Why does xorg.conf keep getting changed?

[ernieg92]

I edited my xorg.conf file because kubuntu seems to think the only resolution I can use is 680x240@60. I didn't have this problem with Linspire, Windows, or Debian -- only Kubuntu.

It ALWAYS happens with a forced X-restart (ctrl-alt-backspace). But, I can log out and my daughter login and --viola-- she's running at a ridiculously low resolution.

How do I stop this from happening? >

[jankushka]

Re: Why does xorg.conf keep getting changed?

the xorg.conf file is not changed by anyone.
i fear your problem is the (in)famouns displayconfigrc file.
so...
make sure your xorg.conf file has the resolutions you want.
then log in with your daughter's account, open up a konsole and type:

ls -l ~/.kde/share/config/displayconfigrc

if you find that file, enter:

rm ~/.kde/share/config/displayconfigrc

then log out and log back in.
you should now be alright.
do the same for all the accounts you have on your box.
and don't use the adjust resolution thing in system settings...rubbish!

see if i'm right.
if not we'll have to think of something else... :P

hth

[ernieg92]

Re: Why does xorg.conf keep getting changed?

the xorg.conf file is not changed by anyone.
i fear your problem is the (in)famouns displayconfigrc file.

I knew there had to be some file. I did a chmod -x dexconf because that was the only thing referenced in the xorg.conf file.

so...
make sure your xorg.conf file has the resolutions you want.
then log in with your daughter's account, open up a konsole and type:

ls -l ~/.kde/share/config/displayconfigrc

if you find that file, enter:

rm ~/.kde/share/config/displayconfigrc

then log out and log back in.
you should now be alright.
do the same for all the accounts you have on your box.
and don't use the adjust resolution thing in system settings...rubbish!

I'm at work right now so I can't try it until tonight or tomorrow. I'm hoping this solves the problem. Between kdm and samba I'm about ready to give up on Kubuntu (even though I really like it). I actually had to place everyone in the admin group so I could change the resolution. Wasn't real comfortable with that.

Just so I don't repeat this problem, what generates the displayconfigrc file? I prefer to adjust xorg.conf manually so as long as no other package makes changes I'm set.

Thanks for the quick reply -- I'll post back success/failure.

[jankushka]

Re: Why does xorg.conf keep getting changed?

I knew there had to be some file.

well, i'm just guessing.
usually, when the resolution is ok and then it is set to some stupid 640x480 when you log in...
well, usually it's that file.
who places that file there?
sometimes it's just there upon installation.
the crap "monitor and display" in system settings also does write it.
anyway, pls, post for me a)your xorg.conf file, b)details about what graphics card and what monitor you have
i have a range of resolutions (the whole range, actually) in xorg.conf.
so that i leave it to the x server to pick the right one depending upon the monitor i'm hooking up to.
i do that by running:

sudo dpkg-reconfigure xserver-xorg

so that i can get an xorg.conf file with the driver and resolutions range i want (the rest i accept defaults)
and never ever use the system setting rubbish thing.

I did a chmod -x dexconf...

well, change that back (just put a + instead of the -).

I actually had to place everyone in the admin group so I could change the resolution. Wasn't real comfortable with that.

you can leave your users in the admin and adm groups.
that's default, btw.
the best thing to do if you don't want your kids to get administration privileges, if to configure sudo.
the file in question is /etc/sudoers.
the default in there is to let all users in the admin group do all administration tasks (via sudo, of course).
you'll have a line that looks like this:

# Members of the admin group may gain root privileges
%admin ALL=(ALL) ALL

replace that with:

# I may gain root privileges (and nobody else)
your_username ALL=(ALL) ALL

and you'll be the only one allowed to get admin privileges.
if you want to add another user, just copy that line and replace your username with the wanted one.

as for samba...
well, let's get the rest fixed first.

hth

[ernieg92]

Re: Why does xorg.conf keep getting changed?

anyway, pls, post for me a)your xorg.conf file, b)details about what graphics card and what monitor you have

OK, here is xorg.conf:

