sometimes ubuntu login screen does not show after boot

Asked by peterK

sometimes ubuntu login screen does not boot up, only a promt "_" is blinking.
I have a 64bit Ubuntu 13.04 and single boot (no dual boot with windows)

When in this blinking mode I type:
    ctrl+alt+F1
Then login and type
    #startx
and get the below error in the log file /var/log/Xorg.1.log
then I type
    # sudo service lightdm restart
and everything starts up nicely again with the correct login screen.

----------------------------------------------------------
/var/log/Xorg.1.log
----------------------------------------------------------

[ 28.034]
X.Org X Server 1.13.3
Release Date: 2013-03-07
[ 28.034] X Protocol Version 11, Revision 0
[ 28.034] Build Operating System: Linux 3.2.0-37-generic x86_64 Ubuntu
[ 28.034] Current Operating System: Linux k2 3.8.0-23-generic #34-Ubuntu SMP Wed May 29 20:22:58 UTC 2013 x86_64
[ 28.034] Kernel command line: BOOT_IMAGE=/vmlinuz-3.8.0-23-generic.efi.signed root=UUID=bb97c0a9-98cf-46cf-9a62-f22557dd674a ro quiet splash acpi_osi=Linux acpi_backlight=vendor
[ 28.035] Build Date: 17 April 2013 10:43:13PM
[ 28.035] xorg-server 2:1.13.3-0ubuntu6 (For technical support please see http://www.ubuntu.com/support)
[ 28.035] Current version of pixman: 0.28.2
[ 28.035] Before reporting problems, check http://wiki.x.org
 to make sure that you have the latest version.
[ 28.035] Markers: (--) probed, (**) from config file, (==) default setting,
 (++) from command line, (!!) notice, (II) informational,
 (WW) warning, (EE) error, (NI) not implemented, (??) unknown.
[ 28.035] (==) Log file: "/var/log/Xorg.1.log", Time: Thu Jun 6 12:03:19 2013
[ 28.035] (==) Using system config directory "/usr/share/X11/xorg.conf.d"
[ 28.035] (==) No Layout section. Using the first Screen section.
[ 28.035] (==) No screen section available. Using defaults.
[ 28.035] (**) |-->Screen "Default Screen Section" (0)
[ 28.035] (**) | |-->Monitor "<default monitor>"
[ 28.035] (==) No monitor specified for screen "Default Screen Section".
 Using a default monitor configuration.
[ 28.035] (==) Automatically adding devices
[ 28.035] (==) Automatically enabling devices
[ 28.035] (==) Automatically adding GPU devices
[ 28.035] (WW) The directory "/usr/share/fonts/X11/cyrillic" does not exist.
[ 28.035] Entry deleted from font path.
[ 28.035] (WW) The directory "/usr/share/fonts/X11/100dpi/" does not exist.
[ 28.035] Entry deleted from font path.
[ 28.035] (WW) The directory "/usr/share/fonts/X11/75dpi/" does not exist.
[ 28.035] Entry deleted from font path.
[ 28.035] (WW) The directory "/usr/share/fonts/X11/100dpi" does not exist.
[ 28.035] Entry deleted from font path.
[ 28.035] (WW) The directory "/usr/share/fonts/X11/75dpi" does not exist.
[ 28.035] Entry deleted from font path.
[ 28.035] (WW) The directory "/var/lib/defoma/x-ttcidfont-conf.d/dirs/TrueType" does not exist.
[ 28.035] Entry deleted from font path.
[ 28.035] (==) FontPath set to:
 /usr/share/fonts/X11/misc,
 /usr/share/fonts/X11/Type1,
 built-ins
[ 28.035] (==) ModulePath set to "/usr/lib/x86_64-linux-gnu/xorg/extra-modules,/usr/lib/xorg/extra-modules,/usr/lib/xorg/modules"
[ 28.035] (II) The server relies on udev to provide the list of input devices.
 If no devices become available, reconfigure udev or disable AutoAddDevices.
[ 28.035] (II) Loader magic: 0x7f348ed53d20
[ 28.035] (II) Module ABI versions:
[ 28.035] X.Org ANSI C Emulation: 0.4
[ 28.035] X.Org Video Driver: 13.1
[ 28.035] X.Org XInput driver : 18.0
[ 28.035] X.Org Server Extension : 7.0
[ 28.036] (II) config/udev: Adding drm device (/dev/dri/card0)
[ 28.037] (--) PCI:*(0:0:2:0) 8086:0166:17aa:3977 rev 9, Mem @ 0xe0000000/4194304, 0xd0000000/268435456, I/O @ 0x00003000/64
[ 28.037] (II) Open ACPI successful (/var/run/acpid.socket)
[ 28.037] Initializing built-in extension Generic Event Extension
[ 28.037] Initializing built-in extension SHAPE
[ 28.037] Initializing built-in extension MIT-SHM
[ 28.037] Initializing built-in extension XInputExtension
[ 28.037] Initializing built-in extension XTEST
[ 28.037] Initializing built-in extension BIG-REQUESTS
[ 28.037] Initializing built-in extension SYNC
[ 28.037] Initializing built-in extension XKEYBOARD
[ 28.037] Initializing built-in extension XC-MISC
[ 28.037] Initializing built-in extension SECURITY
[ 28.037] Initializing built-in extension XINERAMA
[ 28.037] Initializing built-in extension XFIXES
[ 28.037] Initializing built-in extension RENDER
[ 28.037] Initializing built-in extension RANDR
