Scheduled Maintenance: We are aware of an issue with Google, AOL, and Yahoo services as email providers which are blocking new registrations. We are trying to fix the issue and we have several internal and external support tickets in process to resolve the issue. Please see: viewtopic.php?t=158230

 

 

 

Need help configuring dual monitors

Graphical Environments, Managers, Multimedia & Desktop questions.
Message
Author
clarkleach
Posts: 22
Joined: 2015-12-14 16:50
Location: Maine U.S.A.
Contact:

Need help configuring dual monitors

#1 Post by clarkleach »

I just did a fresh install of Jessie (8.7.1-amd64-netinst) on a brand new HPE ProLiant ML10 Gen9. I'm still learning my way around GNU/Linux and could use some help setting up dual monitors on this workstation. I'm not entirely sure where the problem lies - both monitors are connected (via display ports) and displaying but I can't figure out how to extend the desktop instead of having the same thing on both screens. I installed Arandr which I have used successfully on another install (on an Acer laptop) but it looks like it only sees one monitor.

Image

Is it possible I need to install non-free HP drivers or some other package in order to get the desktop extended onto both monitors? Any help or guidance would be greatly appreciated. I will gladly provide more information upon request.
Last edited by clarkleach on 2017-05-05 03:06, edited 1 time in total.

User avatar
GarryRicketson
Posts: 5644
Joined: 2015-01-20 22:16
Location: Durango, Mexico

Re: Need help configuring dual monitors

#2 Post by GarryRicketson »

Apparently the board attachment quota has been reached so I can't upload a screenshot...
Attachments, How to post a screen shot and use code boxes

clarkleach
Posts: 22
Joined: 2015-12-14 16:50
Location: Maine U.S.A.
Contact:

Re: Need help configuring dual monitors

#3 Post by clarkleach »

GarryRicketson wrote:
Apparently the board attachment quota has been reached so I can't upload a screenshot...
Attachments, How to post a screen shot and use code boxes
I fixed the image link (I think). I hope it is to your satisfaction. A meaningful error message when trying to upload an image might actually prompt people to search for the "proper" way to include an image.

Now that the screenshot dilemma is resolved, I still need to know what I'm missing to get my desktop extended...

User avatar
debiman
Posts: 3063
Joined: 2013-03-12 07:18

Re: Need help configuring dual monitors

#4 Post by debiman »

that's arandr in the screenshot.
try dragging the screen around, maybe the other screen is underneath?
also look at Outputs =>

clarkleach
Posts: 22
Joined: 2015-12-14 16:50
Location: Maine U.S.A.
Contact:

Re: Need help configuring dual monitors

#5 Post by clarkleach »

debiman wrote:that's arandr in the screenshot.
try dragging the screen around, maybe the other screen is underneath?
also look at Outputs =>
When I try to drag the screen it just snaps right back. I'm fairly certain that the system thinks there is just one display port available. I need to figure out why and correct it. I didn't find much enlightenment in the BIOS Configuration, only more uncertainty. Xrandr and hwinfo both seem to think only one monitor exists:

Code: Select all

$ xrandr
xrandr: Failed to get size of gamma for output default
Screen 0: minimum 2560 x 1440, current 2560 x 1440, maximum 2560 x 1440
default connected primary 2560x1440+0+0 0mm x 0mm
   2560x1440     93.00* 

Code: Select all

$ sudo hwinfo --gfxcard &> hwinfo_gfx.txt
09: PCI 02.0: 0300 VGA compatible controller (VGA)
  [Created at pci.328]
  Unique ID: _Znp.R0nPEzx57a8
  SysFS ID: /devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:02.0
  SysFS BusID: 0000:00:02.0
  Hardware Class: graphics card
  Device Name: "Onboard IGD"
  Model: "Intel VGA compatible controller"
  Vendor: pci 0x8086 "Intel Corporation"
  Device: pci 0x191d 
  SubVendor: pci 0x8086 "Intel Corporation"
  SubDevice: pci 0x2212 
  Revision: 0x06
  Memory Range: 0xde000000-0xdeffffff (rw,non-prefetchable)
  Memory Range: 0xc0000000-0xcfffffff (ro,non-prefetchable)
  I/O Ports: 0xf000-0xf03f (rw)
  IRQ: 255 (no events)
  Module Alias: "pci:v00008086d0000191Dsv00008086sd00002212bc03sc00i00"
  Config Status: cfg=new, avail=yes, need=no, active=unknown

Primary display adapter: #9
I also found buried in the output of '$ hwinfo' the following snippet, the significance of which is a mystery to me:

