Black screen freeze when shutting down X or changing to console

[mcarle1]

Hi,

I am randomly getting a black screen and system freeze when I shut down X or switch to a text terminal session (ctrl+alt+F1). It doesn't happen all the time, only randomly. The system completely freezes - can't ssh in, num/caps/scroll lock don't work. The system is connected to a TV via svideo cable, without a computer monitor. The card is an FX5600 running with driver version 1.0-9746. It is a FC6 system with kernel 2.6.19-1.2911.fc6.

I am unable to run nvidia-bug-report after the crash, so the attached file is just after starting X. The xorg log file shows X starting up, and then the system is switched between console and X repeatedly (ctrl+alt+F1, crt+alt+F7,...) until it freezes.

I am happy to provide more information if necessary.

Thanks,
Matthew.

[whig]

From xorg.conf,

Load "fbdevhw"

From the readme (not quite the same),

If you have a working X config file for a different driver (such as the "nv"
or "vesa" driver), then simply edit the file as follows.

Remove the line:

      Driver "nv"
  (or Driver "vesa")
  (or Driver "fbdev")

Edit and retest.

[mcarle1]

Hi Whig,

I'm afraid I don't understand what you mean. Should I remove the Load "fbdevhw" line? Or do you want me to start with a fresh configuration and only make the change? If this is the case, it is a little more complex because I am only using tv out (which I don't think is exactly the same with the nv driver).

Matthew.

[whig]

Yes, just remove the fbdevhw line. Really it is a module, not a driver, but just the same I don't think the nvidia drivers would like it very much. This edit is still no guarantee of success.

[mcarle1]

Unfortunately removing the line didn't help. Thanks for the suggestion though.

[mcarle1]

Is there anything more I can do to debug this?

[whig]

There is version 9631 to try, again no guarantees.

[mcarle1]

The problem was there with 8776 as well (except there were some green pixels on the black screen), so I doubt 9631 will help. I have some new information though. It only happens with tv-out. If I connect a monitor, it doesn't do it.

[mcarle1]

I ended up replacing the video card with a 6200. It seems to be working properly now. Thanks for your help.