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Ubuntu Feisty Installation Guide

2007-04-23T14:39:23Z

24.61.106.84: /* BigDesktop not working after login */

The [[:Category:Releases|latest]] fglrx driver supports Radeon 9500+ and the X-series cards up to X1900.

==Pre-Installation Checks==
=== Enable "restricted" Repository ===
Make sure the ''restricted'' repository is enabled in ''/etc/apt/sources.list'' or this guide will not work!

=== Disable Composite Extension ===
In Ubuntu Feisty the Composite extension is enabled by default, however, ''fglrx'' does not yet support Composite with DRI. In order to disable Composite you have to edit the ''xorg.conf'' file:
<pre>sudo gedit /etc/X11/xorg.conf</pre>
and add these lines at the end of the file:
{{Box File|/etc/X11/xorg.conf|
<pre>Section "Extensions"
Option "Composite" "Disable"
EndSection</pre>
}}
*Note: Xubuntu does not have gedit. The default text editor in Xubuntu is called mousepad.
*Note: Kubuntu does not have gedit. The default text editor in Kubuntu is called Kate. Another option is to use nano.
*Note: Use "0" instead of "Disable" if you get the black screen of death.

== Installation ==
===Method 1: Install the Driver the Ubuntu Way===
<pre>
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install linux-restricted-modules-$(uname -r) #Okay if it is already installed
sudo apt-get install xorg-driver-fglrx
sudo depmod -a
</pre>

If the system complains about dependencies, use the Synaptic Package Manager (under System>Administration>Synaptic Package Manager) to download python2.4 and all the packages upon which it is depended

===Method 2: Install the 8.36.5 Driver Manually===

*Note: ''This is just an alternative installation method for the section above. It might help if you still get 'DRI missing' errors.''

:*NOTE: This driver is now prepared for 2.6.20 kernels!

Download the ATI driver installer: [https://a248.e.akamai.net/f/674/9206/0/www2.ati.com/drivers/linux/ati-driver-installer-8.36.5-x86.x86_64.run ati-driver-installer-8.36.5-x86.x86_64.run](this installer is for 32bit '''and''' 64bit systems), taking care of which version needs for your [[Hardware|device]].

Change to the download directory. Make sure that you have the ''universe'' and ''multiverse'' repositories enabled in ''/etc/apt/sources.list'' before doing these steps.

There is a detailled manual with screenshots at [https://wiki.ubuntu.com/AddingRepositoriesHowto Ubuntu Wiki].

By default, Ubuntu does not enable the Universe and Multiverse repositories. But they include some important programs and codecs, so it is highly recommended to activate them.

''Install necessary tools:''
<pre>
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install module-assistant build-essential fakeroot dh-make debhelper debconf libstdc++5 linux-headers-$(uname -r)
</pre>

''Create .deb packages:''
<pre>
bash ati-driver-installer-8.36.5-x86.x86_64.run --buildpkg Ubuntu/feisty
</pre>

''Blacklist old fglrx module from linux-restricted-modules:''

*Note: You only need to do this if you've installed the driver from Method 1 above.

As ubuntu's ''linux-restricted-modules'' package includes the fglrx module from an old driver version (8.28.8), we have to blacklist this module to make sure the new kernel module which is needed by the new driver will be used instead.

<pre>sudo gedit /etc/default/linux-restricted-modules-common</pre>
Add "fglrx" to the line "DISABLED_MODULES"
{{Box File|/etc/default/linux-restricted-modules-common|
<pre>DISABLED_MODULES="fglrx"</pre>
}}

''Install .deb packages:''
<pre>
sudo dpkg -i xorg-driver-fglrx_8.36.5-1*.deb
sudo dpkg -i fglrx-kernel-source_8.36.5-1*.deb
sudo dpkg -i fglrx-amdcccle_8.36.5-1*.deb
</pre>

''Remove any old fglrx debs from /usr/src/:''
<pre>
sudo rm /usr/src/fglrx-kernel*.deb
</pre>

''Fix broken dependencies''
*Note: ''You only need to do this if you have installed previous versions of these drivers using this method before.''
<pre>
sudo apt-get -f install
</pre>

''Compile the kernel module:''
<pre>
sudo module-assistant prepare
sudo module-assistant update
sudo module-assistant build fglrx
sudo module-assistant install fglrx
sudo depmod -a
</pre>

'''IMPORTANT''': You have to recompile the kernel module after each kernel update!
''NOTE'': The fglrx source code now prepared for 2.6.20.

