Cannot install NVidia driver on Linux 2.6.25-2-686 v2.6.25-3
 

I am running Sid and on Friday I installed linux-image-2.6.25-2-686 (v2.6.25-3)
I use the NVidia proprietary driver as I need the gaming abilities.
The current version is the beta 173.08 since 169.12 does not work with 2.6.25.

As usual the installed driver did not work with the new kernel. However when I ran the installer it reported that I was installing on a Xen kernel and the driver does not work with Xen.

My questions are:

1. Is this an Nvidia Installer bug or a kernel package bug?
2. Is there a work-around?

I have not found any other reports about this problem (but might be using the wrong keywords)

Thanks. Strangely the referenced post states
The 173.08 worked OK on 2.6.25-1-686 so maybe there is a new problem.

I'll try and patch the 169.12 driver.

There's a new "problem" starting with 2.6.25-2, xen is now enabled by default, and it's making nvidia drivers compilation fail.
No other solution than recompiling your kernel without the xen option, or wait for nvidia's next release which may (or not) fix the problem.

The subject didn't catch a lot of interest on Debian's mailing list, to summarize : it's not debian's problem, it's nvidia's so go ask nvidia... Well, that another way to say to the desktop users to go use Ubuntu instead of unfriendly Debian... (I'm running Debian for information, it isn't a flame, it's just bare facts.)

Or another way of saying that Debian will not patch the kernel soley to appease a proprietary driver.

How much should Debian sell out?

If the new xorg comes out and nvidia is not ready, do we all need to wait (again?) What about the next kernel?

Also, you are exagerating what was said on the mailing lists

http://lists.debian.org/debian-kerne.../msg00658.html

I was talking about user list, this one on kernel list was indeed adequately answered.

I know Debian can't wait for nvidia to fix their blob, all the more when there is a correct free alternative with nv for the users to wait a bit. But on the other side the few people, and most likely professionals, who need xen support are the ones able to pick up a kernel labeled "xen" in the repositories if they need it, or just compile it with the option. Users who use nvidia driver are not necessarily.
Personally i use either kvm or virtualbox, I don't care about xen support, why would I want this in my kernel. And I don't mind compiling my kernel to turn the option I need on, since virtualization isn't everybody's business I think it would be fair enough.
But disregarding the average desktop user, and there is nothing depreciating in my use of "average", simply isn't fair. Debian isn't a "corporate only" system, it should care for all it's users, especially that kid running games and relying on nvidia's blob to do so, he is the one who will advertise and use Debian in the future.

I love Debian, and mean no disrespect or flame, but i believe simple users are free to express themselves to.

I guess I was lucky that I've just installed the nvidia drivers using my existing 2.6.24 kernel!
So should I just not upgrade to the 2.6.25 kernel or can xen support be compiled out of 2.6.25-2 to solve the issue?

There's no problem compiling the kernel without xen option, in fact it's as simple as unticking an option. You can even install 2.6.25-*, dont use it but copy the "config-2.6.25-*" which is in /boot, remove the kernel and install the sources. Unpack the sources and copy the "config-2.6.25-*" to the unpacked sources and rename it ".config".

This way you'll start the compilation with all desired option (like bigmem, arch, whatever) and you'll just have to uncheck the xen option. As far as I know other virtualization options aren't a problem.

Personally I don't have a problem with recompiling kernels. However I think that the maintainers need to rethink their position.

As far as I am aware the NV driver is not able to handle 3D acceleration. Consequently people who want to run games are being locked out of Debian. I'm not only talking about kids. LOTS of people enjoy playing games apart from using their PC for more intellectual pursuits.

This is going to either drive people to Ubuntu or put them off Linux. FOSS is about choice. I choose to recompile the kernel. Many will choose to migrate away from Debian.

I have installed the 9605 legacy with 2.6.25-3. With the Nvidia patch it runs fine for me. I did recompile the kernel eliminating any of the stock included features I dont use or need.

Recompiling the debian was is simple and fast.

Totally
 

I agree with what you say, and damn Ubuntu :P, Can i be a pain and ask as to what you do to make the recompiled kernels so easy? tis been a while since i have had to bother.... Also, do u do it the "Debian Way"?

Im a lazy bugger and generally try to make up a little script to simplify things...
DJ

http://www.howtoforge.com/howto_linu...compile_debian


However things are worse than I initially thought. VirtualBox OSE will not run on my custom kernel and I have not been able to compile it.

I have to switch to the nv driver and boot the stock kernel.

Personally I consider that the maintainers have done us a great disservice.

Maybe
 

ok, charming, and weird.....
Thankfully i dont use virtualbox....

Has anyone tried the Open source 3D nouveau driver for the nVidia cards ?

Just curious how well it works, and if it would skirt some of the issues discussed here.

Ahh I see it doesn't support the 8000 series yet..