Bug#334848: linux-image-2.6.12-1-686-smp: Installing new kernel breaks X window system with nvidia drivers

[Sven Luther <sven.luther@wanadoo.fr>]

tags 334848 + wontfix
thanks
On Thu, Oct 20, 2005 at 11:30:45AM +0200, January Weiner wrote:
> Package: linux-image-2.6.12-1-686-smp
> Version: 2.6.12-10
> Severity: normal
> 
> 
> I am not sure whether this should be reported as a bug of the linux-image
> package (it is _not_ a bug in the kernel) or as a bug of the dpkg system.
> 
> I have run apt-get dist-upgrade.
> apt-get exited with error; it said, kernel => 2.6.12 is required.
> 
> I installed kernel 2.6.12 (apt-get installed all the dist-upgrade packages)
> and rebooted.  
> 
> Of course, all the additional, compiled modules were broken.  For example,
> my nvidia driver (the same goes for other "special" modules I use, but this
> is beyond the point: in contrast to the nvidia driver, an inexperienced
> user probably will not have it).
> 
> Now, here is the problem as I see it: an inexperienced user, who just tries
> to update the system will be suddenly confronted with the fact that the X
> windowing system does not work anymore.  
> 
> Possible solution: be more informative when installing kernel image.
> Possibly, check whether nvidia driver is installed.  Tell the user what is
> happening, what the problems are.

Another solution is to not buy crappy proprietary nvidia hardware, or use the
free nv drivers.

Seriously, please file a bug against whatever packages is providing those
nvidia modules, as it is their responsability to do the right thing about
this, and provide proper conflicts and depends, build modules for official
kernels, and provide a nice meta-package which would ease the migration in
those cases.

In any case, this is not a kernel bug, so tagging wontfix and leaving open for
documentation purpose.

Friendly,

Sven Luther