[Solved] Newbies' Nvidia driver install, and compiz.

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GeneC

[Solved] Newbies' Nvidia driver install, and compiz.

Post by GeneC »

Will someone please check my planned nvidia driver install in Mint 10 -Debian (64bit).



I am quite new to Linux. Running Mint 10, OZ Unity with Nvidia driver installed (throught the “additional hardware driver” install).

Mint debian does not have this option. The driver needs to be installed manually. I read the tutorial by “omns” (thanks!),
My nvidia experience (OMNS) Sept 11,2010

The following is for the 17xx legacy driver but it should be a similar process for the 195xx driver as well. I’m not 100% sure what order I had to install these because of dependency issues but basically I installed the following:


nvidia-kernel-common
nvidia-vdpau-driver

nvidia-settings
nvidia-xconfig
nvidia-kernel-legacy-173xx-source
nvidia-kernel-legacy-173xx-dkms
nvidia-glx-legacy-173xx


I believe nvidia-kernel-common and nvidia-vdpau should be installed separately first, then the rest.

Before rebooting remove:

xserver-xorg-video-nouveau, and
xserver-xorg-video-nv

Reboot into new kernel then run
nvidia-xconfig and
nvidia-settings.
Restart X.

Testing and starting compiz at logon ( adapted from this post at the LinuxMint forums ).

Test compiz is working by running alt-f2 then the following command:

compiz –replace

If that fails run the command in a terminal to get error messages.

Once you are happy with the way compiz is working create a new entry in startupp applications with the same command

compiz –replace
Is everything correct above -- (any changes since Sept,11? Or any changes specific to the new Mint10-Debian 64 bit?)

Most things seems quite straightforward. Downloading and installing new software. A couple things need clearing up for me.
Reboot into new kernel then run
nvidia-xconfig and
nvidia-settings.
Restart X.
specifically
...reboot into new kernel...
Will that happen by default, if I just re-boot?
...run nvidia-xconfig and
nvidia-settings...
How do I do that? I guess I need detailed instructions.
...Restart X...
I do this by just logging out, and then back in?

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Also, keep in mind my Mint Debian is 64 bit. I see no specific 64 bit nvidia files in synaptic. Just the ones quoted in the OMNS' tutorial, AND some specific 32 bit variations of some of the files. I know not to use the 32 bit variants, but will the non-specific ones work on 64 bit?

I know this is pretty basic stuff to most of you experienced users, but is confusing to me, and may be of help to others 'newbys” as well. :wink:

Thanks in advance!
Last edited by LockBot on Wed Dec 28, 2022 7:16 am, edited 2 times in total.
Reason: Topic automatically closed 6 months after creation. New replies are no longer allowed.
proxima_centauri

Re: Will someone please check my planned nvidia driver inst

Post by proxima_centauri »

Moved to LMDE (Linux Mint Debian) subforum
GeneC wrote:Is everything correct above -- (any changes since Sept,11? Or any changes specific to the new Mint10-Debian 64 bit?)
Yes, should be the same procedure.

GeneC wrote:
...reboot into new kernel...
Will that happen by default, if I just re-boot?
Yes, you should have the option of booting the new kernel at grub

GeneC wrote:
...run nvidia-xconfig and
nvidia-settings...
How do I do that? I guess I need detailed instructions.
Open terminal and run "sudo nvidia-xconfig", "gksudo nvidia-settings" will open up the settings manager (also should be accessible in the menu)

GeneC wrote:
...Restart X...
I do this by just logging out, and then back in?

Yes, or by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Backspace (make sure all programs are saved/closed).

-----------------------------------------------------------------
GeneC wrote: Also, keep in mind my Mint Debian is 64 bit. I see no specific 64 bit nvidia files in synaptic. Just the ones quoted in the OMNS' tutorial, AND some specific 32 bit variations of some of the files. I know not to use the 32 bit variants, but will the non-specific ones work on 64 bit?

