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Asked: 2024-09-27T06:40:14+05:30 In:

I am experiencing issues with the screen resolution when using DOSBox on my Ubuntu system. Despite adjusting the settings, the display doesn’t seem to fit properly. What steps can I take to resolve this issue and achieve the desired screen resolution for my DOS applications?

I’ve been having this frustrating problem with DOSBox on my Ubuntu system, and I’m hoping someone here might have some insights or solutions. So, here’s the deal: I’m trying to play some classic DOS games that I loved back in the day, but the screen resolution is a complete mess. No matter what I do, I can’t seem to get the display to fit properly on my monitor.

I’ve already dived into the DOSBox configuration file, adjusting the resolution settings and the fullscreen options. I tried switching between different video output settings, like using X11, OpenGL, and even SDL, but nothing seems to make a difference. When I run the games, they either look way too small or get cut off at the edges since they don’t scale correctly to my screen. I’ve messed around a bit with the aspect ratio, but it always seems to end up with some kind of distortion or weird stretching.

The strange part is, sometimes the games look fine for a moment, and then they revert back once I start moving or navigating through the menus. It’s honestly quite annoying because I just want to enjoy these old-school titles without dealing with all these visual issues. Has anyone else experienced something similar with DOSBox on Ubuntu?

I’ve read a couple of forum posts, and some folks mentioned using specific resolutions or tweaking the output settings, but I’d love to hear from anyone who’s actually sorted this out. What steps did you take to achieve a decent screen resolution for your DOS applications? Did you have to install any extra packages or adjust some hidden settings? I’m all ears for any tips, tricks, or any guidance you can throw my way!

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    2 Answers



    1. DOSBox Resolution Issues on Ubuntu

      Resolving DOSBox Display Problems on Ubuntu

      Sounds like you’re having a tough time with DOSBox! I totally get the frustration, especially when you just want to relive those classic gaming moments. Here are some tips that might help you fix the resolution woes:

      1. Edit the DOSBox Config File

      First off, make sure you have the right settings in your dosbox.conf. Check these lines:

      [sdl]
fullscreen=true
fullresolution=desktop
windowresolution=original

      This helps DOSBox use your actual screen resolution. You can set fullresolution to your monitor’s resolution (like 1920x1080), but windowresolution should usually be set to original or whatever suits your game.

      2. Try Different Video Output Options

      You mentioned you’ve tried various video outputs, but have you considered trying output=opengl if you haven’t already? Sometimes this can improve scaling. You can also play around with output=overlay as an alternative.

      3. Use Aspect Ratio Correction

      If the aspect ratio is off, add this line in your config under the [sdl] section:

      aspect=true

      This might help keep things from getting stretched or squished.

      4. Fullscreen Toggle

      If you’re in Windowed mode, consider toggling between fullscreen and window mode while the game is running. Sometimes it triggers a refresh that can correct display issues.

      5. Install xorg-xf86-video-dummy

      If you’ve exhausted all options, some users found success installing a dummy video driver. You can do this by running:

      sudo apt-get install xserver-xorg-video-dummy

      This sometimes fixes issues related to output on certain setups.

      6. Check for Hidden Updates

      Also, make sure you’re running the latest version of DOSBox. Sometimes bugs get fixed in newer releases. You can check that via your package manager or visit the DOSBox website.

      7. Specific Game Settings

      Lastly, double-check if individual games have specific settings or patches that might help with resolution. Some games have their own configuration files or commands that can aid compatibility.

      Hope this helps you get back to gaming without the screen struggles! Don’t hesitate to update us if you find any solutions that work.



    2. To tackle the screen resolution issues you’re facing with DOSBox on Ubuntu, start by verifying your DOSBox configuration file—typically located at ~/.dosbox/dosbox-.conf. Ensure the following settings are appropriately adjusted: set fullscreen=true and define the fullresolution option to match your monitor’s native resolution (e.g., fullresolution=desktop or fullresolution=1920x1080, based on your screen size). If the games are still giving you trouble, try modifying the output line across different settings such as output=overlay or output=opengl. These changes might help improve the visual scaling while providing a more stable experience when navigating the menus.

      If the problem persists, consider adjusting your aspect ratio settings, typically accomplished through the aspect option, which can be toggled by setting aspect=true for older games that may require a proper aspect ratio for accurate scaling. Additionally, ensure your system drivers, especially the graphics drivers, are updated to the latest versions, as they can significantly influence performance in graphical applications. Finally, it’s worth exploring forum threads for any context-specific patches or workarounds that may have worked for others facing similar issues, as certain DOS titles may have their unique quirks that require further tweaking.


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