[ 28.037] Initializing built-in extension COMPOSITE
[ 28.037] Initializing built-in extension DAMAGE
[ 28.037] Initializing built-in extension MIT-SCREEN-SAVER
[ 28.037] Initializing built-in extension DOUBLE-BUFFER
[ 28.038] Initializing built-in extension RECORD
[ 28.039] Initializing built-in extension DPMS
[ 28.039] Initializing built-in extension X-Resource
[ 28.040] Initializing built-in extension XVideo
[ 28.040] Initializing built-in extension XVideo-MotionCompensation
[ 28.041] Initializing built-in extension SELinux
[ 28.041] Initializing built-in extension XFree86-VidModeExtension
[ 28.042] Initializing built-in extension XFree86-DGA
[ 28.042] Initializing built-in extension XFree86-DRI
[ 28.043] Initializing built-in extension DRI2
[ 28.043] (II) LoadModule: "glx"
[ 28.043] (II) Loading /usr/lib/xorg/modules/extensions/libglx.so
[ 28.043] (II) Module glx: vendor="X.Org Foundation"
[ 28.043] compiled for 1.13.3, module version = 1.0.0
[ 28.043] ABI class: X.Org Server Extension, version 7.0
[ 28.043] (==) AIGLX enabled
[ 28.044] Loading extension GLX
[ 28.044] (==) Matched intel as autoconfigured driver 0
[ 28.044] (==) Matched intel as autoconfigured driver 1
[ 28.044] (==) Matched vesa as autoconfigured driver 2
[ 28.044] (==) Matched modesetting as autoconfigured driver 3
[ 28.044] (==) Matched fbdev as autoconfigured driver 4
[ 28.044] (==) Assigned the driver to the xf86ConfigLayout
[ 28.044] (II) LoadModule: "intel"
[ 28.044] (II) Loading /usr/lib/xorg/modules/drivers/intel_drv.so
[ 28.044] (II) Module intel: vendor="X.Org Foundation"
[ 28.044] compiled for 1.13.3, module version = 2.21.6
[ 28.044] Module class: X.Org Video Driver
[ 28.044] ABI class: X.Org Video Driver, version 13.1
[ 28.044] (II) LoadModule: "vesa"
[ 28.044] (II) Loading /usr/lib/xorg/modules/drivers/vesa_drv.so
[ 28.044] (II) Module vesa: vendor="X.Org Foundation"
[ 28.044] compiled for 1.12.99.902, module version = 2.3.2
[ 28.044] Module class: X.Org Video Driver
[ 28.044] ABI class: X.Org Video Driver, version 13.0
[ 28.044] (II) LoadModule: "modesetting"
[ 28.044] (II) Loading /usr/lib/xorg/modules/drivers/modesetting_drv.so
[ 28.044] (II) Module modesetting: vendor="X.Org Foundation"
[ 28.044] compiled for 1.13.3, module version = 0.7.0
[ 28.044] Module class: X.Org Video Driver
[ 28.044] ABI class: X.Org Video Driver, version 13.1
[ 28.044] (II) LoadModule: "fbdev"
[ 28.045] (II) Loading /usr/lib/xorg/modules/drivers/fbdev_drv.so
[ 28.045] (II) Module fbdev: vendor="X.Org Foundation"
[ 28.045] compiled for 1.12.99.902, module version = 0.4.3
[ 28.045] Module class: X.Org Video Driver
[ 28.045] ABI class: X.Org Video Driver, version 13.0
[ 28.045] (II) intel: Driver for Intel Integrated Graphics Chipsets: i810,
 i810-dc100, i810e, i815, i830M, 845G, 854, 852GM/855GM, 865G, 915G,
 E7221 (i915), 915GM, 945G, 945GM, 945GME, Pineview GM, Pineview G,
 965G, G35, 965Q, 946GZ, 965GM, 965GME/GLE, G33, Q35, Q33, GM45,
 4 Series, G45/G43, Q45/Q43, G41, B43, B43, Clarkdale, Arrandale,
 Sandybridge Desktop (GT1), Sandybridge Desktop (GT2),
 Sandybridge Desktop (GT2+), Sandybridge Mobile (GT1),
 Sandybridge Mobile (GT2), Sandybridge Mobile (GT2+),
 Sandybridge Server, Ivybridge Mobile (GT1), Ivybridge Mobile (GT2),
 Ivybridge Desktop (GT1), Ivybridge Desktop (GT2), Ivybridge Server,
 Ivybridge Server (GT2), Haswell Desktop (GT1), Haswell Desktop (GT2),
 Haswell Desktop (GT2+), Haswell Mobile (GT1), Haswell Mobile (GT2),
 Haswell Mobile (GT2+), Haswell Server (GT1), Haswell Server (GT2),
 Haswell Server (GT2+), Haswell SDV Desktop (GT1),
 Haswell SDV Desktop (GT2), Haswell SDV Desktop (GT2+),
 Haswell SDV Mobile (GT1), Haswell SDV Mobile (GT2),
 Haswell SDV Mobile (GT2+), Haswell SDV Server (GT1),
 Haswell SDV Server (GT2), Haswell SDV Server (GT2+),
 Haswell ULT Desktop (GT1), Haswell ULT Desktop (GT2),
 Haswell ULT Desktop (GT2+), Haswell ULT Mobile (GT1),
 Haswell ULT Mobile (GT2), Haswell ULT Mobile (GT2+),
 Haswell ULT Server (GT1), Haswell ULT Server (GT2),
 Haswell ULT Server (GT2+), Haswell CRW Desktop (GT1),
 Haswell CRW Desktop (GT2), Haswell CRW Desktop (GT2+),
 Haswell CRW Mobile (GT1), Haswell CRW Mobile (GT2),
 Haswell CRW Mobile (GT2+), Haswell CRW Server (GT1),
 Haswell CRW Server (GT2), Haswell CRW Server (GT2+),
 ValleyView PO board
[ 28.045] (II) VESA: driver for VESA chipsets: vesa
[ 28.045] (II) modesetting: Driver for Modesetting Kernel Drivers: kms
[ 28.045] (II) FBDEV: driver for framebuffer: fbdev
[ 28.045] (--) using VT number 8

