Ubuntu will not start on Thinkpad


Workaround A: Re-enable KMS
For release we made the decision to blacklist KMS for 8xx hardware. If you had found that beta1 and earlier Ubuntu had been working fine, this may be an effective workaround for you.
To turn KMS back on, run this command in a Terminal window and reboot:

echo options i915 modeset=1 | sudo tee /etc/modprobe.d/i915-kms.conf

sudo update-initramfs -u

In some cases, this bug causes i8xx users to boot into a blank screen on both the LiveCD/USB and a clean install or upgrade. To enable the above workaround in these situations, add

i915.modeset=1

to your kernel boot parameters.

From the LiveCD:
1) At the purple screen with a keyboard and stickfigure, press Enter to get to the menu.
2) Hit Enter to select your language, and then press F6 and then Esc.
3) Add "i915.modeset=1" after "quiet splash".
4) Press Enter to boot the LiveCD.

From an installation:
1) Hold down Shift while booting to enter the GRUB menu.
2) Press 'e' to edit.
3) Add "i915.modeset=1" after "quiet splash".
4) Ctrl+x to boot.
If adding "i915.modeset=1" to your boot parameters allows you to boot successfully, you then need to enter the command above into a terminal to make the changes permanent.