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    M17xR3 with nvidia binary driver and Ubuntu

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by dattanchu, Apr 23, 2011.

  1. dattanchu

    dattanchu Newbie

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    Just got a M17xR3 non-3D and Ubuntu 10.10 cannot boot with nvidia driver installed. I have the nvidia 1.5GB 460M video card option.

    There is no BIOS option to completely turn off Optimus.

    I got wireless working, I just need this nVidia binary driver to work. Am I short-of-luck and have to return this laptop?
     
    dattanchu, Apr 23, 2011
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  2. zchay7e

    zchay7e Notebook Consultant

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    I'm sure you know your way around Linux so I'm assuming you got the correct Linux drivers etc.
    Have you tried any other Linux distribution? Or nvidia beta drivers?

    Also, its a bit extreme to return a laptop cause you can't get a piece of (non-standard) software to run on it, which is entirely not its, but Linux's fault. You must have your reasons for going with Linux so I won't question that. However, Linux is known to cause problems with notebooks. Heck, I couldn't even get Fedora to install on my DESKTOP cause it didn't recognize my Dell monitor......FAIL linux!
     
    zchay7e, Apr 24, 2011
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  3. jafar00

    jafar00 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Did you download the driver from Nvidia, or are you trying the restricted drivers tool? Any details as you why it doesn't work? Any error message?

    I have Natty running on my R2 with ATI and it's ok.
     
    jafar00, Apr 25, 2011
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  4. dattanchu

    dattanchu Newbie

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    I use the restricted driver tool but reports from others on the net shows the same problem even when installing nvidia driver directly from their site.

    The driver simply doesn't recognize the device. Keeps having errors when Xorg is starting. I have come to believe the problem is with the combination of Nvidia Optimus + Sandy Bridge.
     
    dattanchu, Apr 25, 2011
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