Re: MSI N210 graphics card causes boot failure

[Sven Joachim <svenjoac@gmx.de>]

On 2011-12-31 21:41 +0100, Dean Allen Provins, P. Geoph. wrote:

> On Sat, Dec 31, 2011 at 04:41:11PM +0100, Sven Joachim wrote:
>> 
>> That should work around the problem.  If possible, use a second machine
>> to log in via ssh and run "rmmod nouveau; modprobe nouveau modeset=1"
>> then.
>
> Apending "nouveau.modeset=0" at boot time allowed the boot to proceed
> normally.  "gdm" popped up a graphical screen as expected, BUT, the
> resolution was 800X600.
>
> As "root", I then executed "rmmod nouveau; modprobe nouveau modeset=1"
> which caused a loss of X (screen went black) and a loss of the mouse.
> The keyboard continued to function allowing me to "halt" the system.
> I was unable to bring up one of the 6 text screens, and had to work
> blindly.

That's why I suggested to log in from a second computer via ssh.  It's
hard to do anything with a blank screen.

> I examined the /var/log/Xorg.0.log.old (new MSI card) and compared it to
> the /var/log/Xorg.0.log (old 6600 card).  It appears that the "nouveau"
> module may not have been used.  The "VESA" module seems to be the module
> of choice and all the higher resolutions were disabled.

This is expected, the nouveau X driver needs kernel modesetting to work.

> It seems that the "nouveau" modeset=1 does not function as expected.

It is essential to find out why it does not work.  You might want to try
my suggestion to to log in via ssh and then run "dmesg" after re-loading
the nouveau module.  Boot with "drm.debug=0x04" to obtain additional
information.  Also, try a 3.2.0-rc7 kernel from experimental.

> To your knowledge, are there alternative settings that one might use;
> or do you recommend the binary nVidia driver?

The only available alternative in wheezy/sid is the vesa driver which is
probably not going to suite you.

Sven