Linux Lite Forums

Software - Support => Installing Linux Lite => Topic started by: mogydad on February 15, 2018, 11:58:22 AM

Title: Need to fix custom settings in xfcong
Post by: mogydad on February 15, 2018, 11:58:22 AM

I have an old Dell Inspiron 1100 which has an issue displaying only a partial screen once I install Linux distros.  This AM I installed Linux Lite and experienced the same problem.  Not familiar with this software, and working in 1/4 of the normal screen, I stumbled into Settings Editor and manually changed the resolution from 640x480 to 1024x768.  I then rebooted and ended up with a black screen. 

I forced a restart and booted into recovery which started up and displayed 1024x768.  Thought everything was good ... but on a second restart, found that normal boot ends up with a black screen.

How might I correct the problem I created in xfconf?  Secondly, any ideas how I might resolve the original problem with the partial screen display?

Thank you in advance ...

Title: Re: Need to fix custom settings in xfcong
Post by: firenice03 on February 15, 2018, 10:36:08 PM

Couple of things..


You maybe able to correct your conf file from TTY (all command line) - CTRL+ALT+F1
- You'll be prompted for login - if you recall the path/file you could use vi to correct.
I'm not sure what file was updated..


If you have a recent Systemback backup/restore point you can restore to it.. Same TTY process then

Code: [Select]

sudo systemback-cliYou'll be prompted which restore point - choose and follow prompts


-- Once corrected -- Use "Display" to change resolutions..
 <Menu<Setting<Display


** UPDATED **
Reading more and looking at Settings Editor more in-depth thinking you may have activated the VGA port.
If you have a monitor - plug it in (VGA Port) and see if you have a display.. Then you should be able to correct.

Title: Re: Need to fix custom settings in xfcong
Post by: mogydad on February 16, 2018, 06:11:41 AM

Thanks for the ideas/suggestions!  Here's where I am now.

Figured out how to get out of the black screen.  Two options work.

1. Reboot, then amend with "nomodeset."  This gets me a nice centered, 640x480 display that cannot be expanded to 1024x768.  It also goes away when I shut down and reboot - back to the black screen.  However, I was able to access the xfconf file and reverse the changes I made earlier through Settings Editor. Not really sure if any of that was actually causing problems. Sometimes it boots to a black screen, sometimes it boots to a partial screen - 640x768  ... in upper left corner. 

2.The second option is the reboot and select recovery which puts me exactly where I want to be ... 1024 display and the options to select 800 or 640 screen display.  I think maybe recovery is booting me into a "live" version of the program??

I know this partial screen issue has been earlier identified with this model 1100 with the Intel 845 graphics.  I found  web search references with several "resolved" solutions - none of which worked for me.

update bios.  Already current
update Intel microcode.  Done - no efffect
i845.modeset=0 Done - no effect
xforcevesa Done - no effect

So ... how do I change this install to retain the boot setting which take effect when I boot through the recovery option???  That will fix this problem.

Please excuse my ignorance of commands/terminology.  My understanding of Linux is basically limited to a personal opinion that I really like it, and would like to use it on this old machine!

Thanks again!