After struggling with days trying to manually install the current Nvidia driver, I found that “software & Updates” will do it for me - almost. (SEE SOLUTION AT END OF STEPS)
Steps:
- fresh install of 18.04 from live USB. (Both the live OS and the ‘install’ option require kernel parameter ‘nomodeset’).
- Boot into 18.04 for the first time (requires kernel parameter ‘nomodeset’, but the installer has already added this - Nice!)
- sign up for Canonical Livepatch and update OS. Reboot.
- Open “Software & Updates”, “Additional Drivers” tab. Choose “Nvidia driver metapackage from nvidia-driver-390”. Apply. Reboot.
- AT THIS STAGE, THE OS WILL NOT BOOT CORRECTLY - THE SCREEN IS DARK - NOTHING APPEARS
- Any one of the following kernel parameters will allow the system to boot properly:
- pci=noacpi
- pci=biosirq
- noapic
- acpi=off (note that whilst the system will boot, it is slow, screen refresh rate is poor - manifesting in jerky mouse movements or juddery movement when moving/resizing windows, and the system fails to power off when shutting down or rebooting)
hopefully this feedback will help improve the installer, or others that are having problems.
System: Dell Inspiron 15 5577 laptop
cpu: Core i7-7700 c
GPU1: Intel HD 630 integrated
GPU2: Gtx 1050m, 4gb ram
system ram: 8gb
kernel (after updates) : 4.15.0-33-generic (x86_64)
Ubuntu version 18.04.1 LTS