===Configure the Driver===
*Note: An '''alternative''' to the '''aticonfig --initial''' command is to edit ''/etc/X11/xorg.conf'' and replace the string "ati" with "fglrx" in the "Device" section. This way you won't lose your old "Screen" and "Monitor" settings. Afterwards you can use aticonfig for setting overlay etc. '''I suggest that you do it the manual way if you patched the module, aticonfig --initial didn't work for me. Another alternative is aticonfig --initial --force
<pre>
sudo aticonfig --initial
</pre>
Then:
<pre>
sudo aticonfig --overlay-type=Xv
</pre>

===Finish the Installation===
Now save any open document and reboot your system:
<pre>
sudo shutdown -r now
</pre>
*Note: An '''alternative''' to rebooting is to restart the X Server by pressing your CTRL+ALT+BACKSPACE keys. You must remove any old kernel modules such as "drm" "radeon" or "fglrx" using the "rmmod" command. Example: <code>sudo rmmod fglrx</code>

== Post-Installation Checks ==
===Verifying===
Run the following command to check its output to ensure the fglrx driver is installed properly:
<pre>
$fglrxinfo
display: :0.0 screen: 0
OpenGL vendor string: ATI Technologies Inc.
OpenGL renderer string: MOBILITY RADEON 9700 Generic
OpenGL version string: 2.0.6458 (8.36.5)
</pre>

=== Additional configure with aticonfig tool ===
You can even more configure the driver with the '''aticonfig''' tool, more information can be found at [[Configuring]].

For example: 
* use powerplay option to switch power state for battery friendly or performance mode
* use dual head or one big desktop mode
* turn second monitor on/off on the fly

==Ubuntu-specific Issues==

=== Revert to Xorg driver ===

If (for any reason) the fglrx install fails, you can revert to the Xorg driver by executing
<pre>sudo dpkg-reconfigure xserver-xorg</pre>
and selecting the "ati" driver, or simply restoring the previous /etc/X11/xorg.conf file, if you made a backup.

You also need to remove the xorg-driver-fglrx or your manually installed drivers to get the 3D acceleration back, since it is provided by file /usr/lib/libGL.so.1.2 which belongs to libgl1-mesa package and which is moved to backup and replaced at the installation of xorg-driver-fglrx (or the manually built) package. In case the removal of the fglrx drivers fails to restore the file from libgl1-mesa, you have to reinstall the package by running:

<pre>sudo apt-get install --reinstall libgl1-mesa</pre>

=== If suspend is not working ===

If after fglrx installation suspend stops working, meaning it suspends not start and just gives black screen. Then changing a few options is reported to work for some hardware ([https://launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/linux-restricted-modules-2.6.20/+bug/84991 Bug 84991 ]).

For ATI X700:
{{Box File|/etc/default/acpi-support|
<pre>
SAVE_VBE_STATE=false
POST_VIDEO=true
USE_DPMS=false
</pre>
}}

For ATI X1300:
{{Box File|/etc/default/acpi-support|
<pre>
POST_VIDEO=false
</pre>
}}

For ATI X1400, no combination of /etc/default/acpi-support settings has been found to work.

=== BigDesktop not working after login ===

BigDesktop Works on GDM login screen, but not after window manager loads

System > Prefrences > Screen Resolution

Select the resolution that is a combination of both screen resolutions wide and your height.

==See Also==
*[[Frequently Asked Questions]]
*[[Performance Issues]]
*[http://www.petitiononline.com/x200MLin/petition.html Petition for better ATI/AMD Radeon XPRESS 200M Linux Drivers]
{{VCT}}
[[Category:Installation Documentation]]

Ubuntu Feisty Installation Guide

2007-04-21T21:27:39Z

24.61.106.84: /* Method 2: Install the 8.36.5 Driver Manually */ Double bullet -> indented bullet

The [[:Category:Releases|latest]] fglrx driver supports Radeon 9500+ and the X-series cards up to X1900.

==Pre-Installation Checks==
=== Enable "restricted" Repository ===
Make sure the ''restricted'' repository is enabled in ''/etc/apt/sources.list'' or this guide will not work!

=== Disable Composite Extension ===
In Ubuntu Feisty the Composite extension is enabled by default, however, ''fglrx'' does not yet support Composite with DRI. In order to disable Composite you have to edit the ''xorg.conf'' file:
<pre>sudo gedit /etc/X11/xorg.conf</pre>
and add these lines at the end of the file:
{{Box File|/etc/X11/xorg.conf|
<pre>Section "Extensions"
Option "Composite" "Disable"
EndSection</pre>
}}
*Note: Xubuntu does not have gedit. The default text editor in Xubuntu is called mousepad.
*Note: Kubuntu does not have gedit. The default text editor in Kubuntu is called Kate. Another option is to use nano.
*Note: Use "0" instead of "Disable" if you get the black screen of death.

