Ubuntu
unity package

Monitor goes blank

Asked by Chris

When I leave my computer and come back the screen is blank and the monitor light is blinking as if it isn't getting information. I click the mouse and hit keys but nothing changes. I'm using ubuntu 11.1. I went into the system settings and turned off the screen saver. The only thing I can do is turn off my computer (which I don't want to) and start it up again. What is going on here, and how can I fix it?

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actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said : 		#1

http://www.liberiangeek.net/2011/10/enable-screensavers-in-ubuntu-11-10-oneiric-ocelot/

Install the screensaver then set it to be disabled.

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Chris (braindirty) said : 		#2

It has nothing to do directly with any screen savers. When I leave my computer and come back, I think power management suspends the monitor, and no matter what I do, it will not come back on.

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Best Chris (fabricator4) said : 		#3

The system is either locking the screen and then losing the keyboard and mouse, or trying to suspend and failing to complete due to a lack of swap space in the swap partition or for some other reason.

Turn off all screensaver, locking, and suspend actions.

Open "system settings" then "screen" and change 'turn off after...' to "never". Switch the screen lock to off.

Next open "system settings then "power" and change 'suspend after... to "Don't Suspend"

This should stop your system from getting stuck, but it doesn't explain why the problem is occurring. You'll have to find out exactly what is happening before you can fix it. (suggestion turn one or the other back on, then see if the problem occurs)

BTW, never turn off a linux system: you can break the filesystem. Instead use the gentler SysRq method to reboot:

Press and hold the <alt><SysRq> and while keeping them held down, tap the following keys allowing a few seconds in between:
r e i s u b

Otherwise known as R-eboot E-ven I-f S-ystem U-tterly B-roken

Chris

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Chris (braindirty) said : 		#4

Thanks Chris, that solved my question.