Linux Lite Forums

Software - Support => Other => Topic started by: JohnD on March 22, 2018, 12:01:36 AM

Title: Lite no longer starts since last update
Post by: JohnD on March 22, 2018, 12:01:36 AM

Since last update, I can no longer use Lite. The boot process ends in an error message which says that it was not possible to open / load the display. A problem with X. I do not no where and how to fix it.

Title: Re: Lite no longer starts since last update
Post by: Peejay on March 22, 2018, 07:00:26 AM

I'm no guru but I would start by checking the disk and filesystem. It might recover your boot, it eliminates a common cause and it won't complicate further problem-solving.

I find the easiest way to start a filesystem check is from the Grub Recovery Menu. At the Grub prompt where you would normally use the Linux Lite option select the next one down 'Advanced' which then gives a Recovery option for each kernel on your system.

Selecting the topmost of those will bring you to a list of recovery actions you can take and you want to select Check filesystem (or similar wording, sorry, don't have it in front of me). Once that's complete you can try the 'resume boot' option and see if you get your desktop back. If not, then at least you've eliminated one basic possible cause.
I found this link helpful in finding my way into & round the Recovery menus
https://askubuntu.com/questions/150367/how-do-i-boot-into-recovery-mode (https://askubuntu.com/questions/150367/how-do-i-boot-into-recovery-mode)

Good luck

Title: Re: Lite no longer starts since last update
Post by: Artim on March 23, 2018, 04:58:07 AM

Kernel updates have been known to mess up video drivers and such.  Use that Advanced Options to boot into the earlier kernel. 

Title: Re: Lite no longer starts since last update
Post by: firenice03 on March 23, 2018, 09:47:45 AM

As Randomboy suggests.. Should get you back into working desktop...

A thought as I noticed one of my systems display was off - which uses a custom xorg.conf file - you mention "A problem with X"..
I checked my conf file in which it was rewritten.. xorg.conf.DATE don't recall the date(18th maybe) but most likely the date I ran the update. Guess the problem as it left me without a xorg.conf file... Once I corrected my display returned to normal and was actually better..

If you're booted normally where you error you maybe able to confirm.. if you can access a tty (CTRL+Alt+F1) you'll be prompted to log in (do so)
Run the following command: to list the files/folders within the etc/X11 directory, you're looking for an xorg.conf.DATE file and missing the existence of an xorg.conf file

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ls /etc/X11
If you don't have the xorg.conf.DATE file, you may not have been using the conf file in which I wouldn't continue, from here rebooting back to a previous kernel (see randomboys suggestion)
You can reboot by typing

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reboot
If you do see the xorg.conf.DATE file you can reinsert the conf file by copying. Replace DATE with the exact file name..

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sudo cp /etc/X11/xorg.conf.DATE /etc/X11/xorg.conf
Reboot and see if this corrects...

If not and you want to undo.. Log back into a TTY (CTRL+Alt+F1) and remove the file..

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sudo rm /etc/X11/xorg.conf

Title: Re: Lite no longer starts since last update
Post by: TheDead on March 23, 2018, 11:28:18 PM

Heya!

From another thread but could be related.
There seems to be an issue with AMD CPUs versus latest updates. Or when doing updates trough a Virtual Machine config.
If the later case is relevant, NOT installing the Virtual machines tools for now seems to prevent the issue.
(hope I read that right, it's getting late ;) )

Cheers!

Title: Re: Lite no longer starts since last update
Post by: JohnD on March 25, 2018, 02:02:18 AM

The error message at boot is: xset: unable to open display "".

I've checked the file system. It 's ok.

I was able to load LL with the GUI via the extended boot menu selection and the upstart option, but I until now I have not fixed the problem.

In /etc/X11 I have not found a file "xorg.conf*".

Title: Re: Lite no longer starts since last update
Post by: JohnD on March 25, 2018, 02:24:19 AM

Quote from: TheDead on March 23, 2018, 11:28:18 PM

Heya!

From another thread but could be related.
There seems to be an issue with AMD CPUs versus latest updates.

Or when doing updates trough a Virtual Machine config.
If the later case is relevant, NOT installing the Virtual machines tools for now seems to prevent the issue.
(hope I read that right, it's getting late ;) )

Cheers!

THX

Those are some facts about my PC:

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Machine:   Mobo: ASRock model: N68-S Bios: American Megatrends v: P1.60 date: 09/21/2009
CPU:       Dual core AMD Athlon II X2 240 (-MCP-) cache: 2048 KB
           clock speeds: max: 2800 MHz 1: 2800 MHz 2: 2800 MHz
Graphics:  Card: NVIDIA C61 [GeForce 7025 / nForce 630a
But I do not use LL in a virtual machine, it is installed directly on a SSD.

Title: Re: Lite no longer starts since last update
Post by: trinidad on March 25, 2018, 08:42:07 AM

Run @firenice03 commands from the recovery boot for the newest kernel not upstart. If you have an older kernel installed the .DATE file should be there.

TC

Title: Re: Lite no longer starts since last update
Post by: JohnD on March 27, 2018, 03:08:02 PM

I suppose, that the system does simply not know, which display to use; because the error message shows an empty string als display name.

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xset:  unable to open display ""
A simliar information ist there (https://askubuntu.com/questions/476036/xset-unable-to-open-display).

Quote

You need to tell xset which display to use:

export DISPLAY=:0 
xset q 

But how and where to fix such a problem permanently?
Where are the settings and what might be missing?