Ubuntu
gnome-panel package

Panels not working correctly

Asked by Adrian Misko

I am using Ubuntu 11.10 as a dual boot with Windows 7, setup using Wubi. I have the Unity Classical desktop in use but I am unable to configure the panels in any way. The properties menu does not come up when you right click and items that have been docked on the panel are unable to be changed or deleted even if they are don't work anymore.

I have tried resetting the panels using code given in previous similar posts but nothing has worked. I have read other info that indicates they may be locked but I can't seem to find how to unlock them if that is the case.

Ideally, what I am trying to do is reconfigure the top panel, delete the bottom panel and run a Cairo launch bar.

Even when I log in I can change the desktop environment to run as Cairo but the launch bar does not come up and once again I can't configure the top panel and am therefore unable to even shut down the machine.

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Ubuntu gnome-panel Edit question
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Chris
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Best Chris (fabricator4) said : 		#1

Ubuntu now uses Gnome 3 so that when you install gnome-panel to get the classic desktop look you are not really running Gnome classic. There are several very important differences between the new gnome-panel and the old classic Gnome panels, including configuration and what applet and indicator plugins can be used.

To start configuring the new gnome-panel hold down the <alt> and right-click on the panel. Since I don't do much with gnome-panel I can't help you with specifics but I have played a bit with gnome panel and things like Cinnamon (a Mint variant for which an Ubuntu PPA exists) and there's a fair bit of information that can be Googled.

Chris

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Chris (fabricator4) said : 		#2

Also, just a thought:

You want to delete the bottom panel and run Cairo launcher, which is starting to sound a lot more like Unity. Of course I understand about the problems of configuring Unity at this stage, however with every major release Unity is getting more friendly and configurable. I have heard of people moving the Unity Launchbar to the bottom for example, though it doesn't come with that functionality as installed.

Definitely have another look at Unity when 12.04 comes out - it is in a state of constant and quite rapid development.

Chris

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Adrian Misko (amisko) said : 		#3

Thanks Chris, problem solved.