New install on recent hardware, no composting

[Steven Vollom]

On Sunday 24 January 2010 05:16:35 am Dotan Cohen wrote:
> On a new install on rather recent hardware, I get this message when
> trying to enable Desktop Effects:
> """
> Failed to activate desktop effects using the given configuration
> options. Settings will be reverted to their previous values.
> Check your X configuration. You may also consider changing advanced
> options, especially changing the compositing type.
> """
> 
> Kubuntu 9.10
> Asus M3A78-EMH HDMI Motherboard with onboard ATI video
> 
> $ lspci
> 01:05.0 VGA compatible controller: ATI Technologies Inc Radeon HD 3200
>  Graphics
> 
Dear Dotan,

This may or may not be helpful, however, I used to have similar problems.  
First I would check by opening "Hardware Drivers" in System Settings.  This is 
if you are using either Jaunty or Karmic.  Then make sure you update to the 
appropriate driver for your Video Card.  Then, in System Settings, open 
"Desktop Effects" and check Enable desktop effects.  Then click on the advanced 
tab and you may have two options, OpenGL and XRender.  If Desktop Effects were 
not restored when you selected the appropriate driver, then choose the 
alternate option in Composting type from the one you now have.  Currently, I 
am using XRender and Desktop Effects work fine, however, if I am not mistaken, 
in Jaunty I used OpenGL to activate them.  In any event none of these 
suggestions should affect your system.

As I recall, at the bottom of the box containing Hardware Drivers, it will 
tell you which driver is necessary to use if you want to enable Desktop 
Effects.  If you are using that driver all ready, the composting may correct 
the problem.

Now remember this is Steven, the not so experienced person, but I am pretty 
confident or I would not have supplied the suggestion.  If you are using Hardy 
or Intrepid, I don't know what will make things work anymore; it has been too 
long since I operating using other.  I sincerely hope this helps.  You have 
helped me  so many times.  It feels good just trying, my friend.

Steven