Code: Select all

=== bios setup ===
[0x0, 4096]: mmap ok
[0xc0000, 65536]: mmap ok
error: no video bios
x86emu: could not init vm
>> bios.5: 32
>> bios.6: acpi
>> sys.1: cpu
  vm check: vm_1 = 0, vm_2 = 0
  is_vmware = 0, has_vmware_mouse = 0
Again, any help would be greatly appreciated even if it is simply pointing me to a more suitable forum.
I don't believe this is a Debian issue, but I am running Debian 8.7.1

clarkleach
Posts: 22
Joined: 2015-12-14 16:50
Location: Maine U.S.A.
Contact:

Re: Need help configuring dual monitors

#6 Post by clarkleach »

Xorg.0.log includes the following possibly pertinent info:

Code: Select all

[    14.670] (==) No Layout section.  Using the first Screen section.
[    14.670] (==) No screen section available. Using defaults.
[    14.670] (**) |-->Screen "Default Screen Section" (0)
[    14.670] (**) |   |-->Monitor "<default monitor>"
[    14.670] (==) No monitor specified for screen "Default Screen Section".
        Using a default monitor configuration.
[    14.670] (==) Automatically adding devices
[    14.670] (==) Automatically enabling devices
[    14.670] (==) Automatically adding GPU devices

User avatar
debiman
Posts: 3063
Joined: 2013-03-12 07:18

Re: Need help configuring dual monitors

#7 Post by debiman »

is that the complete output of 'xrandr'? looks a little sparse to me.

also in arandr, can you activate additional screens under "Outputs"?

if all fails, please output of

Code: Select all

lspci -k | grep -iEA5 'vga|3d|display'

clarkleach
Posts: 22
Joined: 2015-12-14 16:50
Location: Maine U.S.A.
Contact:

Re: Need help configuring dual monitors

#8 Post by clarkleach »

debiman wrote:is that the complete output of 'xrandr'? looks a little sparse to me.

also in arandr, can you activate additional screens under "Outputs"?

if all fails, please output of

Code: Select all

lspci -k | grep -iEA5 'vga|3d|display'
That is what I get if I run xrandr with normal permissions. If I run 'sudo xrandr' I get the following:

Code: Select all

No protocol specified
Can't open display :0
I don't see any option in Arandr to activate additional screens. I have 'Outputs>default>Active/Resolution/Orientation.

Code: Select all

$lspci -k | grep -iEA5 'vga|3d|display'

00:02.0 VGA compatible controller: Intel Corporation Device 191d (rev 06)
	Subsystem: Intel Corporation Device 2212
00:14.0 USB controller: Intel Corporation Device a12f (rev 31)
	Subsystem: Intel Corporation Device 7270
	Kernel driver in use: xhci_hcd
00:14.2 Signal processing controller: Intel Corporation Device a131 (rev 31)
--
00:16.3 Serial controller: Intel Corporation Device a13d (rev 31)
	Subsystem: Intel Corporation Device 1999
	Kernel driver in use: serial
00:17.0 SATA controller: Intel Corporation Device a102 (rev 31)
	Subsystem: Intel Corporation Device 7270
	Kernel driver in use: ahci

clarkleach
Posts: 22
Joined: 2015-12-14 16:50
Location: Maine U.S.A.
Contact:

Re: Need help configuring dual monitors

#9 Post by clarkleach »

More info that doesn't help me:

Code: Select all

$ inxi -F
System:    Host: ML10-Debian Kernel: 3.16.0-4-amd64 x86_64 (64 bit) Desktop: KDE 4.14.2 
           Distro: Debian GNU/Linux 8 
Machine:   Mobo: HPE model: ML10Gen9 v: (null) Bios: American Megatrends v: 1.004 date: 09/13/2016    
CPU:       Quad core Intel Xeon E3-1225 v5 (-HT-MCP-) cache: 8192 KB                                  
           Clock Speeds: 1: 800 MHz 2: 2900 MHz 3: 800 MHz 4: 800 MHz                                 
Graphics:  Card: Intel Device 191d                                                                    
           Display Server: X.Org 1.16.4 drivers: fbdev,intel (unloaded: vesa)                         
           Resolution: 2560x1440@93.00hz                                                              
           GLX Renderer: Gallium 0.4 on llvmpipe (LLVM 3.5, 256 bits) GLX Version: 3.0 Mesa 10.3.2    
Network:   Card: Intel Ethernet Connection (2) I219-LM driver: e1000e                                 
           IF: eth0 state: up speed: 100 Mbps duplex: full mac: 94:18:82:08:fd:f1                     
Drives:    HDD Total Size: 1000.2GB (2.5% used) ID-1: /dev/sda model: ST1000DM010 size: 1000.2GB      
Partition: ID-1: / size: 897G used: 4.3G (1%) fs: ext4 dev: /dev/sda2                                 
           ID-2: swap-1 size: 21.37GB used: 0.00GB (0%) fs: swap dev: /dev/sda3                       
Sensors:   System Temperatures: cpu: 29.8C mobo: 27.8C 
           Fan Speeds (in rpm): cpu: N/A 
Info:      Processes: 171 Uptime: 44 min Memory: 1680.1/20025.1MB Client: Shell (bash) inxi: 2.1.28 

clarkleach
Posts: 22
Joined: 2015-12-14 16:50
Location: Maine U.S.A.
Contact:

