Ubuntu 13.04 update made desktop background white?

**Jamie_Edwards** · May 3rd, 2013

Hi guys,

Ubuntu 13.04 recently updated itself and something weird happened... The desktop went whit. Everything else works but when it comes to the background, it just doesn't want to use any other pictures.

Any ideas?

Ubuntu 13.04 ( 64 bit )
Unity DE,
Gnome Shell DE

NOTE: I even tried loading the Gnome Shell DE with exactly the same outcome.

Any ideas?

**matt_symes** · May 3rd, 2013

Hi

Is the draw background flag set ?

Install dconf-tools

Code:

sudo apt-get install dconf-tools

or use software center.

Run it with

Code:

dconf-editor

Navigate to

Code:

org->gnome->desktop->background->draw background

and make sure it's checked.

It's been a while since i used Unity so this may have changed and I'm relying on my notes of the time but I think it's worth a check.

Kind regards

**Jamie_Edwards** · May 4th, 2013

Yeah, it's checked but when I clicked on it, it said in the description that it's deprecated and also ignored. :L

**markbl** · May 4th, 2013

Are you running with the gnome 3 ppa for your GNOME DE? That picks up Nautilus 3.8 which breaks your backgrounds. There are a few threads about it. E.g http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=2130575 and http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=2132631.

**Jamie_Edwards** · May 5th, 2013

I have to use either Unity or Gnome not both..? That sucks.

**markbl** · May 5th, 2013

Originally Posted by Jamie_Edwards

I have to use either Unity or Gnome not both..? That sucks.

No, that's not what I or anybody is saying. You can install gnome-shell and login to GNOME session without issue. You will only (currently) have a problem if you add the GNOME 3 PPA.