They should be similarly named if you search in Synaptic Package Manager for the files. Remember to look for the 195xx series if you are running a newer card.
magnusk
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Location: Arlov, Sweden

Re: Will someone please check my planned nvidia driver inst

Post by magnusk »

You can also take a look at the Debian guide http://wiki.debian.org/NvidiaGraphicsDrivers.
LMDE and Linux Mint
GeneC

Re: Will someone please check my planned nvidia driver inst

Post by GeneC »

proxima_centauri

Thanks so much for the detailed explanation. That is just what I was hoping for. I am going to give it a go. :D

As for the files mentioned for download in the tutorial, there are NO 64 bit specific files noted in synaptic. There are some 64 bit specific files (kernel files), but they are not those mentioned? Perhaps those are downloaded as part of a "package"? They are not mentioned in the tutorial. :?:


Image


-------------------------------------------

magnusk

Thanks for the link. Will have a look.
proxima_centauri

Re: Will someone please check my planned nvidia driver inst

Post by proxima_centauri »

To clarify, any package you see in Synaptic is for your 64-bit installation. The repositories contain only 64-bit compatible packages.

In your case, nvidia-glx is the newest driver package, so you would use that if you have a recent card.
GeneC

Re: Will someone please check my planned nvidia driver inst

Post by GeneC »

OK! Thanks!
GeneC

Re: Will someone please check my planned nvidia driver inst

Post by GeneC »

No good! :(

I followed all instructions, and all seemed to go well, but when logging back in -- nothing -- just blank black screen.

Tried a reboot, same thing. (Was NOT offered choice of kernels in grub. Just one kernel option, and recovery.).
The kernel was 2.6.32-5-amd64

Tried both options. (regular and recovery).

Regular boot, same thing, blank black screen.

Recovery mode.

When I came to the option of "give root password for maintenance" or "type control + D" to continue. Control +D = same thing = blank black screen.

root password gives terminal prompt.

Anything I can do? :(
proxima_centauri

Re: Will someone please check my planned nvidia driver inst

Post by proxima_centauri »

I would try reverting the driver. Once you get to the terminal prompt, (i'm assuming as root, if not put a sudo before the following command)

nano /etc/X11/xorg.conf

Find the line that says Driver "nvidia" and change it to Driver "vesa". Press Ctrl+X to save and exit. This should allow you to reboot and at least start X, from there you could reinstall xserver-xorg-video-nouveau, and then change vesa to nouveau to at least still use the open source nvidia drivers.

What kind of nvidia graphics card do you have? You can find out in terminal with the command lscpi | grep VGA
GeneC

Re: Will someone please check my planned nvidia driver inst

Post by GeneC »

ok. I will do that...
What kind of nvidia graphics card do you have? You can find out in terminal with the command lscpi | grep VGA
Its an nvidia geoforce 210 (1gb).

The nvidia driver suggested with regular Mint 10 and Ubuntu = the nvidia 173 driver works perfectly there. :?:

Let me see if I can get back to the noveau driver.

Thanks
GeneC

Re: Will someone please check my planned nvidia driver inst

Post by GeneC »

Things are not going according to plan... lol. :lol:

Well, I guess they are. I was looking at this as a learning experience, and it sure is. Dont really NEED the nvidia driver, but want to learn...

I really do appreciate all your help proxima_centauri!

For some reason the nano editor opened up but I saw no text.
(There MAY have been text there, but my monitor [Dell 2210] has the annoying "energy saving" feature of dimming the screen REAL DARK and almost unreadable. I cant seem to turn this feature off, but not concerned about that for now.)

I rebooted into OZ Unity, and from there went into the Mint Debian partition, and did find the file.