[ 28.048] (II) intel(0): SNA compiled: xserver-xorg-video-intel 2:2.21.6-0ubuntu4 (Bryce Harrington <email address hidden>)
[ 28.048] (WW) Falling back to old probe method for vesa
[ 28.048] (WW) Falling back to old probe method for modesetting
[ 28.048] (WW) Falling back to old probe method for fbdev
[ 28.048] (II) Loading sub module "fbdevhw"
[ 28.048] (II) LoadModule: "fbdevhw"
[ 28.048] (II) Loading /usr/lib/xorg/modules/libfbdevhw.so
[ 28.048] (II) Module fbdevhw: vendor="X.Org Foundation"
[ 28.048] compiled for 1.13.3, module version = 0.0.2
[ 28.048] ABI class: X.Org Video Driver, version 13.1
[ 28.048] (EE) intel(0): [drm] failed to set drm interface version: Permission denied [13].
[ 28.048] (EE) intel(0): Failed to become DRM master.
[ 28.048] (II) UnloadModule: "intel"
[ 28.048] (EE) Screen(s) found, but none have a usable configuration.
[ 28.048]
Fatal server error:
[ 28.048] no screens found
[ 28.048] (EE)
Please consult the The X.Org Foundation support
  at http://wiki.x.org
 for help.
[ 28.048] (EE) Please also check the log file at "/var/log/Xorg.1.log" for additional information.
[ 28.048] (EE)
[ 28.054] Server terminated with error (1). Closing log file.

