Pidgin problem

[xenos90]

I cant launch pidgin from the desktop, and when I try to launch from terminal ./pidgin i get this error:
(pidgin:6520): Gdk-CRITICAL **: gdk_display_get_name: assertion `GDK_IS_DISPLAY (display)' failed
Pidgin 2.4.1
This is pidgin that came preloaded with Ubuntu Hardy Heron on a Dell XPS with Ubuntu preinstalled.
THanks for any help I get.
Apparentlyl I can see IMs but i cant see the buddy list

[Het Irv]

Open your home folder and press "Ctrl+H". Then scroll till you see the folder ".purple" copy that entire folder to your desktop. This folder contains all of your settings. If we keep a backup, it will be easier once the problem is solved.

Next open the terminal "Applications - Accessories - Terminal" and type

sudo apt-get remove pidgin

Once that finishes type

sudo apt-get install pidgin

Can you open pidgin now?

[xenos90]

No I cant, but it seems like i am logged in but i cant see the buddy list

[adieb]

are you sure that pidgin is not just running in system-tray mode.
click on the icon in the notification area.
does it open?