Blank screen when I switch from X to console...

[Elmer]

Hello !

I'm currently running an old Mandrake 7.2 with XFree86 4.1.0, and nVidia drivers 3123. I use a GeForce 4 MX 440. But I have a problem :confused:

X run perfectly, but when I want to switch from X to console, I got a blank screen... X to X is good... The only solution I've found is to suspend my system (with power button...) and wake it up, and then, console come back, but with a great set of colors between pink and purple !!

So, I tried 4191 drivers, and now, I really loose console when I start X... When I switch, it seems like a graphic suspend mode, and this is impossible to make it come back... And I'm lost too...

So please, anyone can help me, or at least give me an explanation ?

[lunix]

Tough one but Ill try. If you are using the frame buffer make sure you are not using the riva frame buffer but the VESA one. If you are using multi haed try putting a single scree meta mode in your XF86Config and cycling to that, with CTRL+ALT+NMPAD- before switching to a virtual terminal.
Explanation: The NVIDIA drivers have some problems sharing with other driver that want to access the video card.
Feel free to ask any questions about what I tried to say here :)
Ca va?

[richnv]

Hi, I'd like to report that your advice, i.e.
a NULL screen enables me to switch
back to console cleanly. Thanks.

Some more comments: (this is a dualhead
TwinView TI4400)

If the primary monitor is analog (i.e. I pull
out the DVI until the system is up and running)
I can switch out of X to console with no problem.

If the primary monitor is DVI (actually a 2nd
analog monitor connected by the DVI dongle)
I need to pull the NULL trick.

Anyway is there a way for the BIOS to always
boot to the analog monitor even if a DVI
monitor is present?

[Future]

I just built a new gentoo box its a Athlon2100XP with the ECS K7S5A mobo. Geforce 4 mx440se. I am using kde 3.1 and using the 2123 drivers i believe. I can run whatever i want in KDE any game screensaver so on.. But as soon as I log out of KDE it goes to a blank screen like you said above and same thing if I hit control alt backspace to suspend and then wake it up to a purple/pink console but the text looks normal? What can I do to figure out why its not going back to black and working right?
Thanks
Future

[lunix]

Future, those are some old drivers. Older drivers had trouble switching to a console and back. Perhaps you should update to the 3XXX series.

[Future]

grrr typo i meant 3123... is what I got :)