[SOLVED] no panels after updates

[jm101dm]

I just installed the updates that I needed installed and upon restarting all I have on my desktop are the 3 files I left there. No panels, trash or any type buttons on it. Being very new to linux I don't know where to start to fix this. Using ubuntu 8.04 as OS. Thanks for any help with this. Is this the right place to post this?

Jeff

[AliTabuger7]

Well, hopefully you've figured out that alt + f2 will allow you to run programs.

So, try hitting alt + f2 and then type "gnome-terminal".

In the terminal that pops up, type "gnome-panel" and tell us what it says in the terminal.

You can also use "alt + f2" then typing "firefox" to get the browser up. This way you don't have to restart your computer to post the output.

[jm101dm]

Alt + f2 does nothing nor does alt - backspace - f2.

I used Alt-ctrl-delete to restart and choose recovery mode after pressing esc.

Typing gnome-terminal returns "can not open display".

I still have access to the net using another computer.

Looking forward to more suggestions. Thanks, Jeff

[jm101dm]

There are only 3 files on my desktop and all will open. A text file, a csv file and a program. I am now typing through Ubuntu by clicking a link in the about menu of Potato Guy which opened firefox. If i minimize it just disapears.

[jm101dm]

I was able to fix this by using the suggestion on post #9 at the link below.

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=797229