Notes on OpenSolaris: X11 config

For some reason - possibly because the machine is connected to a monitor switcher - OpenSolaris decides that my maximum resolution is 640x480. This is incredibly inconvenient as it makes using many of the management tools very difficult. The solution is to create and modify /etc/X11/xorg.conf.

Step 1: Create a xorg.conf file using the nvidia-settings program. Using the "Save to X Configuration File" button.

Step 2: Look up your monitor documentation. Do NOT simply copy my example or damage may result to your monitor. You MUST put accurate information in the refresh frequency lines

Step 3: Fix the frequency lines in the monitor section of the conf file to reflect your monitors specs (I am using a ViewSonic 17G). In my case:

Section "Monitor"
    Identifier     "Monitor0"
    VendorName     "Unknown"
    ModelName      "Unknown"
    HorizSync       30.0 - 64.0
    VertRefresh     50.0 - 160.0
    Option         "DPMS"
EndSection

Step 5: Fix the mode lines in the screen section of the conf file to reflect your monitors specs (I am using a ViewSonic 17G). In my case:

Section "Screen"
    Identifier     "Screen0"
    Device         "Device0"
    Monitor        "Monitor0"
    DefaultDepth    24
    SubSection     "Display"
        Viewport    0 0
        Depth       8
        Modes      "1280x1024" "1024x768" "800x600" "640x480"
    EndSubSection
    SubSection     "Display"
        Viewport    0 0
        Depth       16
        Modes      "1280x1024" "1024x768" "800x600" "640x480"
    EndSubSection
    SubSection     "Display"
        Viewport    0 0
        Depth       24
        Modes      "1280x1024" "1024x768" "800x600" "640x480"
    EndSubSection
EndSection

Step 6: Logout and log back in.

If the config does not work ssh back into the box and remove the xorg.conf file.

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