task bar disappeared

[jackmgerm]

I had the task bar configured for the bottom of the screen and to hide until the cursor went to the bottom of the screen. Suddenly, the task bar is no longer there. This prevents me from accessing any of the system menus. I can only access what is showing on my desktop and what right clicking the mouse provides. How do I get the task bar to reappear?

Thanks for any assistance.

[jackmgerm]

Re: task bar disappeared

Thanks to ahippie's similar posting on Dec. 6 I just located a fix for the problem. Press the Alt + F2 keys simultaneously to open the run command window. Then enter kcontrol. This opens the kde control panel. Select the Panel option on the left and pick a hide condition.

I hope this helps others with this problem. From postings elsewhere, this disappearing taskbar is a recurring problem.

[nilsA]

Re: task bar disappeared

You can also in the terminal window that in my opinion should always stay on the desktop type this code:

sudo killall kicker
kicker

[jackmgerm]

Re: task bar disappeared

Thanks for the follow up. Can you tell me what this command will do?

<<sudo killall kicker
kicker>>

Jack

[Snowhog]

Re: task bar disappeared

sudo killall kicker will/should kill (read:stop) any occurrence of the kicker process that may be running. kicker restarts it.

[jackmgerm]

Re: task bar disappeared

Thanks for the explanation. I did not know what the kicker program did. I am guessing now that it is the source of the taskbar.

Jack

[Snowhog]

Re: task bar disappeared

Yes. Do you remember, before it disappeared, playing with any of it's settings? Press Alt+F2 and type kcontrol then click the + on Desktop and click on Panels and the Hiding tab. In Hide Mode check that Only hide when panel-hiding button is clicked is the one checked and that Allow other windows to cover the panel is not checked and that under Panel-Hiding Buttons, neither item is checked.

[jackmgerm]

Re: task bar disappeared

I had previously made the settings to autohide (or whatever the Linux equivalent is). When I moved the pointer to the bottom of the screen, the taskbar popped up but then disappeared. I now have the settings the way you described.

Thanks.

[Snowhog]

Re: task bar disappeared

You're welcome. Are you keeping notes?

[jackmgerm]

Re: task bar disappeared

I most certainly am keeping notes. I have been learning about different Linux distros since this past summer. I have been a Windows advanced user for years. Now I am trying to come up to speed on Ubuntu/Kubuntu. I am pursing this because I really like Linux and I also write about technology and Linux is becoming one of my main topics. the only thinkg I have a real problem with is getting Ubuntu/Kubuntu to work on my wireless laptop.

I got the wireless to work using Puppy Linux, byt I don't find that distro to be nearly as good as the Ubuntu/Kubuntu flavors, except I can use it with my laptop.

Jack

[Snowhog]

Re: task bar disappeared

Wireless 'issues' abound (unfortunately). Some have had success; others are still struggling with it. I haven't taken my laptop 'mobile' yet, so I can't say (yet) if I will have any problems. I have thought of replacing my wired router (Linksys EtherFast Cable/DSL) with a wireless/wired model so I can get my wireless option set up and working.

[nilsA]

Re: task bar disappeared

Yes. Do you remember, before it disappeared, playing with any of it's settings? Press Alt+F2 and type kcontrol then click the + on Desktop and click on Panels and the Hiding tab. In Hide Mode check that Only hide when panel-hiding button is clicked is the one checked and that Allow other windows to cover the panel is not checked and that under Panel-Hiding Buttons, neither item is checked.

As you are writing about this - more info probably is of interest. As always, there are many ways to do this. You can just right click on the panel and choose Configure panel to get access to the settings.

I prefer autohide option, and the occasional sudo killall etc routine isn't too much bother. I did not/don't have that problem on my Kubuntu laptop, but then I have not upgraded to 7.10.