can't install nvidia driver

Sargek · 05-09-2007, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djcs

I have had a similar problem that some of you are reporting, however for me it occurred at the 2.6.20 kernel upgrade, so I'm now back at 2.6.18-4.
And yes i like to try and keep things "the Debian way" as much as possible except for when it comes to the nvidia drivers.

The one thing i found out about this para_virt_ops option is that it is a kernel module compiled for the purposes of helping out programs like vmware and suck. I haven't yet found it in modconf and as happytux reported, the only way that i have seen for removing this option is to build your own kernel with the para_virt_ops module turned off.

The para_virt_ops module, from what i have seen reported, requires that the kernel be "taint free" from any third party modules. Also from what i have seen, it has been logged as a bug and hopefully someone, somewhere is looking into a way to fix it.

Many people have also spoken about asking nvidia the same old question of allowing the source code to be opened. I honestly cant see this happening in a hurry. So for now, until a release for a new kernel without this problem or nvidia go opensource, i am sticking with a 2.6.18-4 kernel.

Just thought i would throw my 2 cents worth in as i spent a weekend trying to solve it and didn't want others to do the same without knowing what they are up for.

DJ

Good to know info - sorry I draggged your orignal post off on a tangent...guess it pays to pay attention to the original post, eh ?!

Sargek · 05-09-2007, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tons of Fun

You're right, sorry about that; I was in a hurry and wanted to help. I looked at the link you provided, and is very similar to the way I did it. I already had custom kernel, so I didn't update the kernel, but the remainder of the process did work when the other ways wouldn't. I am going to try to get the nvidia drivers installed this weekend on my etch machine.

No problem at all - it took me forever to find a site that had a comprehensive set of instructions that actually worked. The Debian Wiki has some too, but I've never compared them to the link I posted. Glad you got it working.

Jongi · 05-13-2007, 05:33 AM

I compiled my own 2.6.21.1 kernel which had paravirtulisation enabled and meant I also got the error

Code:

GPL-incompatible module nvidia.ko uses GPL-only symbol 'paravirt_ops'

I fixed it using this method which didn't require a recompile of the kernel or a reboot to be able to run nVidia's 1.0.9755 installer.

I reproduce the steps below

Code:

1. Get kernel - linux-<version>.tar.bz2 
2. Uncompress to /usr/src/linux-<version>
3. rm /lib/modules/<version>/build 
4. ln -s /usr/src/linux-<version> /lib/modules/<version>/build
4. cp /usr/src/linux-headers-<version>/.config /usr/src/linux-<version>
5. cd /usr/src/linux-<version>
6. make xconfig (to be able to run x as root, I have installed sux) <-This line is my change
7. Disable paravirtualization in 'processor features'. Save and exit.
8. make prepare
9. make scripts
10. now i could compile and install nvidia kernel drive

But when I reboot here is what I have to do every time (I use KDE)

Code:

1.Boot into kernel
2.Kernel tries to load x-server and screen goes blank
3.I press Ctrl-Alt-F1
4.Log in as normal user
5. su -
6../etc/init.d/kdm stop
7.Install nVidia driver using .run script
8../etc/init.d/kdm start
9.Above boots me into KDE as normal user

This is on lenny/sid

Jongi · 05-13-2007, 12:34 PM

Sorted the problem out like this.

Code:

1. Ctrl-Alt-F1
2. Login as root
3. sh nvidia-installer.run --uninstall
4. aptitude purge nvidia-kernel-source
5. aptitude purge nvidia-glx
6. Reboot

Not entirely sure that a reboot was needed but figured what the heck. I suspect it was unnecessary. When you reboot, it will not load x. Login as normal user.

Code:

1. su -
2. Enable unstable from the main source or mirror (main, contrib and non-free) in /etc/apt/sources.list
3. apt-get update && apt-get install nvidia-kernel-source module-assistant nvidia-settings
4. m-a prepare && m-a a-i nvidia
5. grep -q ^nvidia /etc/modules || echo nvidia >> /etc/modules
6. apt-get install nvidia-glx
7. Disable unstable from the main source or mirror (main, contrib and non-free) in /etc/apt/sources.list
8. /etc/init.d/kdm stop
9. modprobe nvidia
10. Check /etc/X11/xorg.conf that the driver is nvidia
11. /etc/init.d/kdm start

Now my 2.6.21.1 kernel loads up into X without issue. The above I got from here