Cant get the desktop to show

[ErkiSvensk]

I am new to Kubuntu and KDE as well but have run Ubuntu for a long time.

Two days ago I installed Kubuntu 8.10 Beta 64bit version. The first day everything was OK. After some updates and a reboot something has happened.

The machine boots up and I get the log in screen. After entering password i get a black screen after some seconds. If I press Alt + F2 I can start programs like Firefox, Terminal etc. The applications looks normal. If I press press Alt+Tab I can switch between running programs and I see that Desktop Effects is running. kdm is running. As I'm new to KDE i don't really know where and what to look for.

I have a nVidia Corporation G70 [GeForce 7600 GS] graphics card

[aged hippy]

Re: Cant get the desktop to show

Do you mean that you can't see the desktop? It should appear, but... thinking about it, the background is a rather (in my opinion) unfortunate shade of.... well.... black.

Right-click on it and select ->Desktop Settings and put another background on it.

Have Fun.

[ErkiSvensk]

Re: Cant get the desktop to show

All of the screen is black if I don't start programs with Alt+F2. No Startmenu,'Activity list' clock etc.

To shutdown/reboot I have to start aconsole and shutdown from it.

[aged hippy]

Re: Cant get the desktop to show

Type startx.

[ErkiSvensk]

Re: Cant get the desktop to show

X is running as well as kdm. I can run an application if I start it from the RunDialogBox Alt+F2. If I open Dolphin that way I can start application from there by clicking on an associated file. Moving/resizing closing windows works. No KDE startmenu no clock etc.

[aged hippy]

Re: Cant get the desktop to show

Have you tried changing the background? or if you right-click on the desktop does nothing happen?

[ErkiSvensk]

Re: Cant get the desktop to show

I can't right click the desktop (no menu appears) as I understand I don't have a Desktop.

[dibl]

Re: Cant get the desktop to show

You might have a semi-broken video driver. If I were you I would re-install the Nvidia driver, via EnvyNG, as explained in this thread:

http://kubuntuforums.net/forums/inde...0523#msg150523

I've had strange issues, a bit like yours, with Intrepid, and found that reinstalling the video driver often fixes it.

[assettt]

Re: Cant get the desktop to show

I had a similar issue in my laptop. Open Konqueror and find the.kde4 folder and delete it. Reboot the computer and you should have a brand new default kde4 desktop. At least that's the way it worked for me.

[noelvh]

Re: Cant get the desktop to show

I can't right click the desktop (no menu appears) as I understand I don't have a Desktop.

I had a very similar issue. What I did was at the grub enter the grub menu and boot an older kernal of linux.
Here I was able to get into my desktop. I edited my menu.list to rem out the new .21 ker, I will put it back when I have time to play. This is one thing I like about linux it leaves behind so it makes it easy to go back.

I have had other issues with more updates and the were new ATI drivers and the xserver crash. Boy these uspdates have been murder, but I have learned a bunch in a short time.


Noel Vh

[ErkiSvensk]

Re: Cant get the desktop to show

I made a dirty one. A new clean installation, and then all possible updates. Now is everything up and running. Have made a reboot without any problems.

[aged hippy]

Re: Cant get the desktop to show

I made a dirty one. A new clean installation, and then all possible updates. Now is everything up and running. Have made a reboot without any problems.

That's sensible thinking.

When things go Dreadfully Wrong, i find it easier (and quicker ) to re-install.

It saves pulling my hair out in frustration, and it's far safer than kicking the cat.