Re: Need help configuring dual monitors

#10 Post by clarkleach »

:evil: :evil: :evil:
It's stoopid, ugly stuff like this that sends people running back to Windoze. I may not be a fan, but it just works.
:twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

User avatar
GarryRicketson
Posts: 5644
Joined: 2015-01-20 22:16
Location: Durango, Mexico

Re: Need help configuring dual monitors

#11 Post by GarryRicketson »

No it doesn't. That is why I don't use it, but if that is what you prefer, use it.
It gets old hearing all these windows users crying because they think Debian should be the same.

clarkleach
Posts: 22
Joined: 2015-12-14 16:50
Location: Maine U.S.A.
Contact:

Re: Need help configuring dual monitors

#12 Post by clarkleach »

GarryRicketson wrote:No it doesn't. That is why I don't use it, but if that is what you prefer, use it.
It gets old hearing all these windows users crying because they think Debian should be the same.
How about you stop trolling my thread? If you don't want to help just keep your pie-hole shut; it takes a lot less effort.

User avatar
GarryRicketson
Posts: 5644
Joined: 2015-01-20 22:16
Location: Durango, Mexico

Re: Need help configuring dual monitors

#13 Post by GarryRicketson »

clarkleach wrote::evil: :evil: :evil:
It's stoopid, ugly stuff like this that sends people running back to Windoze. I may not be a fan, but it just works.
:twisted: :twisted: :twisted:
Well if you don't want people to "troll" your precious thread, which is public by the way, then don't de-rail your topic with comments that invite argument. Is this the only reason you came here, to tell us how "windows ,just works" ?
Even though it doesn't , and that Debian is "It's stoopid, ugly stuff like this ", stupid stuff like this ?
It is not the fault of Debian or Linux, that you don't know what you are doing.
Also you should learn, after making one "troll" comment, if you don' want the other troll to respond, the last thing you should do is reply to the other trolls comment.
I would not have responded , nor said any more, but after reading this I couldn't resist , " just keep your pie-hole shut "... your funny , thank you for giving me my laugh for the day.

clarkleach
Posts: 22
Joined: 2015-12-14 16:50
Location: Maine U.S.A.
Contact:

Re: Need help configuring dual monitors

#14 Post by clarkleach »

FWIW, I just booted this machine from a live Kubuntu DVD (16.04) and it came right up with the desktop extended to both monitors.
The screen positions were reversed relative to each other, however. That took a whole 20 seconds to correct.
This, it would seem, rules out any hardware or BIOS issues.
Any idea what is so different between Kubuntu and Debian/KDE?

User avatar
JLloyd13
Posts: 394
Joined: 2012-06-29 04:08
Location: Halifax NS Canada

Re: Need help configuring dual monitors

#15 Post by JLloyd13 »

clarkleach wrote:FWIW, I just booted this machine from a live Kubuntu DVD (16.04) and it came right up with the desktop extended to both monitors.
The screen positions were reversed relative to each other, however. That took a whole 20 seconds to correct.
This, it would seem, rules out any hardware or BIOS issues.
Any idea what is so different between Kubuntu and Debian/KDE?
Glad you found a GNU/Linux that works for you. Subtle differences in setup can cause these differences. Packages in *buntu 16.04 are newer than Debian 8.7 due to the way the release cycles work, and can cause differences in support with some hardware. This can be an issue on Windows as well, which I'm sure you know if you've ever installed Windows and spent hours tracking down drivers. It really depends on your hardware unfortunately, regardless of OS.

FYI everyone here is trying to help you, but seeing as its a Debian forum I don't know how you can expect hostile comments about Debian to be treated with anything but hostility.
Laptop: Debian GNU/Linux 9 'Stretch' 64bit
Read: https://wiki.debian.org/DontBreakDebian/
We are the Universal OS. Be patient, give help, teach the Debian way.

clarkleach
Posts: 22
Joined: 2015-12-14 16:50
Location: Maine U.S.A.
Contact:

Re: Need help configuring dual monitors

#16 Post by clarkleach »

JLloyd13 wrote: Glad you found a GNU/Linux that works for you. Subtle differences in setup can cause these differences. Packages in *buntu 16.04 are newer than Debian 8.7 due to the way the release cycles work, and can cause differences in support with some hardware. This can be an issue on Windows as well, which I'm sure you know if you've ever installed Windows and spent hours tracking down drivers. It really depends on your hardware unfortunately, regardless of OS.

