Reset bad compizconfig settings in Ubuntu

Today I saw a post on the ubuntu forums where someone had installed compiz-config-settings-manager and had made their system un-usable ie they could not log in because of bad settings and the GDM was causing problems.

After I helped him to fix it he asked me to put it somewhere accessible so others could do the same.

Only use this if your problem is caused by compiz and you need to reset it.

If it is possible to get to the GDM (Gnome display manager....... or the login screen ) then use method 1.
If you can't see the login screen at all go to method 2.

Method 1.
This should be simple enough.

Press Ctrl+Alt+F1 when at the login. You will get a terminal in fullscreen.
DO NOT BE SCARED.

(You may want to print these instructions before doing this)

Login with your username and password.
When you type your password it will seem as if you are not typing.
This is normal as * shows how many characters you have so a blank is a security feature.

You then need to stop X. ( the graphics)

Code:

sudo service gdm stop

You will be asked for your password so type it in. Again you will not see typing.

you then need to reset compiz.

Code:

gconftool-2 --recursive-unset /apps/compiz

hope that works for you.

You can then restart your graphical display.

Code:

sudo service gdm start

use Ctrl+alt+F7 to get back to your gui.

Method 2.

If you can't get as far as the login screen due to graphics issues caused by compiz config the use this method.

As your computer boots up interrupt at GRUB.

In versions of ubuntu 9.04 and before you will see a prompt on boot saying click ESC to enter grub , do so.

In 9.10 and newer you will not see this so hold the Shift key during boot and you should get to grub. When there choose the newest recovery option.


Once you boot up in recovery mode you will be presented with a small box with some options. Select 'root'.

You now have a root access command line.

You then type:

Code:

su yourusername

( obviously replacing 'yourusername' with your login name) to login as you. You then run

Code:

gconftool-2 --recursive-unset /apps/compiz

You will not have to stop or start the gdm though. When you have run the commands instead of

Code:

sudo service gdm start

type

Code:

sudo shutdown -r now

Your computer should restart and your compiz settings will be reset.