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I just installed Ubuntu 12.10 and I need to make a custom xorg.conf file. By default, there is not an xorg.conf file on my system. I know what I need to write in the config, but I just don't know how to make X load it...

Should I put my custom commands in a file that already exists? Where is it? Should I make my own xorg.conf file and put it in /etc/X11?

Tim
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parker.sikand
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3 Answers3

23

If you would want full and proper xorg.conf file (tested on Ubuntu 12.10):

  1. Switch to console mode: Ctrl+Alt+F1
  2. Kill x server:

    sudo service lightdm stop
    
  3. Generate new xorg.conf file:

    sudo X -configure
    

    This will create xorg.conf.new file in your current directory.

  4. Rename and move:

    sudo mv xorg.conf.new /etc/X11/xorg.conf
    
  5. Return to GUI:

    sudo start lightdm
    

taken from Linux Mint forums (go to point 3. In Mint, xorg.conf is not present by default...)

muru
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For Nvidia based cards I suggest to install the binary driver from the repositories and then run nvidia-xconfig. It will create a fishbone with basic configuration. Similar commands for other binary drivers may exist.

If there isn't, just start by creating the file and enter your settings.

All configuration not set will X find by itself. It has a lot of heuristic, but yes, it may be hard to find the right setting keywords and values in order to tweak everything to your needs.

gertvdijk
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Figured it out. It's as simple as making a file called "xorg.conf" and putting it in "/etc/X11/". I guess I thought that seemed too simple :P

X will read the config file and try to accept your statements. It will then auto config anything you don't explicitly say.

parker.sikand
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  • For use with the nvidia driver, and nvidia-setup, creating an empty file xorg.conf, in /etc/X11/ or somewhere else where I have write access, did not help for me. (Error: "could not parse...") – Volker Siegel Dec 13 '16 at 15:56