Simply does not work and freezes/shuts down unexpectedly

English Install/Boot/Login
1

Hi all,

After years with an operating system manufactured by Microsoft I decided that now is a good time to switch to THE system of all operations. HOW WRONG can one be?
Since nearly two weeks I try to get a stable version running on a DELL Latitude D830. (I know, it is a quite old system, but hey - so am I).
First the bloody installation stopped or froze in the middle of nowhere. Then (after consulting several forums and chats) I was pushed into direction Ubuntu (including Lubuntu and Kubuntu). This made things even worse!
Somehow I managed to get the GRUB fixed and the latest OpenSuse installation (64 bit) started and worked through to the auto configuration, but failed (froze) in the user section.
Again I consulted several Forums, Dr. Google and chats (again these guys wanted to bring me to %ubuntu, but this time I stayed away).
Someone suggested I shall simply ignore the question of finalising the installation and he was right, I could log in!
But first the system became busy, then froze and final collapsed!
No matter what I try, after Login (Gnome) the system shows the desktop, is busy and kills itself.
Starting in Failsafe mode works without issues (except I can’t get the WiFi running. I wanted to find out what the system components are and found the following (all also mentioned on the DELL Specs):
CPU: Dual Core Intl Celtrino (I think 2 GHz)
RAM: 2 GB
Graphic: NVIDIA Quadro NVS 135M
Display: at least WXGA (I know I used WSXGA+ under WinXP, but I don’t mind)
Network:
Wired: 56K v924 Internal Modem (useless, but again - so am I)
Wired: 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet network interface adaptor (connecting a cable doesn’t shut down the Failsafe System at least)
WLAN: Intel® Pro/Wireless 3945 WiFi 802.11a/g or Intel® Pro/Wireless 4965 WiFi 802.11a/g/Draft n (HAL shows the first one, I think WinXP showed the other one, but I am not sure).

And no: the system is not hot,
and Yes: I cleaned the fan and changed the thermal past (both was done by the IT crowd my employer used before I got the Notebook as gratification)

Last night I run the Rescue Option and SUSE found issues that were corrected, but still after Login it takes just a few seconds and I get the dared Black-screen.

Any ideas or do I really have to go and get Win7 for that Laptop?

All answers PLEASE as if you speak to a 3 year old with a muddy cookie in his hand. I have no idea what I do, I know there is a console, but that is it.
Step by step would be great! Thanks!

2

On 2014-07-21 13:06, NoGeek wrote:

> Somehow I managed to get the GRUB fixed and the latest OpenSuse
> installation (64 bit) started and worked through to the auto
> configuration, but failed (froze) in the user section.
> Again I consulted several Forums, Dr. Google and chats (again these guys
> wanted to bring me to %ubuntu, but this time I stayed away).

Why didn’t you simply ask us, in this forum?
If what you want to try is openSUSE, you will not find a better one.

You could tell us what exact openSUSE version are you installing, and
how, and what problems you find on installation, and go over them from
the start.

–
Cheers / Saludos,

Carlos E. R.

(from 13.1 x86_64 “Bottle” (Minas Tirith))

3

Hi Carlos,

Thanks for the quick reply.
I started installation with an old DVD containing OpenSuSE 10.3, as I had problems I thought the DVD may have some damages, so I created a DVD using the ISO for 11.4 (both 32-bit, both issues on Installation - freez midway, no boot up after installation, etc. so i couldn’t point my finger on the issue(s) ).

The latests (and most successful version is openSUSE-13.1-DVD-x86_64. During the installation it used the WLAN0 successfully for the packages (me thinks), after Installation the WLAN does not work.

Why I didn’t use this forum from the beginning? Well, I did, but I tried using old threads and wanted to solve the issue with my limited knowledge (didn’t want to waste someone else’s time).
Now that I am frustrated i have no other option than wasting your time.
Also I have no other system at hand when working on the DELL at home, so i can ask and browse only during office hours and have to copy the possible solutions on paper in order to test them at home.

