(NOTE: if you follow this procedure, you will introduce a dependency where the kernel and nvidia driver versions must match.  This means a centrally-managed system can no longer perform automatic kernel updates without breaking the nvidia driver.  Because of that, you will then become responsible for managing kernel updates on your host to satisfy cybersecurity requirements since the OS-provided nouveau driver is no longer in use.)

1. Append this to the kernel line in /etc/grub.conf

   blacklist=nouveau

Make sure you are editing the correct kernel line.  If you are not sure, you can add it to all the kernel lines.

2. Also, add the following to /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf

   blacklist nouveau

   options nouveau modeset=0

3. Rebuild initial ram disk.  For example, if your kernel is 2.6.32-573.22.1.el6.x86_64, then do this:

  # dracut -f /boot/initramfs-2.6.32-573.22.1.el6.x86_64.img 2.6.32-573.22.1.el6.x86_64 -v

That will build and put a new initial ram disk in /boot/.

Then reboot.  You can run "/sbin/lsmod | grep nouveau" to verify it worked.

This process worked on host tid-pc80031 on 8-Apr-2016.
Service now ticket INC0089358.

To install and activate the nvidia driver (stop X server, install driver, start X server):
Make sure no one is logged onto the console or else you will kill their session.

sudo init 3
cd ~ksa/nvidia/
sudo sh ./NVIDIA-Linux-x86_64-340.96.run
sudo init 5

-- ksa - 2016-04-08

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