Ubuntu just wont work for me :|

[thomasstambaugh]

I tried using it on a computer with
Phenom II X4 955
Radeon HD5770
8gb RAM

The first time I used an installation CD, the second time I used wubi. Both times on start up it shows a purple screen saying Ubuntu(which from youtube videos I can tell isn't the right load up screen) and then it just goes black. It's the newest version and it's 64 bit(which I know this machine can run, since on the main HDD I have a 64 bit version of Win 7). I just don't know what to do

Any ideas? Also this is my first time trying to run Linux. No a live CD doesn't work either, same results.

[zenwalker]

Do not try to dual boot from the same hard drive, separate partitions;
Do not use wubi;
Get a second hard drive;
Make sure nothing to do with M$ is on it & don't use anything M$ to prepare it;
Forget 64-bit;
Download SystemRescueCD 1.3.4 or 1.3.5, burn it at 8X and learn to use its tools;
Go with LinuxMint-9 (or peppermint).

Have fun with Linux!

[thomasstambaugh]

I did use a second hard drive and I cleared everything on it before I tried it.
What's wrong with 64 bit and why not Ubuntu? I'd rather have help trying to get something to work rather than give up and just try something else.

[thomasstambaugh]

I found someone else with my problem and a reply to him was that maybe it doesn't support my graphics card for some reason. Any advice for how to fix that maybe?

[nujinini]

Hi!

I tried using it on a computer with
Phenom II X4 955
Radeon HD5770
8gb RAM

Cool!

The first time I used an installation CD, the second time I used wubi. Both times on start up it shows a purple screen saying Ubuntu(which from youtube videos I can tell isn't the right load up screen) and then it just goes black. It's the newest version and it's 64 bit(which I know this machine can run, since on the main HDD I have a 64 bit version of Win 7). I just don't know what to do

So...you downloaded an ISO of ubuntu and you got what release please?

[luolimao]

Both times on start up it shows a purple screen saying Ubuntu(which from youtube videos I can tell isn't the right load up screen) and then it just goes black.

Actually, in the new lucid lynx 10.04 release, the splash screen IS purple. Anway, don't use wubi. I mean sure, it's supported, but it's not a great idea.

Try to boot into the CD directly without wubi by changing some BIOS settings. The key you need to press (as soon as you turn your computer on) differs from computer to computer, so you might need to do some random key-mashing (sometimes it's F2, sometimes F8, sometimes it's something else).

Also, like the previous poster stated, it would be helpful to know the particular release of Ubuntu you are using.

[thomasstambaugh]

Whatever the newest release at the time of June 15th was(thats when the CD was made). As stated, a live cd doesn't work and I DID install from a disc the first time. Wubi was only after the disc wouldn't work

[reed9]

It's probably the graphics card.

Try booting with the nomodeset boot option.

Alternately, if that fails, try booting with the xforcevesa option. Or possibly adding both radeon.modeset=0 and xforcevesa.

Info on how to do that here. (They use i915.modeset for an Intel based card. You want radeon.modeset)

More info on boot options and Kernel Mode Setting in Ubuntu.
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/BootOptions
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/X/KernelModeSetting/

[russjr08]

It's probably the graphics card.

Try booting with the nomodeset boot option.

Alternately, if that fails, try booting with the xforcevesa option. Or possibly adding both radeon.modeset=0 and xforcevesa.
...

I was just about to say that. What I would try is, when Ubuntu's first screen comes up (it should have like a rectangle at the bottom with a person I think) press enter. Then press F6, then escape. Type in radeon.modeset=0 then press enter. If it doesn't load up reboot, follow the same process only use radeon.modeset=1 You could also use the xforcevesa option with radeon.modeset=0 So you would type radeon.modeset=0 xforcevesa

reed9, I had to take out the links in your quote, as I am a new user and need 15 posts

[zenwalker]

...
What's wrong with 64 bit and why not Ubuntu? I'd rather have help trying to get something to work rather than give up and just try something else.

To both -- in order to avoid some unnecessary problems inherent in the new LTS release of ubuntu (with which I am very disappointed, having initiated my Linux learning experience with Jaunty Jackalope). But you'll be glad you stuck it out.

Linux is about freedom of choice! So enjoy, don't beat the head against the wall, and live with one's choices without complaining.

BTW this forum is a great help, is it not?