Ubuntu
gnome-shell package

when I log in to m y root user account, from the gnome 2 shell. it just hangs, but other user accounts log in just fine.

Asked by Mark Jones

When I come to the login screen, with its list of users, I select "other" and type "root" and then give the password, nothing happens. All the other users accounts I can log into without any problem. I am using Gnome 2 (gnome 2 fallback session) with ubuntu 12.04 precise. I can use su root ok though, in another users desktop from a terminal. And why does Appearances not give me the faciltiy to download and install new Gnome Art themes any more? Are the two problems connected? Any help would be appreciated.

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actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said : 		#1

That's because the OS is not designed to be logged in as root to the desktop, nor is it needed. I suggest you stick to how it is designed and use sudo. Nobody has a single issue with it and you are not restricted in any way with it

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Mark Jones (mark-jones-prom) said : 		#2

Thanks actionparsnip, that solved my question.

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Mark Jones (mark-jones-prom) said : 		#3

I have always been able to log in as root on the desktop before - until I upgraded to 12.04. Besdies which there is some data I cannot access just by using su root. I have a root directory with data in, and also links and bookmarks for Firefox etc so if anyone can help me to recover my root account I would be grateful.

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actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said : 		#4

You can use:

sudo -i

And become root, the account can then remain disabled and secure.

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Pete Higgins (petehiggins-roadrunner) said : 		#5

Mark,

I had the same problem. Here is the way to restore the functionality lost by upgrading to 12.04.

Open Terminal (Dash home>More Apps>Installed (Expand)>Terminal)

TO ACTIVATE THE ROOT ACCOUNT
In terminal type or paste: <sudo passwd root> (without the brackets)
Enter your normal login password, then you will be asked to enter the new root password and confirm it.

TO ADD A NEW LOGIN PROMPT THAT ALLOWS YOU TO ENTER ROOT & IT'S PASSWORD
In terminal type or paste: <gksudo gedit /etc/lightdm/lightdm.conf> (without the brackets)

Add the line: <greeter-show-manual-login=true> (without the brackets) to the bottom of the file.
The file should read as follows:

[SeatDefaults]
greeter-session=unity-greeter
user-session=ubuntu
greeter-show-manual-login=true

Save the lightdm.conf file and exit from gedit

Reboot Ubuntu 12.04 and you will see a new “Login” window (replaces the previous "Other" window) which allows for Username and Password input . Enter “root” for the user name and then enter the password you assigned to the root account.

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