Question information

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peterK
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Revision history for this message
actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said :
#1

if you run:

gksudo gedit /etc/rc.local

add the line:

service lightdm restart

above the 'exit 0' line, save the new file and close gedit. Is it ok?

Revision history for this message
peterK (peter-kanderholm) said :
#2

Thank you for the answer!
The problem with this workaround is that I have to login twice. I get the login screen two times before entering the ubuntu desktop.

Revision history for this message
peterK (peter-kanderholm) said :
#3

Thank you for the answer!

It works when I get the fault with the login screen that does not show after boot.

But this does not happen all the time (only sometimes).

So on working reboots, I have to login twice. I get the login screen two times before entering the ubuntu desktop.

Could this be solved in another way?

Revision history for this message
N1ck 7h0m4d4k15 (nicktux) said :
#4

If you want a workaround as @actionparsnip suggested, then I think the most best would be something like below (same order).

    service lightdm stop
    sleep 3
    service lightdm start

Above lines will stop and start lightdm within 3 seconds , no matter if the fault appears or not. So you will not have to login twice.. The only problem (if is a problem) here is the delay time of 3 seconds in boot.

Regards
 NikTh

Revision history for this message
peterK (peter-kanderholm) said :
#5

Thank you for the answer!

This workaround still gave the same symptom, I had to login twice.

First the login screen appears, I log in, then I see a text saying something like "lightdm stopped/waiting" then the login screen appears again.

Is it only my machine that gives this behavior?

Maybe the script could be put somewhere else, to be executed earlier, not after my first login?

Revision history for this message
actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said :
#6

I suggest you report a bug.

Revision history for this message
Manfred Hampl (m-hampl) said :
#7

This might be an occurence of bug #1163404

You could check if reverting to xserver-xorg-core 2:1.13.3-0ubuntu2b1 helps
see https://github.com/Bumblebee-Project/Bumblebee/issues/367#issuecomment-15677863

Revision history for this message
peterK (peter-kanderholm) said :
#8

I have found an acceptable workaround until this is fixed.

Acceptable workaround:
lightdm login screen --- login as a user --- press power button --- select "shutdown"
this has worked 20 out of 20 times, no problem with startup screen.

I have found ways to recreate the problem:

Problem recreation 1:
lightdm login screen --- login as a user --- press power button --- select "restart"
worked 8 out of 10 times
2 times gave a dark screen with hardly visible login screen.

Problem recreation 2:
lightdm login screen --- select "restart"
worked 7 out of 10 times
3 times gave a dark screen with hardly visible login screen.

Problem recreation 3:
lightdm login screen --- select "shutdown"
worked 8 out of 10 times
1 time gave a dark screen with hardly visible login screen.
1 time gave not started lightdm login screeen. which can be restarted with ctrl+alt+f1, "sudo servie lightdm restart" as described at the beginning of this question.