4

Nogeek, first off welcome. Like you, I recently migrated to openSuse after trying various flavors of Linux (though to be honest, for me it’s still a toss up between FreeBSD and Linux). My first advise is don’t become discouraged. It took me several tries before finally getting the system to boot on this old Lenovo box I’m using. Some things I learned along the way, if at all possible, install the system ‘online’ (not sure what it’s actually called) rather than all from the dvd (you will need a router that supports DHCP as by default, that’s what openSuse will look for). When you get to the disk partitioning, stick with ext4. Then you will be offered how much of the disk you want to use, with some ‘suggested’ partitions and sizes. This was a tricky spot for me (not really knowing what I’m doing :slight_smile: ). I noticed, that the numbers just weren’t adding up (I was over writing Windows 7), so I went to the custom area and deleted everything (all partitions, etc) then went back and now saw my whole disk. It asked if I wanted to create LVM (I said ‘no’), separate ‘user’ partition (I said ‘no’) boot from MBR or ‘root’ partition (I chose 'root partition). Created a user (me) and password (using same password for root). I should point out here, I’m the only one on this machine, so me and root sharing the same password is not a problem for me, just makes life easier for me. When it came to desktop, I chose KDE, only because it seems to be the preferred desktop of openSuse. Then when asked if you you want to commit all the changes, say yes and start enjoying your muddy cookie, this will take awhile. When it’s ready to reboot, leave the dvd in (not sure if this is necessary, but doesn’t hurt as when it starts up it will ask if you want to boot from hard drive or dvd). After some time, you should be presented with your login screen. After logging in, again be patient, while it does so me background stuff. Eventually in KDE (not sure about Gnome, you will see a notification in the lower right corner of the screen, saying there is an update (which is a bit misleading, since there are **alot **of updates (best get several muddy cookies). All in all, the whole process, including updates took me about 4-6 hours.

The people here have been an immense help to me with their advise and wealth of knowledge. Just do your best to supply whatever information they ask for. And again, don’t give up.

Good luck

5

Hi** sparkz_alot**](https://forums.opensuse.org/member.php/81812-sparkz_alot) ,

Thanks for the kind words and the warm welcome.
In the past I learned that it is a good idea to separate the data (user space) from the OS (in this case OpenSuSE) and have a reasonably sized Swap partition as well. (OK that was back in 2000ish). However, I also used the full hdd but with the default suggestions made by the partition manager during installation.
The last (most successful) installation was done using the “HTTP” repository (or something like that).
It took several hours (as you already mentioned) and the rsult was that after reboot the WLAN was not available anymore and after logging into the installation (not failsafe) the think crashed (several times).
With my humble self being overconfident I tried fixing the NVIDIA driver but for that I needed the WLAN to access the Internet (which didn’t work in failsafe). And the other solution always crashes.
I believe it is both the WLN driver as well as the NVIDIA driver causing the problem, but I don’t know for sure and I don’t know how to fix it.

Are you suggesting that I nuke the hdd again and start over all again? If so, how do I nuke the hdd for triggering a fresh installation?

BTW: The heat problem many others mentioned in their posts would also apply to my system (I assume), so I place the Laptop on an external Fan, thus cooling the CPU and GPU heavily.
In the first few tries I didn’t do that and found either midway crashes appeared or the system hung up (froze). In some older posts this indicated to a fault in the BIOS or basic fan driver. I am on the latest BIOS (V15). In failsafe I can run the system for hours without issues, I just can’t get into the internet for downloading the NVIDA and WLAN drivers or using the automatic update.

6

Hi
Are you sure there is no big wad of dust between the fan and the cooling fins from the heatsink? Normally this is an idicator if the systems is overheating. I generally strip the system down, clean fan, blow out the dust and redo the heatsink compound…

7

Hi Malcolm,

I am absolutely positive. The system was with the IT crowd for clean-up, replacing the fan (the old one was gone) and heat sink.
As I got the naked system I installed WinXP on it and because of overheating I brought it to the Hardware guru of my trust. He told me that the specialists put too much past on and as a result the stuff was all over the place. I was all the time watching over his shoulder hoping to learn how to do it myself the next time.
After that the system was not used for about 2 months (no time at home). I then decided to install Linux two weeks ago and started the (what I thought would be a strait forward) process by opening the box and dusting the system with compressed air.
Was a wast of good Oxygen, as nearly no dust was in the system :slight_smile:

