Google Earth resets X
 

Up to yesterday, Google Earth was working perfectly. As of today, every time I run it, as soon as the splashscreen appears the X server resets itself (just like if I hit Ctrl-Alt-Backspace). Any idea why this might be or how I can diagnose it?

Kubuntu Edgy, nvidia 6200 Turbocache PCI-E.
I haven't changed anything since yesterday, but hadn't rebooted in a few days after doing some small updates suggested by adept before a power-cut this morning.

If you've applied an update to X, you need to re-run the Nvidia installer. The X updates "fix" the changes made by the Nvidia installer. When you run a GLX application after that happens, X crashes.

OK, will try that. Bit of a pain, these kernel updates. Each time they create a new menu.lst with the wrong grub entries and make my system unbootable, then break something in the video display!

I wasn't referring to a kernel update. Since you said you had not rebooted, a kernel change could not be the cause. The only other possibility is an X update, which can cause the symptom you reported.

Kernel, X, I'm not sure to be honest, but thank you for the suggestion which solved the problem.

This issue just occurred to me as well (fresh install of openSUSE 10.2 though). Thing is, had no updates (X or otherwise).

Running the nvidia installer won't help me (I believe) as the card was recognized during install and, as such... didn't install any other nvidia drivers.

What you say makes a lot of sense though...

Ideas?

Which driver are you running? The open source driver (nv) or the proprietary Nvidia driver (nvidia)? You can check with (as root):

lsmod | grep -i nv

Nothing happens when I run that (as root), no error, nada.

Running the default open source driver (did not install own).

If you received no response, then you don't have an Nvidia video card. You have a different issue; start a new thread.

*cough*
I most certainly do have an nvidia card... Ti4600 which is seen in Yast. :p

If you aren't using the nv or nvidia driver, then you are running with the generic vesa driver, which would still be a different issue. Check your /etc/X11/xorg.conf.

Section "Device"
BoardName "GeForce4 Ti 4600"
BusID "1:0:0"
Driver "nv"
Identifier "Device[0]"
Option "usevnc" "no"
Screen 0
VendorName "NVidia"
EndSection

Then you typo'd the command, or you are experiencing a miracle (you are using a driver without it being loaded).

In the first case, since you are having a problem with the open source driver, you have a different issue. Open a new thread to get the attention of someone that can help you with that.

In the second case, call the Vatican. :)

ya eh... :d

I copied that command...
I typed that command...

/me calls the vatican

What is supposed to occur? Text in the terminal?

You should see the loaded driver, like this: