Toshiba Portégé M800-10C doesn't seem to like linux :'(

English Install/Boot/Login
1

So, hello there, i have just bought a new laptop, wich is a toshiba m800-10c laptop, and as i hate any microsoft product, i couldn’t help but try to install linux on this baby. But, my bad, this laptop seems too recent to be supported by linux :confused: . I managed to install OpenSuSE 11 just fine via the DVD, install ended well, after trying a lot of linux livecd’s (Ubuntu 8.04, kubuntu kde3.5, kubuntu kde4, linux mint 5…) and getting always the same stuff. My integrated intel video chipset just doesn’t seem to work, whenever a live environment is trying to boot, the screen goes all fuzzy and i can’t see anything…

Here are the specs of the laptop :
CPU : Intel® Core™2 Duo P840 @ 2.26 Ghz // FSB 1066Mhz // Cache 3Mo
RAM : 4go RAM @ 800Mhz
GPU : Mobile Intel® GMA 4500MHD
Network : Intel® chipset GM45 Express & Intel® WiFi Link 510

Hoping for some help / ideas. Thanks :slight_smile:

edit: tried the ubuntu intrepid 8.10 Alpha 6 and it worked fine, but i want opensuse with kde 4 :confused:

2

Hi,

I’m facing the exact same problem with the same notebook and could not find a solution so far. :frowning:
Have you got any further in the meantime?

Cheers Lyn

3

From what I read in a quick surf, this is very new hardware.

Next time you try something like that, make a note of:
a. xorg version,
b. driver version,
c. /etc/X11/xorg.conf file
With that knowledge, it can be easier to get the graphics working on a different Linux version.

Still I note this:
[Phoronix] Intel GMA 4-Series Support On Linux](http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=NjUzMw)
which suggests it should be supported.

You could try booting to run level-3 (log in as regular user), and run sax2 (with root permissions). And then configure your graphics in sax2. Then exit sax2, get rid of root permissions, and test X via startx.

Some possible sax2 command line options to try are (only one at a time, and test X functionality after each attempt):
sax2
sax2 -r -m 0=vesa
sax2 -r -m 0=nv
sax2 -r -m 0=nvidia

4

More hints here, that this is partially supported under Linux:
Review: Intel GMA X4500HD G45 IGP on Linux — Windows Software Reviews](http://win-antivirus-pro.com/?p=17)

5

The problem is that your graphics device needs a version of the Intel driver that is newer than the 11.0 install, nor is it yet in the 11.0 Updates.

Boot into runlevel 3 (type a 3 in the box at bottom of boot menu), login as root, then do:

zypper addrepo http://download.opensuse.org/repositories/X11:/XOrg/openSUSE_11.0/ xorg

Be careful to do this exactly (there is a space before xorg at the end). Then do

zypper repos

And you should see this repository added. Then do

zypper info xorg-x11-driver-video
zypper info Mesa

The status will be “out-of-date” and a newer version shown. Then do

zypper install -f -n xorg-x11-driver-video
zypper install -f -n Mesa

Now reboot again into runlevel 3, login as root, and do

zypper info xorg-x11-driver-video
zypper info Mesa

The status should now be “up-to-date”. Then do

cd /etc/X11
mv xorg.conf xorg.conf.old
sax2 -r -m 0=intel

If the graphics gui comes up, configure the device. If not, reboot once again into runlevel 3 and as root do

sax2 -a

Report back.

6

Most educational ! I guess your assessment is the vesa driver with xorg-x11-driver-video-7.3 will be inadequate.

As you note the openGL implementation of Mesa in 11.0 (7.0.3-35.1) does not support (the openGL) graphic chipset in the Toshiba Portégé M800-10C, and hence you recommended a newer Mesa-7.2-4.1 (and presumeably then also a newer xorg-x11-driver-video-7.4-9.1)

I note the URL you provided will update FaN_OnLy1’s xorg to 7.4. That will be interesting (although if the VESA driver in the current openSUSE-11.0 setup fails, I suspect FaN_OnLy1 has no other choice but to update Mesa and xorg).

I’m curious to read how this will pan out. I’ve always been worried that an update to a new xorg could break many desktop applications (and possible features in the desktop (kde/gnome) itself).