# nvidia-xconfig: X configuration file generated by nvidia-xconfig
# nvidia-xconfig: version 1.0 (buildmeister@builder3) Mon Feb 26 23:38:46 PST 2007

# /etc/X11/xorg.conf (xorg X Window System server configuration file)
#
# This file was generated by dexconf, the Debian X Configuration tool, using
# values from the debconf database.
#
# Edit this file with caution, and see the xorg.conf(5) manual page.
# (Type "man xorg.conf" at the shell prompt.)
#
# This file is automatically updated on xserver-xorg package upgrades *only*
# if it has not been modified since the last upgrade of the xserver-xorg
# package.
#
# If you have edited this file but would like it to be automatically updated
# again, run the following command:
#  sudo dpkg-reconfigure -phigh xserver-xorg

Section "ServerLayout"
 Identifier "Default Layout"
 screen 0 "Default Screen" 0 0
 InputDevice "Generic Keyboard"
 InputDevice "Configured Mouse"
 InputDevice "stylus" "SendCoreEvents"
 InputDevice "cursor" "SendCoreEvents"
 InputDevice "eraser" "SendCoreEvents"
EndSection

Section "Files"
 
 # path to defoma fonts
 FontPath "/usr/share/fonts/X11/misc"
 FontPath "/usr/share/fonts/X11/cyrillic"
 FontPath "/usr/share/fonts/X11/100dpi/:unscaled"
 FontPath "/usr/share/fonts/X11/75dpi/:unscaled"
 FontPath "/usr/share/fonts/X11/Type1"
 FontPath "/usr/share/fonts/X11/100dpi"
 FontPath "/usr/share/fonts/X11/75dpi"
 FontPath "/var/lib/defoma/x-ttcidfont-conf.d/dirs/TrueType"
EndSection

Section "Module"
 Load "i2c"
 Load "bitmap"
 Load "ddc"
 Load "extmod"
 Load "freetype"
 Load "int10"
 Load "vbe"
 load "glx"
 load "v4l"
EndSection

Section "InputDevice"
 Identifier "Generic Keyboard"
 Driver "kbd"
 option "CoreKeyboard"
 option "XkbRules" "xorg"
 option "XkbModel" "pc105"
 option "XkbLayout" "us"
EndSection

Section "InputDevice"
 Identifier "Configured Mouse"
 Driver "mouse"
 option "CorePointer"
 option "Device" "/dev/input/mice"
 option "Protocol" "ImPS/2"
 option "ZAxisMapping" "4 5"
 option "Emulate3Buttons" "true"
EndSection

Section "InputDevice"
 Identifier "stylus"
 Driver "wacom"
 option "Device" "/dev/input/wacom"
 option "Type" "stylus"
 option "ForceDevice" "ISDV4"# Tablet PC ONLY
EndSection

Section "InputDevice"
 Identifier "eraser"
 Driver "wacom"
 option "Device" "/dev/input/wacom"
 option "Type" "eraser"
 option "ForceDevice" "ISDV4"# Tablet PC ONLY
EndSection

Section "InputDevice"
 Identifier "cursor"
 Driver "wacom"
 option "Device" "/dev/input/wacom"
 option "Type" "cursor"
 option "ForceDevice" "ISDV4"# Tablet PC ONLY
EndSection

Section "Monitor"
 identifier "Sceptre Flatpanel"
 vendorname "Plug 'n' Play"
 modelname "Plug 'n' Play"
 VertRefresh	43-77
 HorizSync	28-64
 Option		"DPMS" "on"
EndSection

Section "Device"
 identifier "nVidia GeForce FX 5500"
 boardname "NVIDIA GeForce FX (generic)"
 busid "PCI:1:0:0"
 driver "nvidia"
 Option	"nologo"
 Option "ConnectedMonitor" "CRT-0, TV-0"
 Option	"TwinView" "true"
 Option "TwinViewOrientation" "Clone"
 Option "MetaModes" "1024x768,1024x768"
 Option	"DPI"	"100 x 100"
 vendorname "NVIDIA"
EndSection

