Nvidia driver problem: fix in Mint 12 or wait for Mint 13?

[rdegennaro]

I am running Linux Mint 12 main version on a Dell XPS410 with Nvidia GeForce 7300 LE/PCI/SSE2 graphics unit. I'm a newbie with limited command line ability.

I would like to run Cinnamon, but cannot because of likely Nvidia driver issues, and don't feel confident to install older driver. What is my best strategy in coming months?

My system runs fine in Gnome classic (no effects). But in Cinnamon (which I prefer), it is unusable same as per widely reported problem -- mouse won't work and system freezes. Problem began when I ran an update sometime perhaps in March 2012. Based on my research, I'm almost certain that the problem is that I updated to a newer Nvidia driver.

I have read instructions to downgrade Nvidia driver from 295.53 to 295.33, but am not certain that will fix it (since 295.33 came out March 22, 2012, which is approximately when problem started). Also, this is my work computer and I don't want to break it or waste a day fixing a bad driver install (nvdia insructions intimidate me with issues like: changing default run level, interaction with Nouveau driver, setting xconfig, etc.). Right now, I don't necessarily want more instructions and encouragement to install the driver. Right now I am able to work with Gnome classic (no effects), so I figure, If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

I'm willing to upgrade to Linux Mint 13 when released, or perhaps some weeks after. What driver will come default with Linux Mint 13? Is Linux Mint 13 likely to help fix this problem, or offer me the opportunity to not re-create it if I'm cautious with updates? Any other good advice? I'd prefer not to buy a new, non-Nvidia graphics card now, but would consider it in a couple of months if this will always be a problem. Thank you.

[nomko]

Check here: http://forums.linuxmint.com/viewtopic.php?f=59&t=101950&p=581133#p581133

[Oscar799]

Please don't cross-post,it only causes confusion,duplicate removed by moderator

[rdegennaro]

Thank you, Nomko. It worked and I'm now happily running Cinnamon.

For the record: Under System Settings/Additional Drivers, I selected: "NVIDIA accelerated graphics driver (post-release updates) (version 173-updates)" instead of the "recommended" version. That solved the problem and seems not to have created others.

@oscar799: Sorry for the cross-post. I posted in Newbie Questions and got no response for a few days. I should have deleted that post before posting under Hardware Support. Won't do again.