7

I’ve been having the exact same problems with the same graphics card (different computer). I’m ready to return this laptop if I can’t get the problem fixed, but the fact that this works with Ubuntu could buy me some time while I wait for openSUSE :slight_smile:

8

Did you try the update to xorg-x11-driver-video and also to Mesa? Did you try the VESA driver?

9

oldcpu: Here is the thread where I have been discussing my problems: Garbled/Unusable X on new laptop after installation. - openSUSE Forums

10

I saw that thread, but it did not answer my question if you tried the VESA driver.

11

Hi FaN_OnLy1,

I want to know if you applied the solution proposed by
mingus725, since I have the same problem in another Toshiba laptop U400-15Z. Did it work for you?

Thanks in advance,

12

I saw that thread, but it did not answer my question if you tried the VESA driver.

The vesa driver does not support @kdupuy9’s resolution. I suggested using that to temporarily provide a gui, but it will only give him 1024x768. It’s likely the same will apply to OP’s laptop.

I note the URL you provided will update FaN_OnLy1’s xorg to 7.4.

Ummm, no. Will additionally pull in libdrm, that’s all.

13

I haven’t seen your reply yet from the other thread, whether the last suggestion worked. Remember, it is critical to move aside the xorg.conf file first because, somehow, it got badly borked (including a section for using the VMware virtual machine video driver). If the machine is working with Ubuntu (you didn’t mention this before), run Synaptic, find the .deb packages which include Mesa and the Intel driver (note: the package names will not be the same as in openSUSE - there may be an option to search on what package “provides” these files - if Synaptic doesn’t, IIRC the command line apt does), and note the versions. Also look to see the version of the X server itself, that is, 7.3 vs 7.4.

14

So you also have a problem with the video in a Toshiba? Well welcome to the Club.

Let me post my hardware, but first I’m almost a newbie in Linux only my experience in MS OS’s since DOS have helped me and people like you that post solutions. So please, remember I am a newbie.

Satellite A305-S6872
Chipset GM45
Video Intel X4500HD
Intel Dual Core 2 Centrino 2.00 GHz
3GB Ram

I have tried different distros and they also have problems with Ethernet card RTL 8102 E (Realtek). Debian, ok with lan card, no graphics, Mandriva graphics ok at first boot then no vid no lan, Ubuntu no nothing and many ohers. By the way I’m running in 64 Bit mode.
Finally I told to myself “what the sweat, I have to pay” and tried Novell SUSE Enterprise. It boots ok! (with some problems at first) but no ETH card (module r8169 don’t seems to work here).

–NOTES–If you boot wtih a USB device connected, it disables USB ports, problems looking for printer in configuration screen makes it stalls. When I get into this, I press the power button until it turns off power on and then enter Yast and finish the configuration and please, don’t select hardware configuration It will stall in printer section again (try it).

I tried all updates from openSUSE, I reconfigured the kernel with parameters I don’t remember unfortunately, with no luck at all.

In openSUSE if you run

sax2 -r -m 0=vga

it runs in vga 800X600 16 colors and the video card configured but no the display. By the other hand, SUSE 10 SP2’s Gnome comes alive after the procedure I mentioned before. (no ETH card working but configured)

These are the settings for SUSE Enterprise Desktop:
Card = VESA Framebuffer Graphics
1027X768 XGA
16Bit
NO 3D Graphics

Monitor = SEC Samsung LCD
DPMS Active
Display = 15 Inches
Aspect Ratio = 16/10
Display Size
X Axis mm = 330
Y Axis mm = 210

SYNC
H 30 - 62 KHz
V 50 - 60 Hz

Settings for openSUSE

Video Card = Intel

I am new into linux but I’ve tried everything from installing the newest kernel and reconfigure it to installing new Intel graphics driver and Mesa, no luck.

I will perform a low level format (it takes about 90 minutes for a 250GB HD), reinstall openSUSE and configure the monitor with those parameters. I hope this will work. If not, Bye-bye linux for my Toshiba.

Let me know if you find something else my friends.

