boot process frozen on "failed to set mode on [CRTC:6]"

[destova]

I'm not entirely sure if this should be in the install thread or this one... I apologize if I'm in the wrong thread.

I just installed a new version of Lisa onto a fairly new HP computer from a 64bit dvd. The install went smoothly, but when trying to boot after the install, it stops partly through and simply says *ERROR* failed to set mode on [CRTC:6] fsck from util-linux 2.19.1

this message is posted rather early in the process, then it runs through a few more things with OK after all. then it just freezes. I decided to let it sit last night to see if it was just slow booting, but when I woke up this morning I found that the only change was the above error line written three more times.

found a few threads mildly related to this issue and it looks like its something with the graphics card maybe? I tried getting in to edit during boot as they recommend, but nothing works (hitting enter, tab, or holding shift- all three just have no response at all). The computer is completely frozen. Running from the dvd it works great, but the install itself just freezes.

I'm sure you'll need more information than this but I don't know what you'll need- so please let me know and I'll provide it as best as I can. I am completely new at this- read through the entire faq, tips and tricks, and news before installing and thought all was going well, but I guess not!!

thanks in advance,
trishia

[mads]

...found a few threads mildly related to this issue and it looks like its something with the graphics card maybe? I tried getting in to edit during boot as they recommend, but nothing works (hitting enter, tab, or holding shift- all three just have no response at all). The computer is completely frozen. Running from the dvd it works great, but the install itself just freezes...

There is no other way than adding a parameter to the kernel line before booting. In your case it is probably "nomodeset" or "nomodeset noapic".
You can check out this How To:
How to set NOMODESET and other kernel boot options in grub2
Or use this:
1. Restart your PC
2. Hold down SHIFT (if it doesn't work, try 'Esc' or any other key) to display the hidden menu during boot (Note: SHIFT only works for single-OS systems)
3. When you see GRUB menu, highlight the Linux Mint entry and press the 'E' key
4. Use the cursor keys to navigate to the line that ends with "quiet splash", and add nomodeset (like this: quiet splash nomodeset)
5. When you are done editing the kernel line, press Ctrl-X to boot

[donmega]

...found a few threads mildly related to this issue and it looks like its something with the graphics card maybe? I tried getting in to edit during boot as they recommend, but nothing works (hitting enter, tab, or holding shift- all three just have no response at all). The computer is completely frozen. Running from the dvd it works great, but the install itself just freezes...

There is no other way than adding a parameter to the kernel line before booting. In your case it is probably "nomodeset" or "nomodeset noapic".
You can check out this How To:
How to set NOMODESET and other kernel boot options in grub2
Or use this:
1. Restart your PC
2. Hold down SHIFT (if it doesn't work, try 'Esc' or any other key) to display the hidden menu during boot (Note: SHIFT only works for single-OS systems)
3. When you see GRUB menu, highlight the Linux Mint entry and press the 'E' key
4. Use the cursor keys to navigate to the line that ends with "quiet splash", and add nomodeset (like this: quiet splash nomodeset)
5. When you are done editing the kernel line, press Ctrl-X to boot

Thanks very much, i actually registered on this site specifically to thank you for the solution i have looked everywhere for. After spending sometime attempting to install different distros and running into the same issue on my old hp a1600n i finally stumbled upon this thread with your very easy follow instruction and am now enjoying the greatness which is Mint. Thanks again i registered just to thank you and now will stay for all my future Mint needs

[mads]

Thanks very much, i actually registered on this site specifically to thank you for the solution i have looked everywhere for. After spending sometime attempting to install different distros and running into the same issue on my old hp a1600n i finally stumbled upon this thread with your very easy follow instruction and am now enjoying the greatness which is Mint. Thanks again i registered just to thank you and now will stay for all my future Mint needs

donmega, thanks for kind words. I am very glad that I could be of help.
Welcome to the Mint forums.

[Daikini]

Thank you mads.

I just installed LM12 on a Compaq Presario desktop and needed this info.

It's up and running all the updates now!

[coldrice]

Hello, I have an Nvidia video card (with the current drivers) and am experiencing the same problem, only slightly worse. I cannot get into gnome. When I hold in shift on the bootscreen, the screen goes black and indicates in the upper left corner that it is opening gnome. The screen then goes purple, holds for about 10 seconds, then goes to the command screen and gives me three "failed to set mode on crtc:6" messages again. ARRGGHHH! Not sure what to do. I'm currently using a Windows universal boot cd to get on the internet, but downloading things doesn't seem to work. I'd love help from someone, thank you!

[jereme.guenther]

There is no other way than adding a parameter to the kernel line before booting. In your case it is probably "nomodeset" or "nomodeset noapic".
You can check out this How To:
How to set NOMODESET and other kernel boot options in grub2
Or use this:
1. Restart your PC
2. Hold down SHIFT (if it doesn't work, try 'Esc' or any other key) to display the hidden menu during boot (Note: SHIFT only works for single-OS systems)
3. When you see GRUB menu, highlight the Linux Mint entry and press the 'E' key
4. Use the cursor keys to navigate to the line that ends with "quiet splash", and add nomodeset (like this: quiet splash nomodeset)
5. When you are done editing the kernel line, press Ctrl-X to boot

I too registered just to say thanks for this solution, it solved my issue as well.
For step 2 I ended up having to press the E key to bring up the menu, then press it again to edit the entry.