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How To Fix “UVD not responding” Error on Ubuntu Boot

Ubuntu 16

When using the Ubuntu operating system, you may come across an error that states “UVD not responding”, which can cause your system to enter recovery mode. This error is related to the Unified Video Decoder (UVD) and the Virtual Central Processing Unit (VCPU). In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to resolve this error.

Quick Answer

To fix the "UVD not responding" error on Ubuntu boot, you can try editing the default grub file by modifying the GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX parameter. Another solution is to use the ‘nomodeset’ parameter. These steps can help resolve the error and get your system up and running.

Understanding the “UVD not responding” Error

The “UVD not responding” error is typically associated with the graphics driver. UVD is a part of the GPU designed to offload video decoding processes and free up the CPU. When this component is not responding, it can cause issues with your system’s performance.

Solution 1: Editing the Default Grub File

One of the most effective solutions to this error involves editing the default grub file. The grub file is a key component in the booting process of the Linux system. It helps to load and transfer control to the operating system kernel software.

Step 1: Open the Grub File

Open the terminal and type the following command:

sudo nano /etc/default/grub

This command opens the grub file in the nano text editor with root permissions. ‘Sudo’ is a command that allows users to run programs with the security privileges of another user, while ‘nano’ is a simple, user-friendly text editor in the Unix system.

Step 2: Modify the GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX Parameter

In the grub file, you’ll find a line that reads GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX="". Modify this line to read GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX="radeon.modeset=0".

The parameter radeon.modeset=0 disables the Radeon KMS (Kernel Mode Setting), which is a method for setting display resolution and depth in the kernel space rather than user space.

Step 3: Save and Update the Grub

After saving the file by pressing Ctrl+X, then Y to confirm, update the grub with the following command:

sudo update-grub

This command updates the GRUB bootloader with the changes you made.

Step 4: Reboot the System

Finally, reboot the system to apply the changes.

Solution 2: Use the ‘nomodeset’ Parameter

If the above solution does not resolve the issue, you can try using the ‘nomodeset’ parameter. This parameter instructs the kernel to not load video drivers and use BIOS modes instead until X is loaded.

Follow the same steps as in Solution 1, but in Step 2, change the line to GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX="nomodeset".

Checking for Radeon Driver Errors

To check for any errors related to the Radeon driver, you can use the following command:

dmesg | grep radeon

The dmesg command is used to display the kernel-related messages, and grep is used to search for specific text, in this case, ‘radeon’. This command will provide a log of all Radeon driver-related activities, which can be helpful in diagnosing the issue.

Conclusion

The “UVD not responding” error is a common issue that can be resolved by modifying the grub file and changing the GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX parameter. While these solutions may disable some driver functionality and work in a compatible mode, they can help get your system up and running. Always remember to back up your data before making any changes to your system. If you’re unsure about any of the steps, consult with a professional or refer to the Ubuntu Community Help Wiki for more information.

What does the “UVD not responding” error mean?

The "UVD not responding" error is related to the Unified Video Decoder (UVD) component of the GPU. It indicates that the UVD is not functioning properly, which can lead to performance issues with video decoding processes.

How can I fix the “UVD not responding” error on Ubuntu?

There are a few solutions you can try. One option is to edit the default grub file and modify the GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX parameter. Another option is to use the ‘nomodeset’ parameter. Both solutions are explained in detail in the article above.

What is the purpose of editing the default grub file?

Editing the default grub file allows you to modify the booting process of the Linux system. By adding parameters like radeon.modeset=0 or nomodeset, you can disable certain functionalities or instruct the kernel to use alternative modes, which can help resolve the "UVD not responding" error.

What is the difference between the “radeon.modeset=0” and “nomodeset” parameters?

The radeon.modeset=0 parameter specifically disables the Radeon KMS (Kernel Mode Setting) for the graphics driver, while the nomodeset parameter instructs the kernel to not load any video drivers and use BIOS modes until X is loaded. Both parameters can help resolve the error, but the specific impact on driver functionality may vary.

How do I check for Radeon driver errors?

You can use the command dmesg | grep radeon to check for any errors related to the Radeon driver. This command will display the kernel-related messages that contain the text "radeon", providing a log of all Radeon driver-related activities, which can be useful for diagnosing the issue.

Do these solutions have any potential risks or drawbacks?

While these solutions can help resolve the "UVD not responding" error, they may disable some driver functionality or work in a compatible mode. This could affect the performance or features of your graphics card. It’s always recommended to back up your data before making any changes to your system and consult with a professional if you’re uncertain about the steps.

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