–NOTE-- If you plan to reinstall openSUSE perform a low level format first is important to erase any track of the MBR, then you can install openSUSE with boot option 3, after installation a garbled screen will appear. Press the power button until it turns off and reboot with the option 3 (this means init 3 or graphics mode) if a garbled screen appears again press CTR + ALT + BACKSPACE twice, the normal tty1 screen will appear and then run:

sxa2 -r -m 0=vga

Then you can configure the craphics.

Thanks for reading this, I have not been very formal in my report but I am not a technical writer, I am just a newbie.

15

Well ,I found the solution. It works!

First, use yast for upgrading and installing all the development repositories.

Second, upgrade your kernel with the last one stored in /download.opensuse.org/repositories/Kernel:/HEAD/openSU
SE_Factory/x86_64, or whatever processor you have use zypper as suggested in this post. After you download the kernel just type:

**zypper install -f -n kernel-default
**

It will install everything needed for compilation
Follow the instructions on How to upgrade a kernel located at en.opensuse.org.
Article name is Configure, Build and Install a Custom Linux Kernel.

Third, reboot and update again all your software.

Fourth, try to reconfigure sax2 -r -m 0=vga. Be sure to boot with option 3 first.When configuring sax2 use the following parameters:

Card = Intel IGD
Monitor = SEC Samsung
Display size = 15 inches
X Axis = 330, Z Axis = 210
Diagonal Aspect Ratio = 16/10
Sync (very important)
Horizontal = 30 - 62 KHz
Vertical = 50 - 60 Hz

If this doesn’t work, try to reconfigure the kernel. A detailed explanation is posted in the documentation mentioned before. When configuring the kernel be sure to use the parameters listed there and check for extra parameters you may need as the display settings and so. I’m sorry I’m not sure which one I changed when I reconfigured it. I was writing everything but at certain point I stopped with a BIG headache. I promise next time I reconfigure the kernel I will write down the parameters. I know you will find your way, I am a newbie and I did it. It took me long to figure out and learn the correct “linux commands” for this task, I’ve been working in this project for about a week now. I can tell you this is the best distribution you can use for this computer I have tried them all (well not all but a bunch of them).

Now I have to work with the built in wireless card and the camera, also with the Ricoh card reader. If you can help me out with this i will appreciate the help.

I hope this can be useful, and don’t loose your hope. Remember, Linux Works!

16

Hello everyone, just to let you know that after configuring sax2 an entry in the menu.lst must be made. The booting option must have to be vga=0x317, if not the garbled screen will come back. It will look similar to this:

###Don’t change this comment - YaST2 identifier: Original name: linux-2.6.27-rc8-40-default###
title openSUSE 11.0 - 2.6.27-rc8-40
root (hd0,2)
kernel /vmlinuz-2.6.27-rc8-40-default root=/dev/disk/by-id/scsi-SATA_WDC_WD2500BEVS-_WD-WXE608H21050-part4 resume=/dev/sda2 splash=silent showopts vga=0x317
initrd /initrd-2.6.27-rc8-40-default

If this option is not there already, try to use it. It is important.
I was wondering after the new install, if I use this option at boot and configure the monitor section with sax2 will this works? Maybe the kernel compilation is unnecessary after all.

armocasio, the newbie.

17

@armocasio -

Congratulations on finding a solution. :slight_smile:

However, for others to be able to take advantage of your experience, it would be most helpful if you could clarify a few details.

First, why did you choose to pull the kernel from the HEAD development repository rather than Factory (both are 2.6.27)?

Second, I confess to being confused by your upgrade/installation description. The zypper command shown will update to the newest (default) kernel from the repositories configured, so if the HEAD repo has been added, it will be the kernel in that directory. However, that package name is the binary. It is not the source used for compilation as described in the howto you refer to.

So, third, did you actually recompile your own kernel and if so, why? Is there something specifically needing to be configured that is not included in the binary kernels? Otherwise, the compilation will result in exactly the same kernel as the binary rpm. If a change in configuration is required, we need to know what specifically that is.

Thanks in advance for the clarification.

Of note: Re-checking the Phoronix article here Intel GMA X4500HD which reviews the new Intel video driver required for the GMA 4500, the testers used a 2.6.26 kernel. The article also refs that Ubuntu users must wait for 8.10 which includes not only the new driver but the newer kernel as well. Other forums’ posts appear to confirm needing the 2.6.26 kernel (or newer). Finally, it may be necessary to upgrade the X server but I have not been able to confirm that yet; the newer version of the server is not indicated as a dependency in either the driver or Mesa rpm’s.