8

No, no need to repartition. Sounds more like a problem with the network drivers and / or NVidia drivers (see : http://www.linlap.com/dell_latitude_d830 ). I do know when I tried to install Linux (several flavors) on my old Win XP Gateway comp, none would accept the intel onboard LAN network connector. I ended up buying a 3Com pcmcia card, which solved the problem. Reading some of the comments on the link above, it sounds like there might be a new driver for the wifi at http://www.broadcom.com/support/802.11/linux_sta.php. I also notice that (given the age of the comments) that there was some success using older versions of Linux (ie openSuse 10 and 11) have you tried that? It could be that the newer versions no longer support the older hardware without special drivers (as with my Gateway). You may want to check here https://en.opensuse.org/HCL:Dell_laptops (you’ll have to scroll down a bit to find yours), again, though, they only comment up to release 11.

Hopefully, some of the more knowledgeable folks will be able to help you diagnose further.

9

Hi sparkz_alot,

I started with the older versions, but as stated, the installation seemed to be buggy. However, even if I got them installed and finally got into KDE (I only tried Gnome on the latest release) the system shut down.
I will try the link you provided me with an try to incorporate the respective drivers.
Any docu on how to do it?

10

NoGeek wrote:

> BTW: The heat problem many others mentioned in their posts would also
> apply to my system (I assume), so I place the Laptop on an external Fan,
> thus cooling the CPU and GPU heavily.
> In the first few tries I didn’t do that and found either midway crashes
> appeared or the system hung up (froze). In some older posts this
> indicated to a fault in the BIOS or basic fan driver. I am on the latest
> BIOS (V15). In failsafe I can run the system for hours without issues, I
> just can’t get into the internet for downloading the NVIDA and WLAN
> drivers or using the automatic update.
>

After working with several older systems - mostly Dell and Lenovo - I found
that it was helpful to make sure that the BIOS for the system was the most
recent available. Both of these builders had major issues with BIOS acpi
implementations early on. You mention having windows for your machine so
that makes life somewhat simpler.

My computer experience began with analog computers and vacuum tubes when
both were state-of-the-art so I can relate to your frustrations but I find
the time spent getting the BIOS as current as possible saves me a lot of
time and frustration later on. This is especially true for machines built
during the early transitions to such things as secure boot and power
control.

–
Will Honea

11

On 07/21/2014 10:57 AM, Will Honea wrote:

> After working with several older systems - mostly Dell and Lenovo - I found
> that it was helpful to make sure that the BIOS for the system was the most
> recent available. Both of these builders had major issues with BIOS acpi
> implementations early on. You mention having windows for your machine so
> that makes life somewhat simpler.
>
> My computer experience began with analog computers and vacuum tubes when
> both were state-of-the-art so I can relate to your frustrations but I find
> the time spent getting the BIOS as current as possible saves me a lot of
> time and frustration later on. This is especially true for machines built
> during the early transitions to such things as secure boot and power
> control.

There is also the chance of memory problems. Windows philosophy is to keep as
much free memory as possible, whereas Linux operates on the basis of “unused
memory is wasted memory”. Because of this difference in memory usage, there may
be flaky sections of memory that get little use with Windows, but are heavily
exercised with Linux. To test this, run memtest86+ for an extended period - ~24
hours. You should find this program in the initial menu of many of the
distribution media. If not on yours, download the image of a bootable CD from
www.memtest.org.

12

On 2014-07-21 13:36, NoGeek wrote:
>
> Hi Carlos,
>
> Thanks for the quick reply.
> I started installation with an old DVD containing OpenSuSE 10.3, as I
> had problems I thought the DVD may have some damages, so I created a DVD
> using the ISO for 11.4 (both 32-bit, both issues on Installation - freez
> midway, no boot up after installation, etc. so i couldn’t point my
> finger on the issue(s) ).

Well, all those versions are obsolete now. They should have probably
worked, but forget about them.

