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Possible Duplicate:
Unity doesn't load, no Launcher, no Dash appears

Ever since I downloaded Ubuntu 12.04 my computer basically has been really screwed up. Loading up ubuntu in regular mode has a blank screen with my background and that's it, and so i'm in 2D mode.

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  • You need to give more information. “Basically been really screwed up” is not informative. What happens when you type sudo dpkg-reconfigure lightdm in a terminal`? Copy-paste the output.
    – Gilles 'SO- stop being evil'
    Jun 11, 2012 at 19:17
  • it asks for my password, which I can't give because it doesn't allow me to type it (the letters don't appear)
    – Max
    Jun 11, 2012 at 19:19
  • It's normal for the letters not to appear: passwords are not shown, in case someone was looking over your shoulder. What happens if you type your password and press Enter?
    – Gilles 'SO- stop being evil'
    Jun 11, 2012 at 19:20

1 Answer 1

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The solution to your "my desktop is blank in Unity (3D)" is simple, but involves using an advanced tool, Compiz Config Settings Manager.

Warning: Compiz Config Settings Manager is an advanced tool and one tiny mistake, typo or an accidental click of the mouse can leave your desktop unusable, requiring time and effort to fix it. Please be very careful and follow instructions...thanks. Once you are done using it, please consider uninstalling/removing it to reduce future risk. If you mess up, please see this answer on how to fix things.

  • Install CompizConfig Settings Manager with sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager in Ubuntu 2D, if you don't already have it.
  • Logout and log in into Ubuntu (3D)
  • Right click on the blank desktop, create a new folder.

  • Click on "File System" on the left sidebar, and navigate to /usr/bin. Scroll down to CCSM and double-click to run it:

    enter image description here

  • Type unity in the Filter box and click on the Unity Plugin:

    enter image description here

  • Just check the "Enable..." box on the bottom left and you should have your normal 3D environment back:

    enter image description here

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  • When I try to install the first thing it asks for my password but when I type the password in the terminal it doesn't appear
    – Max
    Jun 11, 2012 at 19:21
  • The password is never shown for sudo, even as *****. Just type it and press enter!
    – ish
    Jun 11, 2012 at 19:22
  • the box was already "enabled" but I don't have my 3d environment back, what's the problem?
    – Max
    Jun 11, 2012 at 19:46
  • Can you open a terminal with Ctrl-Alt-T? Try unity --reset then.
    – ish
    Jun 11, 2012 at 19:48
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    @MartyFried, many thanks for the reminder, agree completely, see bold warning added on top :)
    – ish
    Jun 11, 2012 at 20:19

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