I have a new HP 9340F desktop computer that came with a GeForce 9500GS video card. I installed Ubuntu 8.04.1. On initial bootup of the machine, I get 4 different resolutions with a max of 1280x1024. I knew that I should be getting a wider range of resolutions with this card and the ones offered do no give me the aspect ratios that go well with my AOC 22" wide screen monitor.

I downloaded the Nvidia driver package (NVIDIA-Linux-x86-173.14.12-pkg1.run). After figuring out how to shut down the X-server, I ran this code and it had to do a compile and said that it did the install. It also offered to configure my xorg.conf file so that the setting would remain.

When I reboot my machine, I get a message from the computer that it can't determine which video card I have and then offers me only two resolution (800x600, and 640x480).

I then tried to do the reinstall of the video drivers but no longer get the nvidia range of resolutions.

The solution is every time I reboot the machine, I do the following:
1. boot the machine and get the poor resolution
2. REMOVE the xorg.conf file that nvidia built
3. stop the xserver
4. run the NVIDIA-Linux-x86-173.14.12-pkg1.run file from scratch (including letting it recompile the driver)
5. start up gdm

Can someone help on this? With my drivers running well right now, here is the part of the xorg.conf. that currently is in place (and that I need to remove on bootup):

------------------------------------
Section "Monitor"
Identifier "Monitor0"
VendorName "Unknown"
ModelName "Unknown"
HorizSync 30.0 - 110.0
VertRefresh 50.0 - 150.0
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

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

I suspect that nvidia driver in the Device section needs to be more specific.

I tried Ubuntu, too, once and I know there are packages you can find in Synaptic (or I think, there is a program especially for Ubuntu) that install the driver. So I guess you should try to change the driver section in xorg.conf into Driver "nv" (=free 2D drivers), then the command-line sudo nvidia-installer --uninstall, and look for the package suitable for your system. Then you can also install nvidia-xconfig and run it with sudo, it will make the xorg.conf like the installer (to switch back from the 2D drivers).
Any luck with this?

I followed your instructions but ended up with the same problem. Ultimately, what I did is use your suggestion to replace "Nvidia" in the xorg.conf with "nv" oin the driver field. With that in place, I was able to boot into ubuntu with a wider range of resolution. The default ended up being 1680x1050 at a 60 hz refresh rate. My monitor also seemed to be picked up for the first time (AOC intl 22"). Not sure what all this is so difficult but I am satisfied now. Thanks for the help.

I have the nVidia Gforce Go 7600. I installed the same driver pack and had the same issues. You need to run the "NVIDIA X Server Settings" program that nvidia installs. I'm running FC9 and found it on my Applications-->System menu. Don't use the built in "Display" programs that come with Gnome or KDE.

Good Luck!

I think I tried that and it didn't reboot with the desired setting. I'm happy I have it working now. Thanks.

If the "nv" drivers are enough, that's good. But note that only the "nvidia" drivers from Nvidia offer 3D acceleration (mostly for games). A GeForce 9 has really good performance (I have a GeForce 5, and it's almost not enough for me). So if you want to use the 3D acceleration and have problems using the "nvidia" drivers, post again.