Section "Screen"
 Identifier "Default Screen"
 Device "nVidia GeForce FX 5500"
 Monitor "Sceptre Flatpanel"
 DefaultDepth 24
  SubSection	"Display"
	Depth	24
	Modes "1024x768"
  EndSubSection
EndSection

Section "ServerFlags"
EndSection

I have a 128MB NVidia GeForce FX 5500 (AGP). It's dual headed and connected to a Sceptre X7 17" flatpanel and a Hitachi TV. TwinView is enabled so that slideshows and such are displayed on the TV.

i have a range of resolutions (the whole range, actually) in xorg.conf.
so that i leave it to the x server to pick the right one depending upon the monitor i'm hooking up to.
i do that by running:

sudo dpkg-reconfigure xserver-xorg

so that i can get an xorg.conf file with the driver and resolutions range i want (the rest i accept defaults)
and never ever use the system setting rubbish thing.

Is the dpkg=reconfigure command better than using the NVidia Settings application?

I did a chmod -x dexconf...

well, change that back (just put a + instead of the -).

Ok.

I actually had to place everyone in the admin group so I could change the resolution. Wasn't real comfortable with that.

you can leave your users in the admin and adm groups.
that's default, btw.
the best thing to do if you don't want your kids to get administration privileges, if to configure sudo.
the file in question is /etc/sudoers.
the default in there is to let all users in the admin group do all administration tasks (via sudo, of course).
you'll have a line that looks like this:

# Members of the admin group may gain root privileges
%admin ALL=(ALL) ALL

replace that with:

# I may gain root privileges (and nobody else)
your_username ALL=(ALL) ALL

and you'll be the only one allowed to get admin privileges.
if you want to add another user, just copy that line and replace your username with the wanted one.

Good info -- I'll work on that next.

as for samba...
well, let's get the rest fixed first.

Good idea. Here's the latest:

- sometimes the text on the display changes colors, disappears -- or even starts scrolling
- Here's a link to a screenshot of the disappearing text.

Thanks for your help.

[jankushka]

Re: Why does xorg.conf keep getting changed?

nice graphical config.

Is the dpkg=reconfigure command better than using the NVidia Settings application?

if you have a simple lcd monitor configuration it doesn't make much of a difference.
in your case with dual-head, nvidia certainly know better.

your xorg.conf looks alright.
just a couple of things.

a) you really want to "clone" your monitors?
'cause you could probably try and drive both at their native resolutions one next to the other...
something like:

Section "Device"
 identifier "nVidia GeForce FX 5500"
 boardname "NVIDIA GeForce FX (generic)"
 busid "PCI:1:0:0"
 Option   "TwinView"  "yes"
 Option   "MetaModes"  "1280x1024,1024x768"
 Option   "ConnectedMonitor"   "CRT-0, TV-0"
 Option   "TwinViewOrientation" "CRT-0 RightOf TV-0"
EndSection 
...
...
Section "Screen"
 Identifier "Default Screen"
 Device "nVidia GeForce FX 5500"
 Monitor "Sceptre Flatpanel"
 DefaultDepth 24
 SubSection   "Display"
   Depth    24
   Modes "1280x1024" "1024x768"
 EndSubSection
EndSection

you might want to experiment a bit with that...

b) i suppose you don't have the "stylus", "cursor" and "eraser" devices.
you can probably get rid of each of those "InputDevice" sections and their reference in "ServerLayout"

Here's the latest:
- sometimes the text on the display changes colors, disappears -- or even starts scrolling
- Here's a link to a screenshot of the disappearing text...

i guess that is down to the driver.
well, it can't be much else, really.
it's either the board or the sw that drives it... :P
you should probably try and experiment with a simple single-head configuration (lcd monitor only).
and see if it still does it.
if you back up your current xorg.conf file it's easy to go back to it, so that you don't wipe your currently working configuration.
then run the dpkg-reconfigure thing and have a go.

hth

[ernieg92]

Re: Why does xorg.conf keep getting changed?

Thanks, jankushka, for all your help.

I don't really use the TwinView much -- mostly when guests are over and we want to view pictures. I could try a split view, but my wife/kids would lose the mouse (on the screen they don't see)! But, with your tips, I may experiment down the road. Right now, I want to see if I have any more problems with changing resolutions.