/etc/X11/xorg.conf

Code: Select all

# nvidia-xconfig: X configuration file generated by nvidia-xconfig
# nvidia-xconfig:  version 1.0  (buildd@barber)  Sun Jun 13 12:08:56 UTC 2010

Section "ServerLayout"
    Identifier     "Layout0"
    Screen      0  "Screen0"
    InputDevice    "Keyboard0" "CoreKeyboard"
    InputDevice    "Mouse0" "CorePointer"
EndSection

Section "Files"
EndSection

Section "InputDevice"
    # generated from default
    Identifier     "Mouse0"
    Driver         "mouse"
    Option         "Protocol" "auto"
    Option         "Device" "/dev/psaux"
    Option         "Emulate3Buttons" "no"
    Option         "ZAxisMapping" "4 5"
EndSection

Section "InputDevice"
    # generated from default
    Identifier     "Keyboard0"
    Driver         "kbd"
EndSection

Section "Monitor"
    Identifier     "Monitor0"
    VendorName     "Unknown"
    ModelName      "Unknown"
    HorizSync       28.0 - 33.0
    VertRefresh     43.0 - 72.0
    Option         "DPMS"
EndSection

Section "Device"
    Identifier     "Device0"
    Driver         "nvidia"
    VendorName     "NVIDIA Corporation"
EndSection

Section "Screen"
    Identifier     "Screen0"
    Device         "Device0"
    Monitor        "Monitor0"
    DefaultDepth    24
    SubSection     "Display"
        Depth       24
    EndSubSection
EndSection
Maybe you could have a look, and tell me exactly which line or lines to change?
proxima_centauri

Re: Will someone please check my planned nvidia driver inst

Post by proxima_centauri »

Code: Select all

Section "Device"
    Identifier     "Device0"
    Driver         "nvidia"
    VendorName     "NVIDIA Corporation"
EndSection
Change "nvidia" to "vesa".
GeneC

Re: Will someone please check my planned nvidia driver inst

Post by GeneC »

Getting there. :wink:

Was able to get back into Mint Debian in the vesa mode. (640x480 - can hardly make out anything.)

Then re-installed the "...xserver-xorg-video-nouveau.." through synaptic.

Re-edited /etc/X11/xorg.conf
Changed "vesa" to "nouveau"
Rebooted

BLACK SCREEN ?

I obviously missed something. No rush getting this solved, if your busy. But would be nice to get things back to what they were.

Any easy way to change the resolution higher than 640x480 in vesa?
proxima_centauri

Re: Will someone please check my planned nvidia driver inst

Post by proxima_centauri »

Hmm, try installing xserver-xorg-video-nv and changing "vesa" to "nv". That may have been what it was using originally.
GeneC

Re: Will someone please check my planned nvidia driver inst

Post by GeneC »

Hmm, try installing xserver-xorg-video-nv and changing "vesa" to "nv". That may have been what it was using originally.
YEP! That did it. Back to square one. :lol:

Thanks for all the help today proxima_centauri . I appreciate it.

I was hoping to use the Nvidia driver, and I do CAD work (or DID, now retired :D ). Wanted to try the parametric 3D Cad modeler "FreeCad". Knew it needed open GL. I'll just use it in regular Mint for the time being, and hope that Mint Debian comes with its own restricted driver installer down the line. As the Nvidia 173 legacy driver works on this computer in both Mint 10, and OZ Unity. I know its not a hardware issue. I'll do more research.

Its all fun.

PS

Everything seems to be working as before, but should I UNINSTALL any of the files I added in the original nvidia driver update?
secipolla

Re: Will someone please check my planned nvidia driver inst

Post by secipolla »

You can also try installing it with sgfxi (does LMDE come with it? I'm in plain Debian).
Remove completely every nvidia package you installed (not the nv driver, of course) then run 'sudo apt-get autoremove --purge'.
In case LMDE doesn't come with sgfxi, you can download and run it with

Code: Select all

cd /usr/local/bin && wget -O sgfxi smxi.org/sgfxi && chmod +x sgfxi && sgfxi
(in a root terminal; close all you other applications before doing it because it will ask to stop the xserver)
http://smxi.org/site/install.htm#sgfxi

Just an observation: since you're running nv already then sgfxi may install the proprietary driver straight away, if you were running nouveau then you could need to reboot even twice. It's simple, don't worry.

After you have the proprietary driver installed you will have to tweak a little thing every time the package xserver-xorg-core is updated for you to get GLX rendering back.

