Installing graphics card drivers via YAST
 

Hi,

I brought a new graphics card (nVIDIA GeFORCE 6) and I put in my PC (all was fine there). I then downloaded the generic linux driver from the nVIDIA site and tried to install it according to their instructions.

First off I recieved this message

No precompiled kernel interface was found to match your kernel; this means that the installer will need to compile a new kernel interface.

Not a problem I thought, just click on okay and all will run through fine. I then had this error

The kernel header file
'/lib/modules/2.6.11.4-21.8-default/build/include/linux/kernel.h'
does not exist. The most likely reason for this is that the kernel
source path '/lib/modules/2.6.11.4-21.8-default/build' is incorrect.
Please make sure you have installed the kernel source files for your
kernel; on Red Hat Linux systems, for example, be sure you have the
'kernel-source' rpm installed. If you know the correct kernel source
files are installed, you may specify the kernel source path with the
'--kernel-source-path' commandline option.

Oh Dear I thought. Do I do now. I have been told that I can install these things via YAST and that it would make my life a little easier.

Any idea on my next step?

I am running SUSE 9.3

Mat

You need to install the kernel sources from the dvd. Then run YOU so you'll get any updates.

How would I go about doing that?

Why won't the normal command line installation work?

I have been struggling with the commercial NVIDIA drivers. However, I skip the "Precompiled kernel interface", and proceed with the Nvidia installation and it completes. Just because the Kernel interface is not there, does not require it.

Once the installation is complete, run "sax2" to configure your monitor and graphics card.

(Do all of this before you start up X, of course).

John

Because the installer can't build a new kernel interface without the kernel sources.

Start YaST, type kernel sources into the search field, click accept. You'll also need to have make and gcc compiler installed.

mutak_444, I would encourage you to persevere with your effort to install the latest nVidia driver. I have done so myself and it is really quite easy once you get used to it. According to the nVidia web site, the latest driver fixes numerous issues with its predecessors, including the 7167 version that is the default with SuSE 9.3.

To use the latest driver from nVidia, make sure that you have package kernel_source installed (just go to YaST, Install and Remove Software, and select "Selections" from the drop down "Filter" list at the top of the page - from there, click on the Kernel Development category, and you will see kernel_source in there). You will never need to use this package yourself, but the nVidia build process does, so download it and you are done with that. Also, ensure that you have the C++ Compiler and Tools package installed (again, YaST, Install and Remove Software, select Selections, select "C++ Compiler and Tools" and install the entire group). Like kernel_sources, you may never need this set of tools yourself, but the nVidia install process does - the C++ stuff is good to have anyway - LOTS of installers out there need it. You will be doing yourself a favor.

OK, with the C++ compiler/tools and kernel_sources installed, you are "good to go". Now just follow nVidia's instructions and it should be smooth sailing. I have done this successfully on two different computers and it works like a charm.

One last word of caution: if you have hand edited your xorg.conf (to do things like adding modes, adjusting mouse behaviour etc.) beware that the last step of the nVidia install process, which involves using sax2, overwrites xorg.conf with a new version which activates the newly installed nvidia driver. You would be wise to backup your xorg.conf BEFORE you start the nVidia install, and then re-apply any hand made changes afterwards.

Good luck - if you have any trouble just post again.