Increase resolution in Ubuntu

KoolDrew

Lifer
Jun 30, 2004
10,226
7
81
In Ubuntu I go to Computer > System Configuration > Sceen Resolution, but the highest I can choose is 1024x768. In Windows I would run 1280x1024 fine with a real low refresh rate because I have a 17" CRT. I also remember during setup it asked me what I wanted X to use for resolutions and I tried to tick 1280x1024, but pressed enter so installation continued. So does anyone know how to increase the resolution to 1280x1024 as 1024x768 is really uncomfortable.
 

n0cmonkey

Elite Member
Jun 10, 2001
42,936
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If you're using whoreme you're using x.org and should edit something like /etc/xorg/xorg.conf. If you're using warnme you're using XFree86 and it's in /etc/x11/XF86Config. The /etc/xorg might be /etc/x11, I'm not positive.
 

Davegod75

Diamond Member
Jun 27, 2000
5,320
0
0
just had to do this with my 2005FPW. google and you will find the answer...Mine involved adding a modeline to the /etc/x11/XF86Config file n0cmonkey mentioned.

google "resoultion modeline and xf86config" for starters and see what it says
 

KoolDrew

Lifer
Jun 30, 2004
10,226
7
81
Thanks, it was /etc/x11/XF86Config-4. but I cannot edit it. I am guessing I need to be logged in as root? Anyone know what the default root pw is? I don't remember setting a root pw.
 

n0cmonkey

Elite Member
Jun 10, 2001
42,936
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Originally posted by: KoolDrew
Thanks, it was /etc/x11/XF86Config-4. but I cannot edit it. I am guessing I need to be logged in as root?

Check the permissions and post an answer to that question.
 

KoolDrew

Lifer
Jun 30, 2004
10,226
7
81
Check the permissions and post an answer to that question.

Yes, I do need to be logged in as root, but do you know the default root pw? I went to the terminal and types "su" to become root, but I do not remember setting a root pw. All I remember is setting a user pw and I tried that as the pw for root and it does not work. So do you know the default?
 

n0cmonkey

Elite Member
Jun 10, 2001
42,936
1
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Try using sudo instead. If it asks you for a password, use your user password.

sudo COMMAND
 

bersl2

Golden Member
Aug 2, 2004
1,617
0
0
I'll help you find that out. What's your IP? :D

It may have been defaulted to blank.
 

KoolDrew

Lifer
Jun 30, 2004
10,226
7
81
I enabled the root pw by using sudo passwd root, then I logged in as root by using su, but I still cannot edit the file. I opened it up and I try to type in 1280x1024 so it looks like this

SubSection "Display"
Depth 24
Modes "1280x1024" "1024x768" "800x600" "640x480"

When I try to change it I cannot type. I don't know if this helps, but I am using gedit to edit the config file.
 

xcript

Diamond Member
Apr 3, 2003
8,258
2
81
Are you running gedit as root?

You'd probably be better off editing the file from a console with nano/pico/vi.
 

Nothinman

Elite Member
Sep 14, 2001
30,672
0
0
It may have been defaulted to blank.

By default Ubuntu disables the root account and runs no servers, not even ssh, so good luck.

I enabled the root pw by using sudo passwd root

There's no reason to do that.

When I try to change it I cannot type. I don't know if this helps, but I am using gedit to edit the config file.

Use sudo instead, I believe it'll use your user's xauth info so you won't have to do anything funny, just 'sudo gedit /etc/X11/XF86Config-4' .
 

KoolDrew

Lifer
Jun 30, 2004
10,226
7
81
Everything is solved. I ran /usr/X11R6/bin/xf86cfg through the root acount and it worked.
 

Davegod75

Diamond Member
Jun 27, 2000
5,320
0
0
ubuntu is setup for sudo...

next time you want to edit a file type "sudo gedit filename"

it will prompt you for your password.