Code: Select all

sudo update-alternatives --config libGL.so.1

Code: Select all

sudo update-alternatives --config libglx.so
GeneC

Re: Will someone please check my planned nvidia driver inst

Post by GeneC »

secipolla

Thanks much for the info. :)
I will give that a try tomorrow and let you know how it goes.
GeneC

Re: Will someone please check my planned nvidia driver inst

Post by GeneC »

SOLVED

I got nvidia driver installed and compiz working.

The earlier problem I had was using the wrong driver.

The nivida 173 driver does not work with my nvidia geoforce 210 card. (black screen of death)!


The actual installation was quite simple and took about 10 minutes. Would be real nice if there was a list or database listing what linux drivers work with which cards. Dont know if that is possible.


Here is what I did for any newbies like me out there who want to give it a try..


First I turned off the "gnome-composting" that I had turned on.
(Menu>Desktop Settings>Windows>Performance>check=use gnome composting)
I dont know if this is necessary, but I thought it was a good idea.

Next

From synaptic > downloaded

In this order (not sure if it matters)?

1.
nvidia-vdpau-driver (195.36.31-6)
(this added these dependicies)
nvidia-kernel-2.6.32-5-amd64 (195.36.31+2+4+2.6.32-24)
nvidia-kernel-common (20100522+1)

2.
nvidia-kernel-dkms-(195.36.31-6)
(this added these dependicies)
libgl1-nvidia-alternatives (195.36.31-6)
libgl1-nvidia-glx (195.36.31-6)
libglx-nvidia-alternatives (195.36.31-6)
nvidia-glx (195.36.31-6)

3.
nvidia-setting
nvidia-xconfig

------------
Then ran
sudo nvidia-xconfig (from terminal)

Logged out and back in (that restartred X)

------------
Ran compiz (from terminal)

------------
Opened compiz config setting manager (from menu)
set a couple of effects, (wobbly window, et) to see if they worked, they did. :)

Last was to make an entry in the "startup applications" (from menu)
simply with the command "compiz" so compiz would start automatically on boot.

Thats it. All is working fine

==================================

I have one final question?

I never did delete the:

xserver-xorg-video-nouveau and
xserver-xorg-video-nv

as was suggested in the tutorial, everything seems to work?
Anyone know for sure, if I should delete these?
proxima_centauri

Re: Will someone please check my planned nvidia driver inst

Post by proxima_centauri »

GeneC wrote:I have one final question?

I never did delete the:

xserver-xorg-video-nouveau and
xserver-xorg-video-nv

as was suggested in the tutorial, everything seems to work?
Anyone know for sure, if I should delete these?
You should be able to safely remove them, but it is not necessary.
GeneC

Re: [Solved] Newbies' Nvidia driver install, and compiz.

Post by GeneC »

Thanks again for all the help on this proxima_centauri! :D
CiaW

Re: Will someone please check my planned nvidia driver inst

Post by CiaW »

GeneC wrote:SOLVED

I got nvidia driver installed and compiz working.
The earlier problem I had was using the wrong driver.
The nivida 173 driver does not work with my nvidia geoforce 210 card. (black screen of death)!
<deleted>
Thats it. All is working fine
I have one final question?

I never did delete the:
xserver-xorg-video-nouveau and
xserver-xorg-video-nv

as was suggested in the tutorial, everything seems to work?
Anyone know for sure, if I should delete these?
It may be that your system is still using the nouveau drivers, since I think they'd be the default if they're installed. You could check your /etc/X11/xorg.conf file and see if there's a section such as:

Section "Device"
Identifier "Video Card"
Driver "nvidia"
VendorName "NVIDIA Corporation"
EndSection

I actually changed the identifier from "Device0" per an article I found, just because that's what the example showed and mine had "Device 0" and it works. It's probably not an important distinction, but see if it shows driver as 'nvidia' instead of 'nouveau'. If it still shows nouveau, you might want to remove those files as well as libdrm-nouveau1 which I found doing a search in synaptic. Then run the nvidia-xconfig again.

Glad you got it working!
Locked

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