Comment 28 for bug 565407

One question I have for anyone stating "upgrade". Are you referring to an actual upgrade or a complete wipe then install? Never upgrade Ubuntu, do a complete wipe and then install. Anway:

I myself have a HD 5xxxx. (The same drivers for each 5xxxx). Anyway, the ATI driver one normally obtains is from the AMD website; which crashes like a motha. The only solution would be to completely delete the ATI folders; whether one will find it in /user/share or /etc or any other place, for that matter. Ubuntu will always start in safe graphics mode if xorg is not configured properly (normally it will ask you such after deleting xorg.conf or delete configurations for ATI).Once you have deleted any ATI based folder and restarted, safe graphics mode will be implemented. Some of you might experience "garbled" resolutions after the restart (this would be from the safe graphics; bare with it). Then go ahead and install your drivers using Jockey (System -> Administration -> Hardware Drivers).

This will only work if there is no trace of the original ATI driver (found from AMD website). You will need to do some modifications using amdcccle (or manually edit xorg.conf) after installation. Or invoke the "initial" argument. (aticonfig --initial) then restart-x (DO NOT RESTART UNTIL YOU RESTART X).

I will monitor this log if anyone wants the help. Just shout or scream and I will come to some rescue. Just remember to let me know your specs (hardware, etc....)