Debian

I have been running Debian Lenny on this current PC for about a year. Since installation, I have had no major issues. Last night, I lazily tapped out:

Code:

$ sudo aptitude update
$ sudo aptitude upgrade

I quickly scanned what it said would be changed and did not notice anything that may be problematic (dpkg, some libraries, etc) so paid little attention and just let it run. When I next logged out, however, instead of returning to gdm (I think that is the one I use) I got a black screen. I did not think much of this and just grudgingly hit the power button.

When I next booted, I again got a black screen rather than gdm and again had to reboot. I booted in single user mode this time, tried `startx' and got the same. I checked relevant config files and none have been updated in months. I checked all my logs and nothing shows anything untoward. It is as though everything is working correctly, but nothing displays.

It may be relevant to mention I use an ATI card, but since the issue started on logout there should not be any relevant driver issues (as far as I know). I connect via a HDMI cable (again, probably not relevant).

Is this page any help: ATIProprietary - Debian Wiki

I was already using that driver. I believe I used that very page when I first installed the system.

This Ubuntu page might give you some ideas: https://wiki.ubuntu.com/X/Troubleshooting/BlankScreen

I was just experimenting with changing the resolution and believe I have found something. I decided to redirect STDERR, just in case, and checking it after startx failed again came up with something not in the logs:
(I just hand-wrote this one line, so no full log I am afraid).

Try this page: Problems with fglrx - ThinkWiki

You might need to do this bit: Problems with fglrx - ThinkWiki

I checked that page, but the issue it describes did not seem to be present. Using the information from it, however, I removed and reinstalled the fglrx packages (it said they contain the hacks necessary to ensure this is all correct). This made no difference.

I found this page describing the exact issue on Ubuntu. As per its suggestion, I downloaded the latest driver from ATI and tried to install. I attempted to make a deb, but the script failed on this (cp unable to stat /usr/X11R6/modules/linux error). I then just used the non-distro-specific install. This has allowed me to load X again, but things do not seem to be quite right.

If I attempt to verify the install worked:

Code:

$ fglrxinfo 
X Error of failed request:  BadRequest (invalid request code or no such operation)
  Major opcode of failed request:  144 (GLX)
  Minor opcode of failed request:  19 (X_GLXQueryServerString)
  Serial number of failed request:  10
  Current serial number in output stream:  10

On the other hand, `ldd /usr/bin/fglrxinfo' seems to look correct. My window manager (pekwm) is now behaving *very* slowly when I move windows, and I cannot seem to play videos (mplayer). Well, I can play them and the audio stream works, but there is no video stream. Otherwise, X seems normal now (I am able to post this direct from my PC with Iceweasel).

EDIT:
Oh, I almost forgot. I tried to use `module-assistant a-i fglrx' too, but there is an error here too (which seems to be a known bug).