FYI everyone here is trying to help you, but seeing as its a Debian forum I don't know how you can expect hostile comments about Debian to be treated with anything but hostility.
My remark about "stoopid and ugly" things was not meant to flame Debian specifically. It is my preferred distro, systemd notwithstanding. It was meant more as an observation of the GNU/Linux ecosystem in general. I believe (and I'm not alone) that there has been too little effort in developing and enhancing the overall UX. Also too much chaos and too little consistency. This problem I'm experiencing is just one example of relatively simple glitches that I believe should have been ironed out universally within Linux by now. If Micro$oft can get it right, surely "we" can. Dealing with Windoze drivers - well, that is a nightmare I would not wish on anyone. Generally, I've had good luck with them but when things get ugly things get really ugly Anyways...

About finding a GNU/Linux that works for me - the jury is still out on that one. I have yet to install all the stuff I need to run and the first application I installed in Kubuntu has already presented an issue that I must deal with. Specifically, I installed Eclipse CDT (Neon) and it starts up with a blank welcome screen - an issue I thought had been resolved and which did not present itself in Debian 8.7.1 (once I installed JDK 8 so that it would run at all - something I didn't need to do in Kubuntu)... You see where I'm coming from with my frustration regarding inconsistencies? More variety isn't always better when each flavor sucks in its own particular way. In that regard the BSD development philosophy makes a lot of sense.

I would still prefer to run a "pure" Debian if I can resolve the dual monitor issue. Probably because I am most familiar with the Debian way of doing things...

Still looking for answers...

pkladisios
Posts: 32
Joined: 2016-10-18 13:04

Re: Need help configuring dual monitors

#17 Post by pkladisios »

You can't just say that windows work right out-of-the-box and expect to get away with it. What exactly is a clean windows installation (without drivers, firewall and a lot of configuration) capable of doing?

clarkleach
Posts: 22
Joined: 2015-12-14 16:50
Location: Maine U.S.A.
Contact:

Re: Need help configuring dual monitors

#18 Post by clarkleach »

pkladisios wrote:You can't just say that windows work right out-of-the-box and expect to get away with it. What exactly is a clean windows installation (without drivers, firewall and a lot of configuration) capable of doing?
You got me there. I will concede that setting up a new Windoze install is no picnic and their way of handling drivers makes not-so-much sense... However, since most PCs (sadly) come with Winblows pre-installed, most people never have to deal with these problems. The UX is another issue entirely and Linux, in general, has a ways to go.

That being said, the question still remains - can anyone help me figure out what's broke and fix it so I can move on? I know just enough about the innards of Linux/Debian to be dangerous and not enough to know where and how to look for the information to resolve this.

pkladisios
Posts: 32
Joined: 2016-10-18 13:04

Re: Need help configuring dual monitors

#19 Post by pkladisios »

You should try a live configuration of your X server, using xrandr. As debiman correctly pointed out, if you have multiple monitors connected, all the monitors should be listed by simply typing:

Code: Select all

xrandr
Assuming that xrandr detects two monitors, DVI-0 and VGA-0, the following command would extend the screen from the DVI-connected monitor to the VGA-connected monitor with VGA being on the right side:

Code: Select all

xrandr --output VGA-0 --right-of DVI-0
You can reverse the visual output by alternatively typing:

Code: Select all

xrandr --output VGA-0 --left-of DVI-0
Keep in mind that the xrandr configuration is not permanent (hence the characterization as live configuration) and, therefore, you'll have to do additional steps like creating a bash script that runs at startup. This is just a test to see if you can actually tamper with the screens.

User avatar
debiman
Posts: 3063
Joined: 2013-03-12 07:18

Re: Need help configuring dual monitors

#20 Post by debiman »

clarkleach wrote:My remark about "stoopid and ugly" things was not meant to flame Debian specifically.
...but your subsequent remark was even worse than that - it was a personal insult:
clarkleach wrote:How about you stop trolling my thread? If you don't want to help just keep your pie-hole shut; it takes a lot less effort.
It is my preferred distro, systemd notwithstanding.
sure, we really needed someone bringing that topic in.
It was meant more as an observation of the GNU/Linux ecosystem in general.
and how is that less insulting?
I believe (and I'm not alone) that there has been too little effort in developing and enhancing the overall UX.
oh, where have i heard that one before...
but as with all FOSS projects, the solution to that is right at your fingertips.
Also too much chaos and too little consistency.
yes, the opensource community has been waiting for you to clean things up & be consistent about it!
Still looking for answers...
no, you're not. instead, you rant about how things should be (in your opinion) and have no resources left to solve a fairly simple problem.

Post Reply