Incompatability problems with Kernel 3.7.x

[cplguy]

I upgraded the kernel to the 3.7 line from the 3.5 line, and when I did, I lost multiple monitor support, and native resolution support for the monitor that did work. After I dropped down to the command line, I was able to install the official Nvidia package, but upon restarting x server, the problem was worse. It only would display the desktop in 640x480. Since this was not acceptable to me, I reverted back to kernel 3.5.022-generic. Is there a way to have the 3.7.x kernel, and have my video card support native resolutions? My video card is a Geforce 465.

[passerby]

Which version of the nvidia driver did you install?
Also, did you install 3.7 from source, via synaptic or by use of a .deb package?

As a relatively new kernel, older nvidia drivers don't work with it.
If you're on Mint (rather than LMDE) you may need to install the 310 experimental driver (after completely removing the current nvidia installation).
If you're on LMDE, you'll need packages from Sid.

[cplguy]

I installed Nvidia 310.32 x86_64 version directly downloaded from the Nvidia site. I installed 3.7 from synaptic, and I am running Linux Mint 14 KDE Edition.

[catweazel]

Is there a way to have the 3.7.x kernel, and have my video card support native resolutions?

Yes, compile it yourself from sources, with the appropriate options set. 3.7.x isn't in the repos and is completely unsupported.

[passerby]

I recommend completely uninstalling the manually installed nvidia driver and using one from synaptic.
Probably nvidia-experimental-310, since you're keen on using 3.7.

In the directory with the .run file:

Code: Select all

sudo sh NVIDIA* --uninstall
sudo rm /etc/X11/xorg.conf
sudo apt-get install linux-source    //may be named differently, depending on where you got this kernel. Just make sure it's for 3.7
sudo apt-get install nvidia-experimental-310*
sudo nvidia-xconfig


Reboot and it should work fine. I think it would be a better idea to compile the kernel from source with the nvidia module, but this way is a quick & dirty solution.