Screen Resolution Issues (For a Learner)
 

I am new to Ubuntu and linux and not very computer savy. However, got a Dell D610 that came loaded with Ubuntu 8.04 and it was working well for a few days. It then suddenly changed screen resolution to 640 X 480 at 60Hz and will not allow me to go any higher. This was not the case when I got the laptop. I am looking for someone patient to walk me through how to change the resolution back to 1000 and higher x something else. Sorry for the vagueness, as I said not very comp savvy and new to Linux and Ubuntu.

Wow, someone preinstalled beta version???
Probably after automatic update it cannot sense the correct sttings itself.

I usually resolve this problem by finding the correct monitor parameters manually and putting it into configuration file xorg.conf. So, you have to:

1. find the parameters
launch the terminal and use either gtf or (better) cvt utility to get the proper modeline for your monitor. You should get something like this:
See man gtf for explanation of parameters.

2. insert the parameters to /etc/X11/xorg.conf
(You will need root privileges to edit this file.)
Insert the whole modeline you just got into the "Monitor" section and make sure the name of this modeline ("1280x1024_60.00" in the above example) is included in desired subsection "Display" of section "Screen".

3. restart Xserver

You may search the LinuxQuestions.org to get more information about your problem, it is quite common.

Good luck.

1. find the parameters
launch the terminal and use either gtf or (better) cvt utility to get the proper modeline for your monitor. You should get something like this:
See man gtf for explanation of parameters.

Did this with no problem what so ever - thanks.

2. insert the parameters to /etc/X11/xorg.conf
(You will need root privileges to edit this file.)

Tried doing this but got the prompt "Permission denied". How do I get root privileges to reconfigure my settings? Aargh.

See https://help.ubuntu.com/community/RootSudo

Use the sudo command. So if you wanted to edit the xorg.conf file, you could use the following commands in the following way within a command line terminal window:

(you might want to create a backup of the xorg.conf file first, so you would do:

Then it is safe to edit the file with the commands:

So now you can add or modify the lines in the file.

Then, to save the file, hold CTRL+O then to exit the file editor, hold CTRL+X


To summarise the above commands a bit for you:

sudo = Super User DO, means the following command will be done with Super User privilidges.

cp = copy!

pico = is a text file editor (one of many) 'nano' is also another option

/etc/X11/xorg.conf = simply the path and the filename.

Regards,
Greenie

Hey guys, thank you very very much for your help. The Sudo command worked and my computer is back to normal and now working fine.

When I entered: sudo pico /etc/X11/xorg.conf I got a prompt telling me "If you have edited this file but would like to be automatically updated again run the following command: sudo dpkgpreconfigure -phigh xserver-xorg

This enabled any upgrades or downloads to recognise that there was an error in settings and restore the correct resolutions. Computer now back to normal resolutions and working fine. However half another question now, if the text is too small and I keep needing to use the ctrl + + and ctrl + - commands to get it to a useable size. Is there any way of setting it to my own personal preference?

Again cheers guys.

When is the text too small? In the web browser? The application menu? In a terminal? On the login screen?

Or is it too small everywhere?

If I remember correctly, somewhere in Ubuntu preferences is 'Display.' You need to change how Ubuntu reads the screen size itself, and then change the resolution.