Graphics problems when connected through RDP to SLED 11.
This document (7003487) is provided subject to the disclaimer at the end of this document.
Environment
SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 11 (SLED 11)
Windows RDP client
Linux RDP client other than SLED 11
Windows RDP client
Linux RDP client other than SLED 11
Situation
Remote Administration (RDP) has been enabled in YaST on a SLED 11 system.
A RDP client from Windows or from another Linux system other than SLED 11 has connected to the SLED 11 RDP host.
After logging into the desktop on the host the graphics display is corrupt. The panel at the bottom may be missing things such as the main menu. They are there and typically show up when you mouse over them.
In addition, when an application is run and a new window is displayed the window title bar will be invisible. It is there and can be clicked on or dragged if you select the correct point where it should be displayed.
A RDP client from Windows or from another Linux system other than SLED 11 has connected to the SLED 11 RDP host.
After logging into the desktop on the host the graphics display is corrupt. The panel at the bottom may be missing things such as the main menu. They are there and typically show up when you mouse over them.
In addition, when an application is run and a new window is displayed the window title bar will be invisible. It is there and can be clicked on or dragged if you select the correct point where it should be displayed.
Resolution
The reason for the trouble is that the RDP host program, xrdp, is enabling the compiz window manager which is the program that provides desktop effects. The only RDP client and operating system that will currently work successfully with compiz enabled is the one provided by SLED 11.
The xrdp program determines if compiz should be enabled by individual user. To disable it the following steps must be taken for each user account that will be connecting through RDP.
In the users home directory there should be a hidden directory with the name ".config". Under the .config directory you should find a compiz directory. In the compiz directory create a file called "disable-compiz". The existence of this file disables compiz.
While logged in as the user the following command could be used to verify the existence of the directory structure and create (touch) the file:
mkdir -p ~/.config/compiz && touch ~/.config/compiz/disable-compiz
If all new users that will be created on the system should also have compiz disabled, the following command (run as the root user) could be used to create the directory structure and the file in the /etc/skel directory that will be copied over to every new user created:
mkdir -p /etc/skel/.config/compiz && touch /etc/skel/.config/compiz/disable-compiz
The xrdp program determines if compiz should be enabled by individual user. To disable it the following steps must be taken for each user account that will be connecting through RDP.
In the users home directory there should be a hidden directory with the name ".config". Under the .config directory you should find a compiz directory. In the compiz directory create a file called "disable-compiz". The existence of this file disables compiz.
While logged in as the user the following command could be used to verify the existence of the directory structure and create (touch) the file:
mkdir -p ~/.config/compiz && touch ~/.config/compiz/disable-compiz
If all new users that will be created on the system should also have compiz disabled, the following command (run as the root user) could be used to create the directory structure and the file in the /etc/skel directory that will be copied over to every new user created:
mkdir -p /etc/skel/.config/compiz && touch /etc/skel/.config/compiz/disable-compiz
Disclaimer
This Support Knowledgebase provides a valuable tool for SUSE customers and parties interested in our products and solutions to acquire information, ideas and learn from one another. Materials are provided for informational, personal or non-commercial use within your organization and are presented "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND.
- Document ID:7003487
- Creation Date: 09-Jun-2009
- Modified Date:14-Oct-2022
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- SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop
- SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop
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