Incorrect Screen Resolution (Mint 5.0)

There seems to be a problem with the "Heron" release of Ubuntu with regards it accurately detecting screen resolution and monitor type. Using the vesa drivers, the maximum screen size seems to stick at 800x600. After installing the nvidia proprietary drivers and restarting, the resolution if further lessened to 640x480 and the nvidia X-server setting tool is likewise maxed out at 640x480, with no hope of changing anything.

There are a few issues here. Firstly, by default Mint enables Compiz...which makes navigating your way around the nvidia X Server tool virtually impossible, due to it jumping all over the place with every mouse click. If this is an issue for you, first turn off Compiz by choosing "None" under "Visual Effects" in "Appearance".

Secondly, after installing the propreitary nvidia drivers and restarting, type the following into a console.......

gksudo displayconfig-gtk



.....to bring up the "Screen and Graphics Preferences". Under "Screen" choose a suitable monitor type and resolution and under "Graphics Card" choose the nvidia driver and not the "Vesa" driver. "Test" if you like and then hit "OK" if all goes well.