Boot screen in low graphics/text mode

My ubuntu boot screen shows up in a strange low resolution, almost text mode, instead the usual and sleek white "ubuntu" over dark background. It's not a big issue because when GDM loads everything becomes ok, but If there's an easy way to fix it I would like to give it a try.


Solution 1:

There is a work around for the problems with proprietary drivers and Plymouth which has worked for me with Nvidia drivers.

  1. Install the package v86d install v86d.

  2. Back up and edit the file /etc/default/grub:

    cp /etc/default/grub ~/.etc.default.grub && gksudo gedit /etc/default/grub
    

    Replace the line that looks like GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT="quiet splash" with

    GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT="quiet splash nomodeset video=uvesafb:mode_option=1280x1024-24,mtrr=3,scroll=ywrap"
    

    and the line that looks like #GRUB_GFXMODE=640x480 with GRUB_GFXMODE=1280x1024.

    In both of these edits, replace 1280x1024 with your desired screen resolution. Make sure you save the file and exit the text editor once you have finished editing.

  3. Now edit /etc/initramfs-tools/modules just like you did with the previous file:

    cp /etc/initramfs-tools/modules ~/.etc.initramfs-tools.modules && gksudo gedit /etc/initramfs-tools/modules
    

    Add uvesafb mode_option=1280x1024-24 mtrr=3 scroll=ywrap to the end of the file then save and close.

  4. Now edit the file /etc/initramfs-tools/conf.d/splash (which may not exist):

    gksudo gedit /etc/initramfs-tools/conf.d/splash 
    

    Add this to the file: FRAMEBUFFER=y

  5. Run sudo update-grub2 then sudo update-initramfs -u.

  6. Reboot and feast your eyes on the beauty :)

Solution 2:

You must be using the proprietary nvidia or fglrx driver. Install startupmanager and try to change the bootloader resolution to one that your monitor supports.