GUI Fails to load (past login screen)

**dgersting** · May 14th, 2008

What I have is the vanilla Ubuntu Server (8.04) with the Xubuntu GUI over it. (I used "sudo apt-get install xubuntu-desktop" to install it)

My system starts up fine and presents the gui login screen. Upon login, it simply opens a terminal window and stops. I can operate within the terminal fine, but I am never presented with a 'normal' desktop with icons and such. Did I miss something in the install? Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks for taking a look!

**redman99** · May 14th, 2008

Hi,
I also have this problem.
I have tried both the desktop install and the server install and they give me the same issue.

First boot after installing server, and then installing gnome I got through ok. Then, after rebooting after installing some apps (openOffice, some codecs for movies) i get this same problem.
Terminal is ok. Just get background.

Tried resetting gnome, but still nothing.
I would also appreciate any help.

Cheers
Chris

**twig43** · May 14th, 2008

i have the same problem but im using a desktop edition
i was installing something and my computer shut down and now i cant load my window manager after i login (just shows blank screen with frozen mouse)
im pretty sure something got messed up in the abrupt shutdown

**Régis B.** · May 14th, 2008

Pretty much the same problem here. I installed Xubuntu on a Hardy Kubuntu distribution and cannot access the desktop in any way. The only "graphical command" that works is Alt+F4, which allows me to logout.

I had the same problem with Gutsy but now I do want to solve it, except I don't have a clue how.

**redman99** · May 15th, 2008

Guys,
I installed the kununtu desktop, and i can get in no problem.
So it looks like its some problem with the gnome session.

Will play around with kubuntu for the time being then...

**NightwishFan** · May 15th, 2008

try:

Code:

startx

(if you can type when get to the terminal upon trying to log in to xfce)

**dgersting** · May 17th, 2008

Sorry for the delay in my response; I am currently in the process of moving, and didn't have access to the system for the past few days.

Originally Posted by redman99

So it looks like its some problem with the gnome session.

I have tried logging in using all the different sessions available with the same result.

Originally Posted by NightwishFan

try:

Code:

startx

Tried this with the following results;

Code:

sudo startx

Fatal server error:
Server is already active for display 0

**NightwishFan** · May 17th, 2008

I see not sure. Try to rename the configuration files for xfce4, then reboot and log in again.

Should be a hidden file in your home folder like .xfce4 (i am not exactly sure) Rename to .xfce4backup

**jaripetteri** · May 18th, 2008

I manage to get server kernel and xubuntu-desktop to run by installing xubuntu from desktop installation cd and after successful installation change linux-generic to linux-server. This still doesn't fix the non working xubuntu-desktop installation.

**uzi09** · June 7th, 2008

similar problem here too.

originally an ubuntu 8.04 hardy heron desktop load, installed xubuntu-desktop through synaptics > select packages by task > xubuntu-desktop.

it worked fine and all, but mines actually crashed a few times on various occasions (a few times while using RealVNC to connect to another machine, another few times while playing an flv in mplayer, and i think a couple times it just went without me even doing anything special).

i would then log into my gnome session, reinstall xubuntu-desktop and then i could log in again.

i don't even get a terminal, once i log in, i just get my arrow, and the blue xfce background

https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+s...ta/+bug/237248