18

Doing some additional research, it would appear there are two options available:

  1. Install openSUSE 11.1 Beta 2. It includes the 2.6.27 kernel, Xorg 7.4, and Mesa 7.2. These are the pieces needed to support the GMA 4500. But note: This is still beta software. There will be things broken. You should look here before proceeding Bugs:Most Annoying Bugs 11.1 dev - openSUSE This list is not inclusive. There will be other bugs.

  2. Or, update your 11.0 installation with the kernel, video, and Mesa drivers from 11.1 Beta 2. Here is how:

First, add the Xorg and Factory (11.1 Beta 2) repositories:

zypper sa http://download.opensuse.org/repositories/X11:/XOrg/openSUSE_11.0/ xorg
zypper sa http://download.opensuse.org/factory/repo/oss/ factory

Then install the Intel driver, Mesa, and 2.6.27 kernel packages:


zypper install -f -n xorg-x11-driver-video
zypper install -f -n Mesa
zypper install -f -n kernel-default

Reboot into runlevel 3. Login, switch to root, and do

sax2 -r -m 0=intel

IMPORTANT!: You may have a different kernel installed than “kernel-default”, e.g., it may be “kernel-pae”. Only use the kernel package name that you already have installed.

IMPORTANT!: The kernel package structure in 11.1 is different. Expect your upgrade to the new kernel to also pull in additional packages for installation.

19

to: mingus725

Thank you for your suggestions, they are always welcome. Wao I have to confess that I am not 100% clear in what I did, but I have to tell you that I input almost all the commands I found here and in other forums looking for the solution. I worked almost a week on this problem and finally I was so tired that I did a lot of things to make it work.

I have to learn a lot about commands in Linux and how to use them. I’m new here and sometimes I get lost (almost all the time, without the graphical interface).

I don’t know if there is any difference between Factory and HEAD repositories. Why I choose “default”?, It was a guess. I assumed that this was the most used and newer kernel. My kernel now reports “2.6.27-rc8-40-default”.

I used “zypper” because I couldn’t install it from “yast”.

Yes, I reconfigured the kernel 2.6.27-rc8-40-default. Unfortunately I did this intuitively and don’t remember exactly what I changed. But if you give me some time, I can take a look inside the kernel configuration (without saving it) while I still remember.

I will do this and report back at least what I changed. I did this trying and retrying, committing errors and learning. I erase my computer and reinstalled openSUSE several times and it was very time consuming.

I hope my findings can be of some help. There may be an easiest and correct way to do it and I will like to know how.

I have in mind to use this OS often and I am willing to learn about it. This is the more user friendly distribution I have ever tried, that is why I want to keep it.

Any help from you or anyone in this forum will be appreciated.

Thanks

20

@armocasio -

You are to be complimented for your effort and diligence in working the problem until you found a solution. :slight_smile:

Just a few thoughts . . .

You are probably just fine with the kernel you have for now. When you eventually upgrade to 11.1, you will want to take that kernel (it will also be a version of 2.6.27). The kernel in HEAD changes frequently; it is for development and testing. The kernel in Factory is what is most recently approved for inclusion in the next openSUSE release; it will change, too, but it is likely to be safer to use than what is in HEAD.

Just fyi, if you used the zypper command you posted and then also recompiled your own kernel, then you actually installed the kernel twice - the first time the binary, the second time from source. The difference between the two will be whatever configuration changes you made before compiling the second. I would not spend a lot of time trying to determine what changes you made; it is very likely that the standard openSUSE kernel has what is required for the video driver to work. If you used the configuration input file that came with the kernel source, you would be using the openSUSE-specific configuration +/- your changes. Note that there are also openSUSE patches also; these get built into the Factory kernel.

An additional note to my post #18 above: With method #2, when the kernel is upgraded, it is likely that there will be some dependencies which must be resolved. In my tests, all that was required was accepting the recommendations (i.e., upgrading a few other packages). But what each user encounters will depend entirely upon the particular machine and what software has been installed.