For a Dell xps 1530 model laptop, Hardy (Ubuntu 8.04) doesnt support Nvidia driver directy. Instead you will have to download two packages and install it manually.

The packages are    nvidia-glx-new-envy    and    nvidia-new-kernel-source-envy and pls note that the version of these packages should be 173.14.05+2.6.24.501-501.30 Hence the two packages

1. nvidia-glx-new-envy 173.14.05+2.6.24.501-501.30
2. nvidia-new-kernel-source-envy 173.14.05+2.6.24.501-501.30

The download links for both these packages are

1. https://launchpad.net/ubuntu/hardy/i386/nvidia-new-kernel-source-envy/173.14.05+2.6.24.501-501.30
2. https://launchpad.net/ubuntu/hardy/i386/nvidia-glx-new-envy/173.14.05+2.6.24.501-501.30

Also remove anyother nvidia kernel sources if installed….. This works well.

Hence the default package for nvidia-glx-new as old ubuntu versions doesnt support now…. Even if you try installing this default package you will have to run yuo hardy only in you Low Graphics Mode.

Note: Take a back of you   /etc/X11/xorg.conf   file before performing any operation. If any problem goto a shell using other run levels (pressing Alt+Ctlr+f4) and replace the back up file with the one in that location.

Ubuntu Dell, Hardy, nvidia, Ubuntu