I'm not a complete newbie to Ubuntu, but new enough to not know what to do now.

I think the problem is my driver as I was trying to get better performance from my video card by getting another driver. But instead, it really messed up my local login to the point that I cannot even use the keyboard to switch to another console. I can login to the Ubuntu box via xdmcp session and ssh, so the Xserver is working as is terminal services. The video was showing nothing, but now is showing the startup graphic when Ubuntu shows on startup, except it is not at the same resolution as I'm seeing two of them side by side and in very strange colours.

I've tried to use the command:
sudo dpkg-reconfigure xserver-xorg
But it doesn't ask for a video type, which is what I was expecting.

Is there anyway of resetting the video settings somehow to get it to where it was when I installed Ubuntu at the beginning? It was a little slow, but at least it had 3D capabilities and I could use it locally.

The system is a INTEL P4 with 1GB RAM running Juanty 9.04 Ubuntu. If you need more info, please tell me how to get that info and I will provide it.

Thanks for your help.


Adrian

I suggest you update to the latest release which will address to items - your video resolution (better driver availablity) and it will load the newest and greatest approved programs. But be aware that it is not a quick fix, especially if your got a slow/small internet pipe.

Otherwise, try your luck at the Ubuntu users site and look up their knowledge base - it has been answered before.

https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu

Hope this assist you.
Cheers.

Ok, upgraded to 9.10 and video is now working, but my 3D isn't. When I go to Appearance Preferences -> Visual Effects and select Normal or Extra, it states that "Desktop effects could not be enabled". I looked briefly around and seems there is some problem with ATI drivers for 9.10.

But thanks for getting my desktop back. But I hope that is not necessary ever again. Man, having to upgrade to a new OS just to get my desktop back? THAT'S NUTS!


Adrian

I've had to install and reinstall many times as an administrator and the video card is usually the one thing that is not always correct. Take nvidia 8400 gs for example. I can not use the latest drivers for dual head, i have to use the 173 drivers to make it work. Small bugs, sometimes you have to downgrade drivers to get the video card to work better. Do a search for your specific video card on the forums or list it here maybe someone can assist in the correct driver and manual settings in the config.