As for funky/disappearing text, I was thinking driver as well. However, WinXP has no problems and neither does Linspire. However, both of those OSes are probably using older drivers than what Automatix2 installed for me.

Thanks again for your help.

[jankushka]

Re: Why does xorg.conf keep getting changed?

Thanks, jankushka, for all your help.

you're very welcome.

I don't really use the TwinView much -- mostly when guests are over and we want to view pictures. I could try a split view, but my wife/kids would lose the mouse (on the screen they don't see)! But, with your tips, I may experiment down the road. Right now, I want to see if I have any more problems with changing resolutions.

i hope i got it right with the displayconfigrc file.

As for funky/disappearing text, I was thinking driver as well. However, WinXP has no problems and neither does Linspire. However, both of those OSes are probably using older drivers than what Automatix2 installed for me.

yeah, it can't be anything else.
it's the driver.
or...why don't you try and copy the linspire xorg.conf file over... :P

i'll see if i have time to experiment a bit with dual heading my box with the lcd-tv...

cheers

[ernieg92]

Re: Why does xorg.conf keep getting changed?

As for funky/disappearing text, I was thinking driver as well. However, WinXP has no problems and neither does Linspire. However, both of those OSes are probably using older drivers than what Automatix2 installed for me.

yeah, it can't be anything else.
it's the driver.
or...why don't you try and copy the linspire xorg.conf file over... :P

Well, most of the monitor/screen information was copied from Linspire. I only changed name of the device references, since Kubuntu actually correctly identified them.

Deleting that hidden displayconfigrc file appears to have fixed the random resolution adjustments.

Now, I just need to figure out if my card is bad or just the driver. I keep getting an "Overrange" box popping up on the monitor. Is that the refresh rate or the resolution? Although Linspire and Kubuntu are using two different versions of the nvidia driver, it appears to be affecting both. Linspire is a bit more stable. WinXP, set for 1024x768, 60Hz refresh, didn't seem to have the problem.

So, I changed the mode subsection of display (under screen section) to read:

Modes "1024x768@60"

I also blew a TON of dust out of the case (usually do that monthly but it has been awhile). I'm going to watch and see what happens. No problems for the last five minutes.

Hopefully forcing the 60Hz refresh will fix it. If you've got any other ideas, please do share. Thanks.

[jankushka]

Re: Why does xorg.conf keep getting changed?

Deleting that hidden displayconfigrc file appears to have fixed the random resolution adjustments.

good. the original issue is sorted out then...

Now, I just need to figure out if my card is bad or just the driver. I keep getting an "Overrange" box popping up on the monitor. Is that the refresh rate or the resolution? Although Linspire and Kubuntu are using two different versions of the nvidia driver, it appears to be affecting both. Linspire is a bit more stable. WinXP, set for 1024x768, 60Hz refresh, didn't seem to have the problem.

nah, it's the refresh rate.
the monitor manual will tell you what its refresh rate is (possibly also a tolerance).
if it's 60Hz...then i'd say you can force it.
funny, though...it should be autodetected.
you monitor section looks alright, too.
i'll post mine for reference:

Section "Monitor"
  Identifier   "Generic Monitor"
  HorizSync    30.0 - 100.0
  VertRefresh   50.0 - 160.0
  Option     "DPMS"
EndSection

i have a laptop that gets hooked up to a whole range of monitors/beamers/...
that i why i have a wider range.

cheers

[ernieg92]

Re: Why does xorg.conf keep getting changed?

Deleting that hidden displayconfigrc file appears to have fixed the random resolution adjustments.

good. the original issue is sorted out then...

Well, I've created a worse problem. A "friend" suggested I download install the driver from nvidia's website. I did that and when X started all I got was a flashing cursor. So, the "friend" suggested uninstalling and go back to old driver. Well, something is corrupt because that won't work either. I had to resort to the "nv" driver, which skews my display. So, no more advice from my "friend".

