I have been using my old Pentium 4 computer with Ubuntu Server with a dual boot version of Windows XP Media Center that is connected to my TV for viewing things on the web like Hulu. I decided that it makes more sense to add the Gnome desktop so I can use Ubuntu for accessing things on the web instead of having to reboot into Windows.
The process should have been simple enough, add the Ubuntu Desktop using apt-get install ubuntu-desktop and then reboot into the GUI. Actually, that process did work fine, however after the system booted up all I was left with was a black screen so it really wasn’t helpful.
What I determined was the NVIDIA FX5200 graphics card that was installed was not sending the screens to the TV and with no monitor attached it was not helpful. After trying several different things I ended up using EnvyNG to install an Nvidia driver that would allow the system to boot up into the Gnome GUI on the TV.
I did have a keyboard and mouse connected to the server, but it is also easier for me to see the command by using Putty connected to the server, either method should work. If you need to get to the command line on the system from the black screen use Ctrl-Alt-F1 and login.
At the command prompt enter:
sudo apt-get install envyng-core envynt-qt
After you have EnvyNG installed, at the command prompt enter:
envyng –t
This will provide a menu with the choices for what to do, if you have tried adding any drivers on your own you should start by uninstalling them, type the number corresponding to that.
After you have uninstalled any existing drivers, you can enter number 1 to add the new driver. It will bring up a list of available drivers. Be sure to look at the compatible/recommended column on the right which I missed the first time. Upon closer review you can see that #2 is the best option for the FX 5200.
After you hit enter it will go through some steps and install the driver, once it is complete you will be asked whether you would like to restart the system and you should hit enter to restart.
When the system restarts you should see a Nvidia splash screen and the GUI login screen which will open up to the desktop. Just make sure you do not allow an update to the latest Nvidia driver which does not seem to work with the FX5200.