> The latests (and most successful version is openSUSE-13.1-DVD-x86_64.
> During the installation it used the WLAN0 successfully for the packages
> (me thinks), after Installation the WLAN does not work.

The full DVD normally does not download packages, just for verification
of the release notes, and then it allows you to do updates at that
instant, which I always decline.

If WLAN does not work now, and it is 13.1 you have installed, you have
to turn to the wireless networking subforum, and start with reading the
stickies. After that, if you still have problems or don’t understand it,
ask - in a new thread, please :slight_smile:

>
> Why I didn’t use this forum from the beginning? Well, I did, but I tried
> using old threads and wanted to solve the issue with my limited
> knowledge (didn’t want to waste someone else’s time).
> Now that I am frustrated i have no other option than wasting your time.

You are not wasting our time! Forget it. We are, probably all of us,
volunteers, that just want to help other people with getting their
openSUSE system to work. We are here to help. If we don’t help, /then/
we are wasting our time :slight_smile:

And… we generally prefer new threads, unless it is the exact same
issue. If on doubt, just create a new thread and point links to the old
one. We’ll find out if it is the same issue or not.

If we have even slightly different issues on the same thread, things get
very confusing, to know which person has which symptoms.

–
Cheers / Saludos,

Carlos E. R.

(from 13.1 x86_64 “Bottle” (Minas Tirith))

13

On 2014-07-21 16:26, NoGeek wrote:
>
> Hi’* sparkz_alot*’
> (https://forums.opensuse.org/member.php/81812-sparkz_alot) ,
>
> Thanks for the kind words and the warm welcome.
> In the past I learned that it is a good idea to separate the data (user
> space) from the OS (in this case OpenSuSE) and have a reasonably sized
> Swap partition as well. (OK that was back in 2000ish). However, I also
> used the full hdd but with the default suggestions made by the partition
> manager during installation.

It is generally better to have a separate “user” partition. We call it
“/home”. It makes maintenance easier further up the road.

The exception is, if you have a small disk.

> The last (most successful) installation was done using the “HTTP”
> repository (or something like that).

I normally recommend using just the DVD. Network install only with some
problems, or if your internet is fast.

> Are you suggesting that I nuke the hdd again and start over all again?
> If so, how do I nuke the hdd for triggering a fresh installation?

If you really want to do that, just tell the installer to “use whole
disk” or similar wording.

> BTW: The heat problem many others mentioned in their posts would also
> apply to my system (I assume), so I place the Laptop on an external Fan,
> thus cooling the CPU and GPU heavily.

In failsafe mode some options that allow the system to control power and
fans disappear.

And in some cases, with the non-proprietary nvidia driver, ie, with
nouveau, the fan control does not work.

> In the first few tries I didn’t do that and found either midway crashes
> appeared or the system hung up (froze). In some older posts this
> indicated to a fault in the BIOS or basic fan driver. I am on the latest
> BIOS (V15). In failsafe I can run the system for hours without issues, I
> just can’t get into the internet for downloading the NVIDA and WLAN
> drivers or using the automatic update.

Can’t you hook a cable temporarily?

–
Cheers / Saludos,

Carlos E. R.

(from 13.1 x86_64 “Bottle” (Minas Tirith))

14

Also I’d recommend that you use a wired connection rather then WIFI during installation. Some Wifi need special files to work right. .

Note the more detail you give of your problem the better and faster we can help

Black screens are normally caused by Video problems. Since you have older hard ware you should be booting in MBR mode so try selecting nokms from the menu I think it is F5 But it is obvious at the bottom of the install screen.

If black screen is after install try selecting advanced and recovery mode from the boot menu or press e at boot sctreen find line starting with linux and go to true end of line (press end key) enter a space and nomodeset. This will force the use of a more generic driver that should work

the card you list I could not find in NVIDA’s lists but ther seems to be quite a bit of complaints about it in a general Google search. It seems to be old and not sure which propritary driver to use or if it is even currently supported The NVIDIA numbering system is weird and sometime it is not obvious what generation a chip is

15

Sorry to post off topic, but I really like this reply. I wish I could get back my willpower to help all of the time. I guess every little bit helps though.

