Screen resolution on a sony laptop.

[Knute Johnson]

NoOp wrote:
> On 03/06/2009 09:24 AM, Al Black wrote:
>> Hi
>>
>> I'm trying install 8.10 on an old sony PCG-FX 340 laptop. For the most
>> part the install went smoothly, and the machine is working okay.
>> There's a couple of things I'd like to get working, but I'll pick the
>> most annoying one first.
>>
>> I'd like to change the screen resolution of from 800 x 600 to 1024x768.
>> (The screen resolution tool in the admin panel, doesn't give me the
>> option.)
>>
>> The laptop comes with a  Intel 82815 815 chipset hostbridge and memory
>> controller and a VGA 82815 graphics controller.
>>
>> Digging around at the usual sources for help there seems to be a couple
>> of different isssues with Sony laptops and screen resolution, esp
>> revolving around the 915 chipset, which don't seem to apply here.
>>
>> What looks the most promising is modifying the x configuration file
>> (/etc/X11/xorg.conf) as per
>> http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1062691&highlight=sony+screen
>> +resolution+sony+laptop
>>
>> I tried this changing the model name, and had a couple of problems.
>> First, cntrl/alt/backspace didn't restart x.  So I rebooted and came up
>> with a screen that went blank at log in.  I was able to recover, but
>> thought I'd ask here for suggestions and help before fiddling with
>> xorg.conf more.
> 
> Actually you are using the 815 chipset & the driver should be
> xserver-xorg-video-intel.
> 
> First try this:
> 
> $ sudo apt-get update
> $ sudo apt-get upgrade
> $ sudo apt-get install --reinstall xserver-xorg-video-intel
> $ sudo apt-get install grandr
> 
> Log out and log back in. From a terminal:
> 
> $ grandr
> 
> That will bring up a GUI for monitor modes w/frequency options.
> 
> If that doesn't work reboot into recovery mode and use the xfix utility,
> then resume normal boot. That supposedly _should_ resolve the problem.
> 
> If not, then it may be related to this:
> <https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/xserver-xorg-video-intel/+bug/288807>
> 
> There is an xorg.conf file included in that bug report that may work for
> you.
> 
> Other possible info/suggestions:
> <https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/xserver-xorg-video-intel/+bug/214168>
> 
> You can also file a bug:
> <https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/xserver-xorg-video-intel?field.searchtext=i815&orderby=-importance&search=Search&field.status%3Alist=NEW&field.status%3Alist=INCOMPLETE_WITH_RESPONSE&field.status%3Alist=INCOMPLETE_WITHOUT_RESPONSE&field.status%3Alist=CONFIRMED&field.status%3Alist=TRIAGED&field.status%3Alist=INPROGRESS&field.status%3Alist=FIXCOMMITTED&field.assignee=&field.bug_reporter=&field.omit_dupes=on&field.has_patch=&field.has_no_package=>

I missed the original post and if this answer doesn't fit, kindly disregard.

I had the same problem with my old Dell laptop.  Someone (sorry I can't 
remember who now) suggested modifying my xorg.conf file with the following;

Section "Monitor"
     Identifier       "Configured Monitor"
     Horizsync        31.5-48.0
     Vertrefresh      56.0-65.0
EndSection

and;

Section "Screen"
      .... blah blah

      SubSection      "Display"
          Modes           "1024x768"
      EndSubSection
EndSection

This fixed my Dell, might be worth a try.  Just save a copy of your old 
xorg.conf so you can go back if it is worse :-).

-- 

Knute Johnson

"The urge to save humanity is almost always a false front for the urge 
to rule."

   H.L. Mencken