Tf2 won't start-up goes to a black screen.

[Fred Fuchs]

Lets just say I've has one HELL of an AWFUL experience with linux/ubuntu every sinlge step of the way to being able to play tf2 on ubuntu has been an absolute nightmare.

I'm so close my final step towards getting that Tux!

Current problem: Downloaded ubuntu downloaded steam downloaded tf2 which took from 5:31pm to 2 am (WIN7 took about 45mins) now when I try and play tf2 i click play and it loads from anywhere 4 mins to 25mins and goes to a black screen like it does normally but then just exits back to steam where I have to try again. I hear no sounds no black guy valve logo just a black screen for about 4 secs.

I'm dying for help! I can't possibly give up after the amounts of ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ I've had to deal with thus far.

My system AMD radeon graphics dual core @ 2.0ghz I think

[Tweakedenigma]

My first thought would be do you have the proper graphics drivers installed?

[Fred Fuchs]

I have no clue as to how to get new ones and this doesn't occur on WIN7 so I don't think that could be the issue, right?

[Fred Fuchs]

ANY help at ALL please!

[instabilis]

There should be an application called 'Additional Drivers' I believe, from there you should be able to select the "recommended" driver for your graphics card.

This isn't that much different from Windows, in Windows you ether go to the manufacturers website, or get the drivers via Windows Update.

[Anorak Man]

You're going to have to provide some basic system information before anyone can help you.

What version of ubuntu are you using?

What graphics card do you have? Saying "radeon graphics" covers a massive range of cards, you need to install the correct drivers.

Also - comparing download time between operating systems is futile. Maybe your internet was bad today?

[Fred Fuchs]

I'm using ubuntu 12.10 or something, - the latest version.
I'm not sure the exact card im using.
Perhaps it is futile but tf2 on ubuntu had 1.4 gb download which took 2hours.

[instabilis]

If you have Steam running, you can go to Help > System Information, it should tell you there.

[Hobo]

I just installed xubuntu 12.10 and had some trouble finding the right driver. The 'additional drivers' tab didn't have any drivers listed. My graphics card is an ATI Radeon HD 4200 (AMD). I did find a solution however.

After some looking around I found this article: http://ubuntuxtreme.com/howto/how-to-fix-your-amd-graphics-in-ubuntu-12-10/

It describes the switch from 12.04 to 12.10 and the corresponding switch from xserver 1.12 to xserver 1.13, which results with a drop in support for amd legacy drivers.

From the article:
"If you own one of these GPUs, then you need the Legacy driver:

AMD Radeon HD 4000 Series
AMD Radeon HD 3000 Series
AMD Radeon HD 2000 Series
AMD Radeon HD Series AGP
AMD Mobility Radeon HD 4000 Series
AMD Mobility Radeon HD 3000 Series
AMD Mobility Radeon HD 2000 Series"

In the article, it describes a solution that involves downgrading the xserver back to 1.12, installing the appropriate legacy driver, and patching the kernal. Luckily he developed a PPA (found in the article) that does all this for you. It worked like a charm for me.

The other option would be to reinstall an earlier version of ubuntu, xubuntu, etc, and be sure to install the legacy driver.

[Fred Fuchs]

Thanks a ton for that tip!

Driver: ATI Technologies Inc. AMD Radeon HD 6480G

[Anorak Man]

So Fred: you've not got a legacy card - so don't follow the information in Hobo's article. You need to do this:

1. Go to the Ubuntu Unity Dash.

2. Search for Software Sources.

3. In Software Sources, click the Additional Drivers tab.

You should see the AMD drivers.

[Hobo]

Fred it looks like you can disregard my last comment. This driver however would seem to the appropriate one:

http://support.amd.com/us/kbarticles/Pages/AMDCatalyst131ProprietaryLinuxGraphicsDriverReleaseNotes.aspx

I believe this one still has support in ubuntu 12.10.

[Fred Fuchs]

Thanks both for some help!
@Hobo what do I download on the most recent site you posted? :S
@Anorak Man What's ubuntu unity dash? :S

I apologize for my ignorence.

[Anorak Man]

I wouldn't recommend installing the driver manually. It's often difficult and can cause catastrophic problems, especially for new users.

[Anorak Man]

Unity dash is the button on the left side of the screen:
http://itsfoss.com/how-to-install-additional-drivers-in-ubuntu-12-10-quick-tip/

[Hobo]

Here's the actual link to download: http://support.amd.com/us/gpudownload/linux/Pages/radeon_linux.aspx

Anorak has a point though. I would download the driver and look for guide to ensure you're doing it properly. You wouldn't want any more frustration amirite? lol