Learn how to resolve the grub error no suitable video mode found. Our Server Management Support team is here to help you with your questions and concerns.

Error: grub error no suitable video mode found

The “no suitable video mode found” error in GRUB occurs during system startup when the bootloader is unable to detect a compatible video display configuration for your system.

Error Message

The error is typically displayed as:

error: no suitable video mode found
Booting in blind mode

Impacts of the Error

Technical Impacts

• Minimal System Disruption: The error message appears during startup but usually does not hinder the boot process.
• System Startup Continues: In most cases, the system proceeds to boot without issues.
• Temporary Visual Disruption: The error only affects the display during the boot phase.
• Possible Graphics Configuration Issues: It may indicate an underlying problem with the graphics setup.

Specific Manifestations

• Brief Appearance During Boot: The error occurs momentarily at system startup.
• Typical Messages Displayed: Messages like "error: no suitable video mode found" and "Booting in blind mode" may appear.
• More Common in Legacy BIOS: This issue is more prevalent in legacy BIOS setups than in UEFI systems.
• Cosmetic Nature: The error does not usually interfere with core system functionality.

Potential Complications

• Possible Graphics Driver Incompatibility: The error might suggest issues with display drivers.
• Hardware or Configuration Problems: It may point to deeper hardware or system misconfigurations.
• Dual-Boot Challenges: In some cases, it can disrupt smooth multi-boot setups.
• Display Resolution Initialization Issues: It may prevent proper screen resolution detection at boot.

Performance Considerations

• No Significant Performance Impact: The error does not affect system speed or efficiency.
• Graphical Interfaces Start Normally: X11 and other GUI environments typically function as expected post-boot.
• Kernel and OS Remain Unaffected: The core operating system continues operating without disruption.
• Mostly a Visual Nuisance: This error is usually more of an aesthetic inconvenience than a critical failure, often requiring little to no intervention.

Causes and Corresponding Fixes

1. Incompatible Graphics Driver

Cause: A mismatch between GRUB’s video drivers and the system’s hardware configuration.

Fix:

• Add the nomodeset kernel parameter.
• Use the insmod all_video command at the GRUB prompt.
• Manually load the necessary video modules.

Detailed Steps

Temporary Solution: Add nomodeset Kernel Parameter

• Access GRUB boot options by pressing ‘e’ on the GRUB boot screen.
• Locate the line starting with linux or linux16.
• Appendnomodeset at the end of this line.
• Press F10 to boot with the modified settings.

Permanent Solution

• Open the GRUB configuration file:

  sudo nano /etc/default/grub
• Add or modify the following line:

  GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT="nomodeset"

• Save the file and update GRUB:

  sudo update-grub

Module Loading Method

• Restart the system and enter the GRUB prompt.
• Load all available video modules using:

  insmod all_video
• Verify compatibility with the loaded video module.
• Restart the system to apply changes.

2. Missing Unicode Font

Cause: The required Unicode font file is missing from the GRUB directory.

Fix:

• • Manually copy unicode.pf2 to /boot/grub/fonts/.
  • Ensure the font file is present and properly configured.
  • Regenerate the GRUB configuration using:

sudo update-grub

3. Incorrect GRUB Video Mode Settings

Cause: Incorrect video mode configuration in GRUB settings.

Fix:

• Set GRUB_GFXMODE to a compatible resolution.
• Use set gfxmode=auto.
• Modify the /etc/default/grub configuration.
• Run update-grub after making changes.

Systematic Approach

Resolution Configuration

• Open the GRUB configuration file:

  sudo nano /etc/default/grub
• Set a compatible resolution:

  GRUB_GFXMODE=1024x768
GRUB_GFXPAYLOAD_LINUX=keep

Automatic Mode

Use the following command at the GRUB prompt:
set gfxmode=auto

Regenerate the GRUB configuration:

sudo update-grub

4. Secure Boot Interference

BIOS/UEFI Configuration

• Restart the computer and enter BIOS/UEFI setup.
• Navigate to the Security or Boot Options section.
• Locate and disable Secure Boot.
• Save changes and exit BIOS/UEFI.

Firmware Update

Check and update the system firmware using:

sudo fwupdmgr get-devices
sudo fwupdmgr refresh
sudo fwupdmgr update


5. Legacy BIOS Compatibility Issues

Cause: A regression in GRUB affecting legacy BIOS systems.

Fix:

• Update to the latest GRUB version.
• Use terminal_input console and terminal_output consolecommands.
• Add set gfxpayload=keep to the GRUB configuration.

Systematic Resolution:

GRUB Update

Update the package list:

sudo apt-get update

Reinstall the GRUB package:

sudo apt-get install --reinstall grub2

Console Configuration:

Modify the GRUB configuration file:

sudo nano /etc/default/grub

Add or modify the following lines:

GRUB_TERMINAL_INPUT=console
GRUB_TERMINAL_OUTPUT=console


6. Hybrid Graphics Configuration

Cause: Conflicts between integrated and discrete GPUs.

Fix:

• Use the nomodeset parameter.
• Disable the external GPU during boot.
• Update graphics drivers.
• Configure GPU switching in BIOS.

Troubleshooting:

Kernel Parameter

Add the following line to the GRUB configuration:

GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT="nomodeset
nouveau.modeset=0"

GPU Management:

• Enter BIOS/UEFI settings.
• Set the integrated graphics as the primary display.
• Disable the discrete GPU during the boot process.

7. Incomplete Video Module Loading

Cause: Insufficient initialization of video modules.

Fix

• Manually load video modules at the GRUB prompt.
  Use the command insmod all_video.
• Add insmod gfxterm and configure terminal_output gfxterm.

Module Management

GRUB Prompt Commands

At the GRUB prompt, execute the following commands:

insmod all_video
insmod gfxterm
terminal_output gfxterm


Persistent Configuration

1: Open the GRUB configuration file:

sudo nano /etc/default/grub

2: Add the necessary video modules:

GRUB_PRELOAD_MODULES="video all_video"

3: Update GRUB:

sudo update-grub

Warning: Always back up configuration files before making any modifications.

Prevention Strategies

Keep System Updated

• Regularly update GRUB.
• Install the latest Linux kernel.
• Update graphics drivers to ensure compatibility.

Proactive Configuration

• Test various GRUB video settings for optimal performance.
• Verify hardware compatibility with the system.
• Use standardized screen resolutions to avoid conflicts.

Backup Configuration

• Maintain backups of multiple GRUB configuration versions.
• Create recovery boot options for quick system recovery.
• Document successful configurations for future reference.

Hardware Compatibility

• Check compatibility of your Linux distribution with your hardware.
• Verify graphics card support for optimal system performance.
• Consider using virtualization for complex setups that require specific configurations.

Important Note: Although this error is usually non-critical, persistent issues may indicate the need for deeper system diagnostics or hardware investigation.

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Conclusion

The “no suitable video mode found” GRUB error is generally a minor issue that doesn’t hinder the system from booting but can cause visual disruptions during startup. While this error is more common in legacy BIOS systems, it can be effectively addressed by adjusting kernel parameters, updating graphics drivers, or configuring video modules in GRUB.

If the issue continues, further troubleshooting such as modifying BIOS/UEFI settings or ensuring hardware compatibility may be necessary. With the support of Bobcares’ server management services, we have successfully resolved this issue for many clients, ensuring minimal disruption to system performance and a seamless boot process.