Kernel 2.6.36 builds and Intel graphics = xorg problems

[Joe1962]

I have been tweaking a kernel build config specific for my laptop and building kernels 2.6.36.1, .2 and now .3, but xorg (or perhaps KDE4) becomes highly unstable and crashes. KDE4 won't even load fully with Intel kms activated in the kernel config. Without it, it might load, but the cursor goes crazy, moving by itself and clicks won't work. I am guessing it will require a newer xorg. Any ideas?

Note: This is on a somewhat updated SOHO 6, on a notebook with Mobile Intel GMA 4500MHD.

[stretchedthin]

I've try'd two of those kernels 2.6.36.2 and 2.6.36.3, on 4 machines.  2.6.36.3 simply will not boot, on the one older intel graphics machine, but 2.6.36.2 works quite well on both intel graphics machines, but hald fails on a newer machine with ati graphics.  It's really been a mismash.

I've attached a pdf of the google-docs page I started to track all this stuff.  If anyone wants to participate with there info just pm me and I'll add your details.

[uelsk8s]

joe,
can you try your kernels with this iso:http://vectorlinux.osuosl.org/veclinux-7.0/iso-test/VL7.0-CORE-ALPHA-4.8.iso
see if we can get something that works

thanks,
Uel

[Joe1962]

It might take me a couple of nights to download the iso. Hopefully I can test them over the weekend...

[stretchedthin]

@uelsk8s
Not sure if it is 4.9 or 4.8, (the iso calls itself 4.9 but when the gui installer finds the install source it calls itself 4., but anyway, I've run some tests on my machines and have added the results to the google-doc I'm tracking it on.  See attached.

Two things I've noticed since I wrote the pdf and find interesting. 
1. amp never fails at boot up.  I've got pretty new machines and for what I can remember amp always failed, because it should in favor of the newer power management system.
2. If I go into /usr/src all I can find there is a slackbuilds/ folder.  Shouldn't there also be a build-2.6.35.7/ and linux-2.6.35.7.  I'm guessing that may be why I have trouble with the installation of proprietary drivers.  If so then that is possible an easy fix..yes/no???. I'm guessing but it feels right.

Anyway, bulk of the details are on the pdf, thanks.
Ken

[Joe1962]

uelsk8s: I left the iso in the download list on the server at work over the weekend, but it failed due to a power outage. I'll leave it on tonight, but which should I get now? 4.8, 4.9 or 4.10?


EDIT: Guess it's 4.11 now?

BTW, I built a 2.6.32.28 long term support kernel with the same config I was trying out for 2.6.36.x and get many of the same issues, though I did manage to work in KDE4 a few times. As with the newer kernel, logging out/back in, or rebooting is never guaranteed to get back to a working KDE4, often dropping to a low resolution or simply crashing back to kdm.

EDIT 2: Wow! The isos are really multiplying now... just checked after the previous edit and 4.12 is there...

[uelsk8s]

Yes 4.12 is there and should be the last one for a few days.

[pierce.jason]

I am guessing it will require a newer xorg. Any ideas?

I unrelated to kde/Intel, but I used to use some pretty old xorg with 2.6.32 kernel. The ati fglrx drivers I wanted had me restricted to older xorg versions.

When I was using arch and compiling stuff, I did notice intel patches quite often. Though I don't recall, if they were for xorg, or kernel, or something else.

pierce.jason

[rm-r]

LOL 

This may be classic example of jumping  in where angels fear to tread
Hi Joe - long time no "here" _did you resolve the glitches ?

BTW = tch tch - you broke a cardinal query rule -
(wink - where are the hardware, S/ware *specifics* - kde AND xorg version )
WHERE are logged file reports !!
Slackware doesn't appear to have own forum now - weird

Does your version depend on VL hotplug - or newer udev/hal conventions
Do you have problems using an alternate DE - (openbox ~ even flux is a fast build)

Presuming you are re-compiling modules only vs full kernel, to verify probable cause of troubles ? 

BTW - @ kernel compile conclusion, do you wipe the old header etc data
(IMNSHO "make clean" --bad idea. unless space constraints)

www.mjmwired.net/kernel/Documentation/kbuild/makefiles.txt

 
   

[rm-r]

Joe/Stretchedthin:

(As also in X-Rated topic  header)

Please see the download section: (& related documentation)

http://intellinuxgraphics.org/download.html

[Joe1962]

Hi Joe - long time no "here" _did you resolve the glitches ?

Well, I switched to VL7, installing Alpha 4.16, but I haven't had much time to report back. I did manage to build a working kernel, which I have been using for a while now. A few small issues remain, like the fact that it sometimes boots into 1024x768, instead of the widescreen resolution, up to the gdm screen, but XFCE-4.8 most of the time switches it to the proper widescreen (1366x768). I have yet to work on a proper distro kernel config though, it is still highly tweaked to my notebook. Also, I have to install the Beta now...

BTW = tch tch - you broke a cardinal query rule -
(wink - where are the hardware, S/ware *specifics* - kde AND xorg version )

Well, it is right there on the first post:

Note: This is on a somewhat updated SOHO 6, on a notebook with Mobile Intel GMA 4500MHD.

It was the default xorg and KDE, so I didn't mention those.

[rm-r]

LOL -   I  confess it required reading through that link - which I did to see if GMA 4500 MHD was the *actual*  chipset name:)
~ AFAIK  a pre-requisite needed to match-up  drivers

Albeit now redundant in this case - Nor is it easy to find one documentation repository to source which software version of Apps is used in what VL release

(Giving due attention  to your  mentioning - "may be" KDE/Xorg related)
 
Also noted in URL -   the kernel (2.6.37)  used for latest stable version

Respectfully, may it be suggesed  - examine VL code,  see which utility is used to probe GPU card & monitor

(My opinions only - Reliance of  such as XFCE,  is a  "cludge", Esp  of little value when not included )
~ (After bootup,  (if) the code fails to properly activate GPU etc,  it should fall back to vesa

Other fail-safes work - frame buffer, generic ati, nv.  however.  vesa always works
I have used vesa up to old CRT  monitor capability - 1600x1200 24bit
Generic (Vesa etal) does not readily accomodate wide-screen LCD displays

 
 

[rm-r]

Strechedthin:

Since this topic appears  more Intel display driver oriented than kernel:
You (VL developers?)  may be interested in following results Re this link:

Fedora is scheduling test days for
Intel  > https://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Test_Day:2011-02-24_Intel

Nouveau >  https://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Test_Day:2011-02-22_Nouveau

Radeon > https://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Test_Day:2011-02-23_Radeon

[Joe1962]

Thanks for the info, rm-r. BTW, vesa tends to fail with this laptop, giving a black screen. I just installed VL7 Beta1 and getting much the same idiosyncrasies with the jumping between 1024x768 and 1366x768. Guess Intel graphics still has some way to go with Linux...

[rm-r]

Joe:

My pleasure (not often  you ever have  need  to request  suggestions)

Yeah, many  forums are alive w/bad words Re Intel graphics
~ Now that AMD swallowed ATI,  here's hoping that Linux/Xorg situation wll improve

  Guessing you know my identity by now  (GG didn't)
This is my revenge - lurking/using  VL 5_xx so long - Gentoo modularised xorg/.Kde:

 When I did attempt to upgrade (B4 only if newer stable App capabilities wanted:)
It was too late - shulda_nvr happend  w/e-builds.~ got dreaded  "mutually exclusive blockages")

Best wishes sir

Would take longer to de-merge, re-compile vs 45 mins.  for latest stage3 install
~ heh , I cheated, still run  old version, AND installed Calculate-DE)