How can I completely remove any commerical nvidia driver? I can then re-install the nvidia driver via Automatix (unless you've got a better suggestion). I already tried re-installing it via Automatix and I'm stuck with the flashing cursor when X starts.

Thanks for your help (again! ).

[jankushka]

Re: Why does xorg.conf keep getting changed?

Well, I've created a worse problem. A "friend" suggested I download install the driver from nvidia's website. I did that and when X started all I got was a flashing cursor...

nice friends you have...
now, tell your...friend, that the whole point of using apt and the packages in the repositories
is exactly that we always know exactly what files get installed where by what package,
which makes things easy to install as well as easy to...remove.
after all, if we wanted to mess up our systems with loads of rubbish,
we would all just use windoze.

I'm stuck with the flashing cursor when X starts.

well, it's not easy from here...but...as long as we can get
a) a console and b) a network connection we should be ok.

there's no shortcut, though...

eventually you'll need to find out what files were installed by the "downloaded" driver.
so, either the thing has an "uninstall" procedure or you'll have to dig into the installation
scripts and try and find out. then remove all the files manually...

by doing that, of course, you will also remove files that are part of your original nvidia
drivers (we can safely assume most of the files installed by the downloaded driver have
overwritten the ones you got installed via automatix).

so, your older driver will also be screwed and will need sorting out.
use:

dpkg-query -l '*nvidia*'

to find out what nvidia packages you have currently installed off the apt repositories.
you should (most likely) find: nvidia-kernel-common and nvidia-glx-new

you can start by trying:

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install nvidia-kernel-common nvidia-glx-new --reinstall

then reboot and see what happens...

[ernieg92]

Re: Why does xorg.conf keep getting changed?

I'm stuck with the flashing cursor when X starts.

well, it's not easy from here...but...as long as we can get
a) a console and b) a network connection we should be ok.

I can boot to X using the "nv" driver; the display is just a little funky. There is a "console login" in the options. Network is up (though I'm not presently at the house).

there's no shortcut, though...

eventually you'll need to find out what files were installed by the "downloaded" driver.
so, either the thing has an "uninstall" procedure or you'll have to dig into the installation
scripts and try and find out. then remove all the files manually...

by doing that, of course, you will also remove files that are part of your original nvidia
drivers (we can safely assume most of the files installed by the downloaded driver have
overwritten the ones you got installed via automatix).

I already ran the -uninstall option. When I tried to install the driver via Automatix, it said I already had the most current version and recommended I NOT continue. It just doesn't know that my current version is all dorked up. (I ended up running it a second time and clicking "continue" anyway to see if it would fix it -- no go.)

so, your older driver will also be screwed and will need sorting out.
use:

dpkg-query -l '*nvidia*'

to find out what nvidia packages you have currently installed off the apt repositories.
you should (most likely) find: nvidia-kernel-common and nvidia-glx-new

you can start by trying:

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install nvidia-kernel-common nvidia-glx-new --reinstall

Ahh--I tried doing an apt-get install but I didn't know about the --reinstall option (apt said it was already installed and latest version so no changes were made).

I will try the reinstall and see where that gets me (but I'm probably not out of the woods yet, am I?). I'd almost like to get rid of everything nvidia and start over (or does the --reinstall option basically do that?).

Thanks again!

[jankushka]

Re: Why does xorg.conf keep getting changed?

I will try the reinstall and see where that gets me (but I'm probably not out of the woods yet, am I?).
I'd almost like to get rid of everything nvidia and start over (or does the --reinstall option basically do that?).
Thanks again!

i'm not 100% sure --reinstall will get you out of troubles.
and i'm not sure it will clean things up before installing again (the apt-get man page does not clarify that)
if that doesn't work, the next try is:

sudo apt-get remove <list of packages coming out of aforementioned dpkg-query> --purge
sudo apt-get install <whatever needs to be reinstalled>

this, however, is potentially very dangerous.
sometimes the "autoremove" thing comes out with silly lists of packages...
so, you could post again later before actually removing.
i'll keep an eye on the forum...i think.

[jankushka]

Re: Why does xorg.conf keep getting changed?

i'll take the pc home to experiment a bit with dual-heading with the tv...