== Installation ==
===Method 1: Install the Driver the Ubuntu Way===
<pre>
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install linux-restricted-modules-$(uname -r) #Okay if it is already installed
sudo apt-get install xorg-driver-fglrx
sudo depmod -a
</pre>

If the system complains about dependencies, use the Synaptic Package Manager (under System>Administration>Synaptic Package Manager) to download python2.4 and all the packages upon which it is depended

===Method 2: Install the 8.36.5 Driver Manually===

*Note: ''This is just an alternative installation method for the section above. It might help if you still get 'DRI missing' errors.''

:*NOTE: This driver is now prepared for 2.6.20 kernels!

Download the ATI driver installer: [https://a248.e.akamai.net/f/674/9206/0/www2.ati.com/drivers/linux/ati-driver-installer-8.36.5-x86.x86_64.run ati-driver-installer-8.36.5-x86.x86_64.run](this installer is for 32bit '''and''' 64bit systems), taking care of which version needs for your [[Hardware|device]].

Change to the download directory. Make sure that you have the ''universe'' and ''multiverse'' repositories enabled in ''/etc/apt/sources.list'' before doing these steps.

There is a detailled manual with screenshots at [https://wiki.ubuntu.com/AddingRepositoriesHowto Ubuntu Wiki].

By default, Ubuntu does not enable the Universe and Multiverse repositories. But they include some important programs and codecs, so it is highly recommended to activate them.

''Install necessary tools:''
<pre>
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install module-assistant build-essential fakeroot dh-make debhelper debconf libstdc++5 linux-headers-$(uname -r)
</pre>

''Create .deb packages:''
<pre>
bash ati-driver-installer-8.36.5-x86.x86_64.run --buildpkg Ubuntu/feisty
</pre>

''Blacklist old fglrx module from linux-restricted-modules:''

*Note: You only need to do this if you've installed the driver from Method 1 above.

As ubuntu's ''linux-restricted-modules'' package includes the fglrx module from an old driver version (8.28.8), we have to blacklist this module to make sure the new kernel module which is needed by the new driver will be used instead.

<pre>sudo gedit /etc/default/linux-restricted-modules-common</pre>
Add "fglrx" to the line "DISABLED_MODULES"
{{Box File|/etc/default/linux-restricted-modules-common|
<pre>DISABLED_MODULES="fglrx"</pre>
}}

''Install .deb packages:''
<pre>
sudo dpkg -i xorg-driver-fglrx_8.36.5-1*.deb
sudo dpkg -i fglrx-kernel-source_8.36.5-1*.deb
sudo dpkg -i fglrx-amdcccle_8.36.5-1*.deb
</pre>

''Remove any old fglrx debs from /usr/src/:''
<pre>
sudo rm /usr/src/fglrx-kernel*.deb
</pre>

''Fix broken dependencies''
*Note: ''You only need to do this if you have installed previous versions of these drivers using this method before.''
<pre>
sudo apt-get -f install
</pre>

''Compile the kernel module:''
<pre>
sudo module-assistant prepare
sudo module-assistant update
sudo module-assistant build fglrx
sudo module-assistant install fglrx
sudo depmod -ae
</pre>

'''IMPORTANT''': You have to recompile the kernel module after each kernel update!
''NOTE'': The fglrx source code now prepared for 2.6.20.

===Configure the Driver===
*Note: An '''alternative''' to the '''aticonfig --initial''' command is to edit ''/etc/X11/xorg.conf'' and replace the string "ati" with "fglrx" in the "Device" section. This way you won't lose your old "Screen" and "Monitor" settings. Afterwards you can use aticonfig for setting overlay etc. '''I suggest that you do it the manual way if you patched the module, aticonfig --initial didn't work for me. Another alternative is aticonfig --initial --force
<pre>
sudo aticonfig --initial
</pre>
Then:
<pre>
sudo aticonfig --overlay-type=Xv
</pre>

===Finish the Installation===
Now save any open document and reboot your system:
<pre>
sudo shutdown -r now
</pre>
*Note: An '''alternative''' to rebooting is to restart the X Server by pressing your CTRL+ALT+BACKSPACE keys. You must remove any old kernel modules such as "drm" "radeon" or "fglrx" using the "rmmod" command. Example: <code>sudo rmmod fglrx</code>

== Post-Installation Checks ==
===Verifying===
Run the following command to check its output to ensure the fglrx driver is installed properly:
<pre>
$fglrxinfo
display: :0.0 screen: 0
OpenGL vendor string: ATI Technologies Inc.
OpenGL renderer string: MOBILITY RADEON 9700 Generic
OpenGL version string: 2.0.6458 (8.36.5)
</pre>

=== Additional configure with aticonfig tool ===
You can even more configure the driver with the '''aticonfig''' tool, more information can be found at [[Configuring]].

