Boot screen in low graphics/text mode

Question

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.

Answer 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 .

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 :)

Answer 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.