How to install Intel Drivers

Cliff_G · 2017-11-02 18:34

Trying out Q4OS, very impressed so far, to resurrect an old Dell laptop. Hope someone can help here...

Max screen resolution from the standard install is 1024*768 but the screen will go higher than that (I forget how high without reloading XP, but I'm sure it's at least 1200*900, possibly more - I bought the machine so as to get a lot on the *huge* screen). (Same for other Linux distros, max 1024*678 out of the box)

The video controller is "Intel Corporation Mobile 915GM/GMS/910GML Express Graphics Controller".

I have downloaded the Linux drivers from the Intel site
hteeteepee-ess etc downloadcenter.intel.com/product/81510/Graphics-Drivers-for-Mobile-Intel-915GM-GMS-910GML-Express-Chipset-Family

File is i915Graphics.tar.gz

I'm a bit of a Linux newbie so unless installs are from Synaptic I am stumped. Threads I've searched here re video installs veer off into unrelated problems rather than just how to install new drivers.

Can anyone give me a pointer as to where instructions are to do this install? Thanks

q4osteam · 2017-11-02 18:38

For the clean and most easy installation of Intel video drivers just install 'xserver-xorg-video-intel' package from Synaptic or terminal:
$ sudo apt-get install xserver-xorg-video-intel
Xorg should autoconfigure Intel driver after next reboot.

From the package description:
This package provides the driver for the Intel i8xx and i9xx family of chipsets, including i810, i815, i830, i845, i855, i865, i915, i945 and i965 series chips.

EDIT: Are you using 64bit or 32bit installation media ?

Last edited by q4osteam (2017-11-02 18:49)

Cliff_G · 2017-11-02 18:57

Thanks for quick reply.

1. 32-bit (machine is 32 bit)

2. I looked and I already had the xserver-xorg-video-intel installed. I rebooted to be sure of an autoconfigure but no increase in resolution. Do I need to do anything else?

3. a quick search finds someone who has one of these running (on Windows) at 1280 x 1084, (which may or may not be the max resolution), but it's definitely more than 1024*768

[edit]: it may of course be that Intel's Linux & Windows drivers differ in spec [/edit]

Last edited by Cliff_G (2017-11-02 19:00)

q4osteam · 2017-11-02 19:05

We could try to check your system and assist you in progressing towards a solution. Run the following command in terminal to generate debug files:
$ reportq4
and send them via e-mail support@q4os.org or attach it here to analyze. You can add attachment by 'post reply -> choose file'

Cliff_G · 2017-11-02 19:09

Thanks.

Herewith

qreport.tar.gz

Attachments:

qreport.tar.gz, Size: 115.7 KiB, Downloads: 869

q4osteam · 2017-11-02 19:28

Looks like the default Debian Intel driver cannot set higher resolution for this machine. We could try one more thing, just remove Intel driver and let KMS to configure the display. So remove driver in terminal:
$ sudo apt-get remove xserver-xorg-video-intel
Reboot. You can anytime to install Intel driver back:
$ sudo apt-get install xserver-xorg-video-intel

Cliff_G · 2017-11-02 19:36

I used Run, and ticked Run in Terminal Window.

I have :

Reading package lists... Done
Building dependency tree
Reading state information... Done
The following package was automatically installed and is no longer required:
libxvmc1
Use 'sudo apt autoremove' to remove it.
The following packages will be REMOVED:
xserver-xorg-video-intel
0 upgraded, 0 newly installed, 1 to remove and 0 not upgraded.
After this operation, 3,441 kB disk space will be freed.
Do you want to continue? [Y/n] y
(Reading database ... 142709 files and directories currently installed.)
Removing xserver-xorg-video-intel (2:2.99.917+git20161206-1) ...
Processing triggers for libc-bin (2.24-11+deb9u1) ...
Processing triggers for man-db (2.7.6.1-2) ...
[] <<(cursor)

whereupon there is no further output

Has it finished? Do I reboot now?

q4osteam · 2017-11-02 19:55

Cliff_G wrote:

Has it finished? Do I reboot now?

Yes, reboot now.

Cliff_G · 2017-11-02 19:56

I finally noticed the "Finished" in the header line!.

Anyway, did that and it broke. I got only a command line output. I logged in using username and password and tried sudo apt-get install xserver-xorg-video-intel to get me back but it failed at an ftp command, presumably has no internet access

!?

q4osteam · 2017-11-02 19:58

Cliff_G wrote:

I used Run, and ticked Run in Terminal Window ...

A better way is to just run terminal window and run particular commands inside. You can find terminal application in the main menu.

q4osteam · 2017-11-02 20:00

Cliff_G wrote:

Anyway, did that and it broke. I got only a command line output. I logged in using username and password and tried sudo apt-get install xserver-xorg-video-intel to get me back but it failed at an ftp command, presumably has no internet access!?

Ok, you need to install Intel driver back. You can get Internet access using terminal client first:
$ nmtui
and then install the driver:
$ sudo apt-get install xserver-xorg-video-intel

Cliff_G · 2017-11-02 20:04

did that, still have only command line. It get the stuff from the ftp site, though

Do I need a "start system" command ?

Cliff_G · 2017-11-02 20:05

I currently have prompt: adminq@q4os-desktop:~$

q4osteam · 2017-11-02 20:19

Cliff_G wrote:

I currently have prompt: adminq@q4os-desktop:~$

Type in the prompt:

nmtui

you will be able to get wifi connection, then close the network client and type in the prompt to install driver:

sudo apt-get install xserver-xorg-video-intel

Cliff_G · 2017-11-02 20:23

yes, I did that and the install completed ok, connected to teh ftp site ok to get what it needed. I then turned teh machine off using the power switch and back on, still have command line interface

Have re-tried that in case it failed. It says "xserver-xorg-vidoe-intel is already the newest version"

How am I supposed to reboot / or, how do I get it to boot through the CLI into the graphic interface?

