How to access Ubuntu GUI through Teamviewer on headless server?

Question

I'm building what will primarily be a Plex Media Server, but I also like to tinker with Linux, so I'd like to get to the GUI via Teamviewer.

I got everything up and working before I realized GUI doesn't load without a monitor attached.

How can I set up a dummy monitor, or something? I'm not very good with command line, but can do it well enough to follow instructions. This box will be running without keyboard, monitor, or mouse.

To improve bohdi's very low quality comment, alternatives to consider Install an NX server like X2Go or How do I install a VNC server?. — LiveWireBT, Dec 26 '15 at 18:16
You can use also a screen program to display virtual desktop. — kukulo, Oct 26 '18 at 19:26

score 1 · Answer 1 · answered Oct 26 '18 at 19:37

I have basically installed a package xserver-xorg-video-dummy with sudo apt install xserver-xorg-video-dummy then created a config file named xorg.conf with following content:

Section "Device"
    Identifier  "Configured Video Device"
    Driver      "dummy"
EndSection

Section "Monitor"
    Identifier  "Configured Monitor"
    HorizSync 31.5-48.5
    VertRefresh 50-70
EndSection

Section "Screen"
    Identifier  "Default Screen"
    Monitor     "Configured Monitor"
    Device      "Configured Video Device"
    DefaultDepth 24
    SubSection "Display"
    Depth 24
    Modes "1366x768"
    EndSubSection
EndSection

I also created two scripts monitor.sh and nomonitor.sh:

monitor.sh:

sudo rm /usr/share/X11/xorg.conf.d/xorg.conf

nomonitor.sh:

sudo cp xorg.conf /usr/share/X11/xorg.conf.d/

You can execute one of the scripts over the ssh or when the monitor is attached.

You will need to execute sudo reboot after executing the scripts.

You can execute then xvnc or teamviewer as you like.

aparently xserver-xorg-video-dummy won't install after 18.04 update — Daniel Dolz, Jul 09 '20 at 15:05

score 1 · Answer 2 · edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:24

1

The package "xserver-xorg-video-dummy" appears to do what is required

Some details on setting it up in this question

Add Fake Display when No Monitor is Plugged In

edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:24

Community

1

answered Oct 18 '14 at 22:58

matt

311

Nothing I've tried causes X to load the desktop unless there is a monitor plugged in, and I've seen this as an issue everywhere I've searched. Are you sure about this?
With a monitor attached, I can get to the GUI with Teamviewer. Without the monitor, nothing shows up on my remote admin computer. It just won't connect. I can still use Plex, so the computer is running properly and is available on my network.
– hppyfngy Oct 19 '14 at 23:26
Sorry, I found another post that could be worth checking, i've edited – matt Oct 20 '14 at 02:55
Thanks for the link. I'm headed out of town for several days but will try that series of things.
Before I do that though, I think I'll make a dummy monitor plug. I don't know what resolutions I'll be able to use, but it should do the job, even if it is a crude solution. I'll report back. – hppyfngy Oct 21 '14 at 12:48

How to access Ubuntu GUI through Teamviewer on headless server?

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