lightkeeper
1. The "blue screen" you are getting is almost certainly your monitor using the "blue screen" option that most monitors and almost all TVs have and display when they cannot sync onto the input signal. For analogue TVs this is what you get instead of the static "snow" between channels. For a monitor it is used when it can't sync onto the unmodulated input - so definitely get the KVM out of the equation permanently, or at least until you get past this point. The last thing you want is any other piece of equipment in between that could potentially change the signal.
Yes, agree eliminate KVM - get same behavior with or without KVM. So whatever is going on its not the KVM
2. The fact that you can get a picture briefly indicates that there isn't a fundamental issue - just that the signal being send is right on the edge of the monitor's capabilities - almost certainly a vertical refresh, horizontal retrace interval, or some other part of the geometry timings just on the threshold of what it is capable of.
Sorry if I did not explain clearly - the brief picture was when I was doing the ubuntu and kubuntu installs when switching back and forth with the KVM. This monitor trys to autosync to whatever it is getting and the 1024x768 60hz it sets itsself to when on the window box does initially produce a picture on the newly installed ubuntu or kbuntu for about 1 sec but then it looses it. With the ubuntu and kbuntu I am able to CTRL-ALT-F1 and edit the xorg.conf file to get it going.
When I attempt the Linuxmce install there is the initial install screen and then it goes blue. Switching back and forth with KVM does not produce a brief picture. Same behavior with KVM removed and going direct. CTRL-ALT-F1 does nothing.
3. The correct way to change the monitor output and resolution is pressing keys 1-0 NOT SHIFT 1-0. You obviously have it on the right output, so don't bother with 1-5. Just change the resolution using 6-0. IMPORTANT: it takes at least 10 seconds to change and the monitor to resync during which time you may see the text based console login screen briefly. Give it plenty of time to settle down before trying the next resolution.
Yes, I see that now and that there is a sticky "Black screen after installation is finished" by dan evans which gives this procedure. I have tried 2 then 6 etc. Just 6, all digits 6-0 --- nothing happens.
4. If this doesn't fix it - you should certainly see the monitor flickering at least - try turning off the Blue Screen option on your monitor.
5. You need to try another monitor just to confirm that it is a timing issue for the monitor rather than a driver issue.
The menu of the monitor has no option for turning of the blue screen effect when no usuable signal. Do not have another monitor.
Yes, it is likely a wrong setting of signal to monitor -- themonitor specs has a list of supported resolutions which includes 640x480 @60,72,75, or 85Hz, 800x600@72,75, or 85Hz, 1024x768@60,70,75, or 85HZ as well as 1280x1024@60Hz, 720x400@70Hz, 720x480@60Hz, 1280x720p@60Hz,1920x1080i@60Hz,1366x768@60Hz.
"Monitor adheres to VESA Plug and Play standard to eliminate complicated and time consuming setup of monitors. This monitor identifies itsself to the computer and automatically sends the PC its Extended Identification Data (EDID) using Display Data Channel (DDC) protocols."
7. If drivers are the problem, the 0710 vanilla you installed seemed to work marginally better, probably because it doesn't have the updated drivers. Try beta 2 instead which also doesn't have the latest drivers - but I stress this is a last resort because beta 3 should work fine and you need to get at least to that anyway with the release version when it arrives. Try the other stuff first.
8. Finally, you at least need to try an get to a console screen you can see if none of the above works. CTRL-ALT-F1/2/3/4/5/6 should all have text-based console screens you can log into, so that you can get and edit your Xorg.conf file - again, this is if the other stuff doesn't work, you should try the UseEDID option.
In the kubuntu install (which works for me) the driver being used is: NVIDIA binary XFree86 4.x/X.Org 'new' driver
As noted above have tried the CTRL-ALT-Fn (n=1-0) can't get to a terminal screen - just stays blue!
Yes, would like to try other version of software. Have not been able to find download for: LinuxMCE Install DVD for AMD64 - 0710 Beta 2
I think I will try for the LinuxMCE Install CDs for AMD64 - 0710 Beta 3 however I am having some problems getting this. Will start new thread regarding that.
In the meantime if anyone has anymore ideas on how to solve the LinuxMCE Install DVD for AMD64 - 0710 Beta 3 gives blue screen problem let me know.
There was one helpful post -- jimmejames was somehow able to fly blind and get the thing to install:
I have a completely different setup than you, lightkeeper, which wouldn't make any difference other than that I have a XFX GeFORCE 8500 GT and am using the AMD64 7.10 dvd beta 3 installation.
I was able to get UI2 (with transparency) working with 0704, but I have had no luck with 0710- as soon as the dvd installation gets past the kubuntu splash screen where I select install, the screen goes black and the crt/lcd goes to sleep. I was able to get it installed by guessing the keys to press (really pretty easy, just select the hdd to install to and hit enter then I waiting until the dvd was kicked out and I restarted). I know this worked because when I switched to the onboard video linuxmce started up but with the pci-e 8500, nothing was showing past the initial screens...
Long story short, I think there is an issue with beta3 and the 8500 card. I've been watching for info for when 0710 will be officially released hoping for a fix, but haven't heard/read any new info for a while.
If I find a solution, I'll post it. This really just an FYI that you're not alone...
I guess he had an alternate video output from the mobo which let him see something. I don't have any video outputs other than the 8500 card. There is an S-video output on the 8500 card -- maby I will go grab an S-video cable and see what happens.
Thanks to all the posters, and any other ideas for solution appreciated.
