I have a GeForce 2MX graphics card which I have managed to use under Linux (LFS) very successfully with the drivers provided by www.nvidia.com.

However, after a recent kernel recompile to add SCSI support I have run into a problem. Whenever I return from my WM (fluxbox) to the console to shutdown or reboot the screen freezes with streaks of pink and other colours across the screen. Nothing rsponds and I am forced to press reset. I am not sure exactly why this suddenly has happened.

After the kernel recompile and the new modules are installed I decided to upgrade to the latest nvidia driver available using their new install method. But I don't think it is the driver as I have used various versions and they all produce the same result. Coincedently, going back to my previous kernel solves the problem and allows me to move from WM to console as it was before, even with the latest drivers. So I'm thinking this is a kernel problem (probably me!).

My first guess is with something to do with the framebuffer support, but when I didn't change anything I can't see why this is so. Are there any other kernel options which could be associated with problems between the console and nvidia graphics driver? It does only happen when I startx and and then try to get back to the console.

Okay, as far as I can gather it was nothing to do with the framebuffer, but rather APC or APIC. I'm not sure which one. I do remember when adding SCSI that I added some options in the APC or APIC sections, so I removed all the options and now it works as usual.

Afternoon Mate,

Glad you got it sorted. It does seem a bit weird, although having said that becuase using the APIC changes the way you system handles interrupts it can result in some weird behaviour. One of my systems at home refuses to power off if APIC support is included in the kernel. Shall we call it "a feature" of some hardware when using the APIC!

cheers

Jamie...

I honestly had no idea why it did it, and quite frankly I think I rather wouldn't!

But it was the only options I changed when recompiling, so like you said, must have been a "feature"...

Besides, I should be revising, not tinkering with lfs!