For example: 
* use powerplay option to switch power state for battery friendly or performance mode
* use dual head or one big desktop mode
* turn second monitor on/off on the fly

==Ubuntu-specific Issues==

=== Revert to Xorg driver ===

If (for any reason) the fglrx install fails, you can revert to the Xorg driver by executing
<pre>sudo dpkg-reconfigure xserver-xorg</pre>
and selecting the "ati" driver, or simply restoring the previous /etc/X11/xorg.conf file, if you made a backup.

You also need to remove the xorg-driver-fglrx or your manually installed drivers to get the 3D acceleration back, since it is provided by file /usr/lib/libGL.so.1.2 which belongs to libgl1-mesa package and which is moved to backup and replaced at the installation of xorg-driver-fglrx (or the manually built) package. In case the removal of the fglrx drivers fails to restore the file from libgl1-mesa, you have to reinstall the package by running:

<pre>sudo apt-get install --reinstall libgl1-mesa</pre>

=== If suspend is not working ===

If after fglrx installation suspend stops working, meaning it suspends not start and just gives black screen. Then changing a few options is reported to work for some hardware ([https://launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/linux-restricted-modules-2.6.20/+bug/84991 Bug 84991 ]).

For ATI X700:
{{Box File|/etc/default/acpi-support|
<pre>
SAVE_VBE_STATE=false
POST_VIDEO=true
USE_DPMS=false
</pre>
}}

For ATI X1300:
{{Box File|/etc/default/acpi-support|
<pre>
POST_VIDEO=false
</pre>
}}

For ATI X1400, no combination of /etc/default/acpi-support settings has been found to work.

=== BigDesktop not working after login ===

BigDesktop Works on GDM login screen, but not after window manager loads

System > Prefrences > Screen Resolution

Select the resolution that is a combination of both screen resolutions wide and your height.
[edit]

==See Also==
*[[Frequently Asked Questions]]
*[[Performance Issues]]
*[http://www.petitiononline.com/x200MLin/petition.html Petition for better ATI/AMD Radeon XPRESS 200M Linux Drivers]
{{VCT}}
[[Category:Installation Documentation]]

Troubleshooting

2007-03-24T20:43:27Z

24.61.106.84:

__TOC__
{{VCT-on-top}}

=== No 3D acceleration ===
If you see output that looks like this:

$ fglrxinfo
display: :0.0 screen: 0
OpenGL vendor string: Mesa project: www.mesa3d.org
OpenGL renderer string: Mesa GLX Indirect
OpenGL version string: 1.2 (1.5 Mesa 6.4.1)

Then try these two commands:

mkdir -p /usr/X11R6/lib/modules/dri
ln -s /usr/lib/dri/fglrx_dri.so /usr/X11R6/lib/modules/dri
Source<ref>http://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/Problems_with_fglrx#Perpetual_Mesa_GLX_Indirect_on_Debian</ref>

=== Module compiles, but won't insert ===

If you receive output like "FATAL: Error running install command for fglrx" when attempting <tt>modprobe fglrx</tt> and an entry appears in /var/log/messages like "fglrx: version magic '2.6.15-28-686 SMP preempt 686 gcc-4.1' should be '2.6.15-28-686 SMP preempt 686 gcc-4.0'", you need to recompile the module with the version of GCC mentioned. Execute
sudo apt-get install gcc-[version]
and create symbolic links in /usr/bin for the required version of GCC. Remember to recreate the symlinks when you're done!

=== System lockup on logout or switch to virtual consoles ===

If your system locks up after you logout or when you try to switch to a virtual console, this might be an instance of I[http://ati.cchtml.com/show_bug.cgi?id=330 this bug]. It is likely that the problem only occurs for users with an '''Xorg version of at least 7.0''' and an '''amd64''' system. Probably it only affects users of '''DVI'''.

There is a workaround: Use a standard D-Sub VGA connector instead of the DVI connector.

This workaround was posted as a comment to another related bug: see [http://ati.cchtml.com/show_bug.cgi?id=239#c48 here].

=== X800/X850 fan is very loud / constantly works ===

It seems fglrx has a bug with all X800/X850 cards causing them to heat up excessively
even when not in 3D mode. This behaviour will cause the cards' fans to function on full
blast continuously. There is no known fix as of driver 8.31.05 or previous. Open source
"radeon" driver does not exhibit this problem.