16

Hi all,

Thanks for all your help!
I downloaded the drivers as suggested and I also use a wired connection for the next install.
Why a new installation?
While searching some of the drivers I found a hint that there was a newer BIOS version than the one I had (and that the IT Crowds told me was the latest).
In order to get this installed I had to reinstall Windows and on that occasion I found a “Memory hole” (what ever that is). I assume I need to get new RAM, but that will take a while to figure out.
I will (once the latest BIOS was applied) run the extended Memtest and verify if the memory hole is on the CPU, GPU or RAM and fix that accordingly.

Lesson learned: Don’t trust the paid for IT Crowd, always listen to the free of charge community!
Thanks, i am really grateful for your help.

17

Definitely sounds like you’re making progress. I’d be interested in what you eventually find out, perhaps it will help with my Gateway laptop :slight_smile:

18

Hi all,
here is a brief update on my situation:
After some problems caused by the NVIDIA Quadro NVS *135M (overheating) I managed to reinstall Windows XP and get the latest BIOS update for the DELL Latitude D830 (version 17) installed.
With this new BIOS the GPU is less active and as a result cooler.

I then installed SuSE 11.0 on my system which went fine, but gave some lost connection errors (I used the cable).
The external driver for the NVIDIA was for some reason not used in the installation! (Maybe I did something wrong or the USB stick was damaged/not accessed for some reason?)

The Autoconfiguration started and froze somewhere to the end (I wen to bed after YaST went into console mode for identifying my GPU and returned to the GUI)
I was not able to perform the first login, but this is caused by the frozen system this morning. I will restart the Notebook tonight and check what is going on. If I need any further help I will start a new Thread.

Thanks again for your help!

19

On 2014-07-24 11:46, NoGeek wrote:
>
> Hi all,
> here is a brief update on my situation:
> After some problems caused by the -NVIDIA Quadro- NVS -135M
> (overheating) I managed to reinstall Windows XP and get the latest BIOS
> update for the DELL Latitude D830 (version 17) installed.
> With this new BIOS the GPU is less active and as a result cooler.

Good.

> I then installed SuSE 11.0 on my system which went fine, but gave some
> lost connection errors (I used the cable).
> The external driver for the NVIDIA was for some reason not used in the
> installation! (Maybe I did something wrong or the USB stick was
> damaged/not accessed for some reason?)

Do you mean “openSUSE 11.0”? It was released on June 19, 2008, so it is
obsolete, and I doubt you could find the proprietary nvidia driver for
it, or get any updates.

Or do you really mean “SuSE 11”? (no dot, no open in the name)

That’s the Enterprise version, either SLES or SLED, and they have a
separate support forum.

–
Cheers / Saludos,

Carlos E. R.

(from 13.1 x86_64 “Bottle” (Minas Tirith))

20

Hi Carlos,

I meant openSuSE 11.0, the obsolete version, sorry for confusing you.
The reason for that is that 11.4 was the last verified version for the DELL Latidute D830, but the DVD with that version was damaged by an very technophobic rabbit (I asked her not to chew on my stuff, but she simply refuses to obey - typical for the women in my household).
Once this system is running (I have to figure out how to get the NVIDIA project driver integrated) I will upgrade step by step (creating system back-ups as fall back).
My plan:

  1. get the system started
  2. get the latest NVIDIA driver integrated
  3. get internet via WLAN running
  4. get Thunderbird (eMail), FireFox and or Chrome (Browser) and Office running (or are there any better options available, native or not?)
  5. migrate some of my documents from MS-Office to whatever Office I’ll have in Linux (is OpenOffice still around?)
  6. udgrade to 11.4, 12.1 and finally 13.1 always with backups to ensure that I can fall back to the previous version
  7. migrate all files/apps/programs used on my windows Desktop to the Latitude (possibly find alternatives for some of the “only MicroS…t” stuff)
  8. get my ladies accepting the new system
  9. migrate the Desktop to OpenSuse 13.1
  10. erase all memories about MicroS…t from my family and convince my boss that they should do the same