-current users with 2.6.33+ and nVidia GPU : nomodeset can avoid you a blank screen

Didier Spaier · 04-06-2010, 11:26 AM

Let's suppose you updated -current >= March 1 2010 and have a nVidia GPU

Question: the screen goes blank during startup what can I do ?
Answer: reboot typing nomodeset at the Lilo prompt, like this:

Code:

Linux nomodeset

Explanation: for nVidia users and kernel 2.6.33 or newer, a nouveau driver is automatically loaded during the startup sequence. But if you chose a VESA resolution at boot like most people do (and is chosen by default if you don't edit lilo.conf before running lilo), the nouveau framebuffer doesn't work for now with some GPUs including mine, and vesa framebuffer is no more in use=> no display at all on the console.

But if you use the nomodeset kernel parameter, nouveaufb is not used so you keep vesafb and all goes well.

Once you are given access to you system again, better either blacklist nouveau or edit lilo.conf to choose one of the "VGA=normal", "VGA=ext" or "VGA=ask" option in your lilo.conf. This way you won't encounter this problem any more.

HerbertJ · 04-07-2010, 08:04 AM

Wow, thanks
I can't test it since I already fixed the problem, but I'm sure someone else out there will get the problem someday.

igadoter · 04-08-2010, 02:07 PM

Hi,

I had similar problem. I resolved it blacklisted the noveau
driver.

However when I loggedout from KDE the computer freezed.

Any suggestions what's wrong?

I'm using nvidia fx5500 card.

Greetings