6

I've logged into my account and suddenly, all windows and terminals have no taskbar anymore. So I'm not able to move any windows. Can't even resize it.

Also, when I open Firefox from the terminal and if I try to type in an address in the addressbar, nothing happens. Then I realized, that all the things that I type, are entered into the terminal in the background.

Everything is kinda messed up. I don't use a VM for Kali. I've tried to login into another account and there seems everything fine. So this issue is bound to my main account.

Is there a possibility, to repair my profile? I have so many files and applications there, and I really don't want to reinstall everything. But if there is no other option, I will reinstall everything.

Giacomo1968
  • 58,727
BoringGuy
  • 69

3 Answers3

9

Open a terminal and type:

xfwm4

Then press enter/. This should restart your window manager and recover your buttons.

Giacomo1968
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Govind129
  • 99
0

I had this same issue - there were lots of things not working like desktop not showing / topbar missing / terminal had no close button or way to move/resize...etc. I'll quote my other answer over on the unix stack exchange: Fixing kali linux no desktop environment

EDIT - re-stating what is in the link

In the Kali Linux Xfce FAQ it states that if the xfce is not working you can run this command and reboot:

rm -r .cache .config .local

After rebooting - the machine should appear to be looking normal. Configuration you've done on the machine however will be gone such as the top menu launcher shortcuts and the terminal font size preference.

You can fix the blank "launcher" icons on the top bar. These can be set back to default for each menu "launcher by:

  • 'right click' -> properties -> 'plus sign' -> text editor -> add -> close -> close
  • 'right click' -> properties -> 'plus sign' -> firefox -> add -> close -> close
  • 'right click' -> properties -> 'plus sign' -> terminal emulator -> add -> close -> close

Now however when you reboot the machine - it may go back to its original messed up state where the desktop has no icons and the close buttons are missing on the terminal windows.

What I have observed is that xfwm4 is not starting correctly. In the same document there is a section "No Terminal Showing Up" which says that you need to disable compositor. As per the doc:

To disable the compositor, go to “Settings -> Window Manager Tweaks” from the main menu on the desktop and:

  • In the “Compositor” tab, uncheck Enable display compositing

Now that actually fixed the problem permanently for me. I can reboot the system over and over without having to remove the cache/config files every time.

Devin Carpenter
  • 109
-2

I know this post is a couple of years old but I just had the same problem. Not much help on the net but I soon found the answer myself. On the terminal window, Select File, Preferences, Appearance and ensure 'Hide Window Borders' is not selected! You will regain full control of window movement and sizing etc.

OldSchoolSailor
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