=== nForce 3 AGP Issues ===

For nForce3 based motherboards: if the install seems to go well, but fglrx still fails and $ fglrxinfo tells you you're still running Mesa, there may be a problem with the nVidia AGP-PCI Bridge module's compatibility with your BIOS (or vice versa, I haven't yet investigated). (Confirmed at least for ASUS K8N-E Deluxe.) A solution is to downgrade your BIOS to a previous version (see your motherboard manual/manufacturer's website for instructions). Here is a list of compatible BIOS versions (if your model is not listed here and you find a version that fixes the problem, please add it to the list so others can benefit):

(Update: March 22nd, 2007) It appears that the beta ASUS bios 1012 will also fix the problem. I had the ATI drivers installed but fglrxinfo was still reporting Mesa as the OpenGL provider. I flashed the BIOS to 1012, rebooted into Ubuntu. Problem solved.

*ASUS
**K8N-E Deluxe: Version 1006
**K8N-E Deluxe: Version 1012 beta
**K8N Bios versions up 1003 to 1011, my Solution -> K8V-X (Asus with Via-Chipset) It is working really good now. (Always Problems: nForce3 Chipset)

*ASROCK
**K8Upgrade-NF3
(A little workaround for K8Upgrade-NF3 is to edit xorg.conf, in section "Devices", adding this line: Option "UseInternalAGPGART" "no")

=== Graphical Anomalies ===

This was experienced with an ATI Radeon X1600 Pro 512mb:

After following instructions for both Method 1 and Method 2, whenever the Composite Extension is disabled, the display would be almost unusable, but the fglrxinfo command would display the correct information. If the Composite Extension is re-enabled the display would be usable, but fglrxinfo would report using mesa drivers.

To resolve the problem it maybe needed to lower the AGP Aperture setting in my BIOS to 128mb (or lower worked too). The AGP Aperture was initially set to 256mb. After setting the AGP Aperture to 128mb, everything worked perfectly; the Composite Extension is disabled, fglrxinfo reports the correct drivers, and direct rendering is enabled. Some systems may require setting the AGP Aperture to the highest setting (256mb or 512mb).
===References===
<references/>

[[Category:Installation Documentation]]

[[Category:NeedsUpdating]]
{{VCT}}

Installation

2007-03-24T17:49:21Z

24.61.106.84:

This covers the distribution-independent way of installing the driver with the Installer. Ideally, you should install using the [[:Category:Distributions|distribution-specific]] processes for a less painful experience.

See the article: '''"3D Acceleration for ATI cards (works for SuSE, Mandriva and Debian)"''' at

* http://linuxhelp.150m.com/ati/ati.htm
* http://m.domaindlx.com/LinuxHelp/ati/ati.htm (mirror)

Installing

2007-03-24T17:47:59Z

24.61.106.84: Redirect

#REDIRECT [[Installation]]

Verifying

2007-03-24T17:45:24Z

24.61.106.84: Fixed link

{{VCT-on-top}}

It is assumed that you have completed the [[Installation|installation process]].

If the installation has worked, then any 3D application should work without issue. A simple way to verify without any possibility of failure is to verify the following occurs. Please note that you may have needed to go through [[:Category:Distributions|distribution specific]] process to enable the 3D support.

<pre>
$ fglrxinfo
display: :0.0 screen: 0
OpenGL vendor string: ATI Technologies Inc.
OpenGL renderer string: MOBILITY RADEON 9700 Generic
OpenGL version string: 2.0.5804 (8.25.0)
</pre>

You can also run the ATI provided application called fgl_glxgears which should show a spinning cube with the venerable glxgears running on each face.

If when you run fgl_glxgears, the cube spins, but is lacking any cogs on the faces, the faces being instead, various shades of blue, and/or you get an error message like:

<pre>
Using GLX_SGIX_pbuffer
913 frames in 5.0 seconds = 182.600 FPS
783 frames in 5.0 seconds = 156.600 FPS
X Error of failed request: BadDrawable (invalid Pixmap or Window parameter)
Major opcode of failed request: 14 (X_GetGeometry)
Resource id in failed request: 0x0
Serial number of failed request: 51
Current serial number in output stream: 51
</pre>

then see one of these pages:

http://linux.coconia.net/general/ati.htm 
http://m.domaindlx.com/LinuxHelp/ati/ati.htm (mirror)

You can now move on to [[Configuring|configuring the driver]].

{{VCT}}
[[Category:NeedsUpdating]]