Cliff_G · 2017-11-02 20:25

if I "exit" then turn off and on again, i get CLI:

"Debian GNU/Linux 9 q4os-desktop tty1
q4os-desktop login:"

q4osteam · 2017-11-02 20:30

Something went wrong, as the system should start into the gui after reboot. You could try to run it manually from the console:
$ startx
Then generate and attach the debug file 'qreport.tar.gz' again, see http://www.q4os.org/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=9900#p9900

Cliff_G · 2017-11-02 20:35

Thanks. OK, up and running. New report attached

One other thing, the wifi adapter needs a manual start each time I boot

Attachments:

qreport.tar.gz, Size: 117.3 KiB, Downloads: 1,000

Cliff_G · 2017-11-02 20:40

I'm running out of time tonight. If we can't get a quick resolution I may just rebuild. I was not too far on with thebuild but have done enough I'd like to recover if possible.

Anyway, if I rebuild, would it be better to try removing xserver-xorg-video-intel from Synaptic?

q4osteam · 2017-11-02 20:47

You are running the KMS driver now, the Intel driver needs to be reinstalled completely. So launch terminal application and run:
$ sudo apt-get purge xserver-xorg-video-intel
$ sudo apt-get --reinstall install xserver-xorg-video-intel
Reboot, hopefully the Intel driver should be back including automatic gui starting.

Cliff_G wrote:

One other thing, the wifi adapter needs a manual start each time I boot

You only need to set autoconnect option. Just click to the wireless manager applet in the system tray > Edit connections > select a wifi connection to configure > Edit > click Next, step by thru the guide, don't forget to check 'autoconnect' option > click Save.

q4osteam · 2017-11-02 20:51

Cliff_G wrote:

Anyway, if I rebuild, would it be better to try removing xserver-xorg-video-intel from Synaptic?

Do you mean a complete fresh OS installation ? If so, you need to keep the 'xserver-xorg-video-intel' package in the system.

Cliff_G · 2017-11-02 21:00

OK, thanks

1. re the wifi, I did "save and connect" without reaching the last page. Might help to remove those buttons until the very end.

2. the machien has now booted into teh GUI OK, thanks. I think there's a weird interplay between the off button and whether it does some sort of hiberbnate or a full shutdown. I was pretty sure I had pressed it long enough. Anyway, whatever, it is all ook now.

For tomorrow, is it worth trying removing the intel driver using Synaptic?

Thansk and goodbye for tonight

q4osteam · 2017-11-02 21:24

Cliff_G wrote:

For tomorrow, is it worth trying removing the intel driver using Synaptic?

No, the Intel driver is the best available option at the moment, so keep it in the system. The way to get better resolution could be to upgrade the kernel see https://www.q4os.org/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=9168#p9168 point 3., or manual driver compilation from sources, but it's a complicated task even for power user.

crosscourt · 2017-11-02 22:24

Intel 915GM is a bit old released around q1 2005(Pentium 4, no dual core support) and will have issues with newer kernels. In fact using Orion 1.8.8 with the older kernel should work fine as i have 915GM Dell laptops that run fine(1024x768) but depending on the size of the display 1024x768 may be the best you can do. Some systems have issues with the video bios which means it cant be corrected or youd have to look for a newer version if its available. Check bios settings but more than likely there wont be anything you can change.

Ive got some Dell D430 laptops with 12" screen but could never get them to run beyond 1024x768 even though they are capable of 1200x800, this with Orion and they use a newer graphics chipset. Scorpion wont run on them at all.

Windows from Vista up have a similar issue with 915GM chipset and work arounds included third party apps to force resolutions above 1024x768,many times without success.

Last edited by crosscourt (2017-11-04 03:18)

Cliff_G · 2017-11-03 08:48

Thanks all, the expression "if it ain't broke don't fix it" seems appropriate. Has been a helpful learning experience though.

Q4OS Forum

#1 2017-11-02 18:34

How to install Intel Drivers

#2 2017-11-02 18:38

Re: How to install Intel Drivers

#3 2017-11-02 18:57

Re: How to install Intel Drivers

#4 2017-11-02 19:05

Re: How to install Intel Drivers

#5 2017-11-02 19:09

Re: How to install Intel Drivers

#6 2017-11-02 19:28

Re: How to install Intel Drivers

#7 2017-11-02 19:36

Re: How to install Intel Drivers

#8 2017-11-02 19:55

Re: How to install Intel Drivers

#9 2017-11-02 19:56

Re: How to install Intel Drivers

#10 2017-11-02 19:58

Re: How to install Intel Drivers

#11 2017-11-02 20:00

Re: How to install Intel Drivers

#12 2017-11-02 20:04

Re: How to install Intel Drivers

#13 2017-11-02 20:05

Re: How to install Intel Drivers

#14 2017-11-02 20:19

Re: How to install Intel Drivers

#15 2017-11-02 20:23

Re: How to install Intel Drivers

#16 2017-11-02 20:25

Re: How to install Intel Drivers

#17 2017-11-02 20:30

Re: How to install Intel Drivers

#18 2017-11-02 20:35

Re: How to install Intel Drivers

#19 2017-11-02 20:40

Re: How to install Intel Drivers

#20 2017-11-02 20:47

Re: How to install Intel Drivers

#21 2017-11-02 20:51

Re: How to install Intel Drivers

#22 2017-11-02 21:00

Re: How to install Intel Drivers

#23 2017-11-02 21:24

Re: How to install Intel Drivers

#24 2017-11-02 22:24

Re: How to install Intel Drivers

#25 2017-11-03 08:48

Re: How to install Intel Drivers

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