I am trying to install Ubuntu 12.04.3 LTS (32 bit server) on an embedded computer that uses the Intel N2800 CPU and chipset. I know there is no video driver for this chipset, but I don't care because all I want is a text console (no X Windows).
The Ubuntu installation works and the resulting system can be booted. The problem is I have NO video at all when it boots (after installation is complete). I do see the GRUB boot menu during boot, but then as the Linux kernel boots the video goes black. There is no X windows or graphics-- I just want a plain old 640x480 text console with 24 lines x 80 columns.
I tried installing Ubuntu 12.04 with the "nomodeset" option (press F6 before installing Ubuntu and ticking the "nomodeset" install option). This did not help-- same behavior.
I think the problem may be that GRUB is going into a high-res mode (which works surprisingly) and then the kernel tries to control the graphics mode during boot, but it fails and the video goes black (no video signal).
I know the system boots successfully because I can plug in a USB keyboard and login and reboot the system (I can't see what I'm typing, but the system does reboot when I issue the command).
Any help is appreciated. Thanks in advance.