SOLVED: Onboard Graphics issue (Dell Dimension 2350)

[Rudge]

I am trying to "ultimately" install a Minime or a full PCLinuxOS (latest .iso) onto a Dell Dimension 2350. (tag FJX2K21 for details) : exception, mine has 1g of ram

Running the live CD goes fine all the way up to where you are supposed to log in and then, the keyboard does not work and the mouse clicks do nothing. The mouse still tracks around but clicking does nothing.

I am able to run it in VGA mode and actually got an install to work by playing around with the resolution settings during the setup process but once booted up, I cannot change any of the resolutions back to what would be considered "normal" (1280 x 1024) for instance. When I run the "test" for the new resolution, the screen goes black and never comes back with any other data. The system does not seem to be in a "hung" status, but I can not restart KDE by alt/ctrl/backspace nor can I get to a shell.

My best research has pointed me toward the on-board video but I have never seen any real resolution to this problem.

I don't mind spending 30, 40 bucks on a cheap nvidia card but I want to make sure this would be a valid resolution before I do it.

If anyone knows of this problem, or needs more info please say so and I will try to provide more details.

I have seen references to this problem but none of them seem to have a clear resolution.

Most notably, HERE > http://www.pclinuxos.com/forum/index.php/topic,62156.0.html

Thanks in advance all.

EDIT: I get the same results by running "video" as root in safe mode.

[jgk62]

When you run "video" next time, choose the "intel 810 driver". Do not choose the "intel 810 and later" driver. I'm almost positive that motherboard uses the 845 chipset. This is a known problem with intel chipsets. After the install you will most likely need to do it again, but then it should be permanent. Hope this helps.

[Rudge]

I think it defaulted to "810 and later". I could have sworn that I tried the "810" option but now I can't remember.

Note to self:(must write down all steps and errors before continueing)

I will give that a shot, or another shot as the case may be. At least I think I am on the right track.

Do you think a cheep pci card with an nvidia 8400 chip-set would resolve this issue if this don't work?

Thanks a bunch for the responce!

[Rudge]

When you run "video" next time, choose the "intel 810 driver". Do not choose the "intel 810 and later" driver. I'm almost positive that motherboard uses the 845 chipset. This is a known problem with intel chipsets. After the install you will most likely need to do it again, but then it should be permanent. Hope this helps.

I could have sworn I tried that but I went back in and changed it in "safe mode" to (Generic Flat panel, and a Intel 810 card) and the problem is resolved.

Thanks again jgk62. You saved me $40.00

[jgk62]

Thanks again jgk62. You saved me $40.00

Thats what I like to hear. Now you can use the $40 for something really important.

[T6]

like buy a real video card?

[Rudge]

like buy a real video card?