Plasma desktop segmentation fault on boot

[godlikecreature]

After just a couple days using Kubuntu 11.10, I have installed a few things here and there, nothing serious, other than updating to KDE 4.7.2 using the update repos.

I am not sure if that could have anything to do with it (highly doubt given it is a bug fix release), but I have been experiencing consistent Plasma desktop segmentation faults on every boot several times now. Sometimes it allows me to restart it through the usual bug report message, sometimes I simply get a blank screen instead of the desktop.

Anyone experiencing this? It's darn annoying!

[SteveRiley]

Re: Plasma desktop segmentation fault on boot

I've seen some recent reports of graphics problems related to various combinations of video drivers and KWin in KDE 4.7.2, including a truly vitriolic thread on Phoronix. You might try various experiments with desktop effects. Here are some ideas, no particular order:

• Disable OpenGL options
• Switch composting type to XRender
• Disable effects completely

With a little trial and error you might find a combination that works. What kind of graphics card do you have?

[godlikecreature]

Re: Plasma desktop segmentation fault on boot

I found what the problem was, although I have to admit it was downright bizarre.

The issue that was causing that plasma-desktop seg fault was none other than Kontact calendar. I set it up using Google iCal link, as opposed to using Dav, and even if it was partially working (it actually managed to fetch the calendar info), it would create a seg fault. My assumption is that that very same calendar connection was attempted on boot, and the desktop would crash as soon as it happened.

I managed to set up the calendar correctly on Kontact and now I don't have the problem, but I know it was that because I installed for the second time and the problem happened just like on the first install. I deleted the calendar that was incorrectly setup and the seg fault issue disappeared. Then I found info about setting it up properly and I got it to work without an issue.

For those who have set up the calendar using the Thunderbird way, don't try it, you may wreck your system! Kontact apparently has a bug that goes way deep in the system, so stick to the Dav approach.