How do I fix a blank desktop after logging into regular Ubuntu (Unity)?

unity compiz command-line

109

The solution to your "my desktop is blank in Unity (3D)" is simple, but involves using an advanced tool, Compiz Config Settings Manager.

Warning: Compiz Config Settings Manager is an advanced tool and one tiny mistake, typo or an accidental click of the mouse can leave your desktop unusable, requiring time and effort to fix it. Please be very careful and follow instructions...thanks. Once you are done using it, please consider uninstalling/removing it to reduce future risk. If you mess up, please see this answer on how to fix things.

Install CompizConfig Settings Manager with sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager in Ubuntu 2D, if you don't already have it.
Logout and log in into Ubuntu (3D)
Right click on the blank desktop, create a new folder.
Click on "File System" on the left sidebar, and navigate to /usr/bin. Scroll down to CCSM and double-click to run it:
Type unity in the Filter box and click on the Unity Plugin:
Just check the "Enable..." box on the bottom left and you should have your normal 3D environment back:

109

arame3333

Updated on September 18, 2022

Comments

arame3333 over 1 year
This code works in ie9 but not in ie8. Although I am using modenizer.js, I am wondering if the problem is that the css is being applied to a section element?
```
function basketBackgroundChange(selectedT) {
    var $sectionGl = $('#Selected').closest("section");
    if (selectedT) {
        $sectionGl.css("background-color", "red;");
    } else {
        $sectionGl.css("background-color", "gray;");
    }
}
```
How can I fix this?
- h3. almost 12 years
  
  You need to give more information. “Basically been really screwed up” is not informative. What happens when you type sudo dpkg-reconfigure lightdm in a terminal`? Copy-paste the output.
- Max almost 12 years
  
  it asks for my password, which I can't give because it doesn't allow me to type it (the letters don't appear)
- h3. almost 12 years
  
  It's normal for the letters not to appear: passwords are not shown, in case someone was looking over your shoulder. What happens if you type your password and press Enter?
- insertusernamehere about 11 years
  
  I guess this won't solve the problem, but you don't need to append a ; to the value: "red" instead of "red;".
- EnterJQ about 11 years
  
  its better to addClass rather than adding css
- arame3333 about 11 years
  
  Actually that did solve the problem :-). If you are quick and make that the answer before someone else does I will give you a tick!
Max almost 12 years

When I try to install the first thing it asks for my password but when I type the password in the terminal it doesn't appear
ish almost 12 years

The password is never shown for sudo, even as *****. Just type it and press enter!
Max almost 12 years

the box was already "enabled" but I don't have my 3d environment back, what's the problem?
ish almost 12 years

Can you open a terminal with Ctrl-Alt-T? Try unity --reset then.
Deepak Verma almost 12 years

One thing that should always be done when recommending CCSM is to warn the user (especially new ones) that this app can be dangerous, and should be used carefully, without experimenting with things that are unknown.
ish almost 12 years

@MartyFried, many thanks for the reminder, agree completely, see bold warning added on top :)
arame3333 about 11 years

As I was thinking to myself "oh no, not another ie8" problem, I didn't see the obvious!