will compile a kernel module and driver, update your X86config file and ask you to init level 5, or 6 or reboot.its a bit of a pain in the arse hence my X1600 ati card siting in its box on its way to a landfill or to somebuddy that can use it.Good Luck, it does work.

[edcouch]

Hello folks, I had all sorts of problems with the vieo section in Ubuntu 8.04, so I uninstalled it. Then when 8.10 came out I tried it again and it is great! No more problems with video drivers. I installed the propietary drivers and am having no trouble. 8.10 is the best version yet by far. IMHO.