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Recently, I could not log in on a regular user desktop installation through the graphical login screen. However, I was able to successfully log in by switching (CTRL+ALT+F1) to terminal mode. Eventually, through the terminal mode I resolved the problem.

In researching my issue, on the Ubuntu forum; I noticed that there were numerous causes concerning the inability to use the graphical login screen. Which made finding the correct fix difficult. The simplest approach would seem to be a total "tear-down" of the graphical interface with a rebuild to resolve the login issue instead of spending a significant amount of time attempting to isolate a specific cause. Essentially applying a "nuclear option". After extensive research and numerous dead-ends; I found out my problem was caused by "brltty", but that is not my question.

My question: A listing of the packages that need to be removed so that Ubuntu simply boots into terminal mode (no graphical interface). Then a sequential listing of what packages need to be reinstalled to restore the graphical interface (which I assume are the same packages that were removed). Basically, a short tutorial on removing the graphical interface and rebuilding it.

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To install without GUI, just install Ubuntu Server.

To add the GUI,

sudo apt-get install unity
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I am referring to a regular desk-top installation where you can no longer login due to an error of some sort. You may have a raised a point that I overlooked by referencing 'sudo apt-get install unity' since I do not specifically recall uninstalling it and then re-installing it, which is why I was asking for a list of packages that need to be removed/reinstalled. – Steve R. Dec 17 '12 at 19:58
I haven't tried it, but you could try uninstalling unity and some other so-called metapackages and then apt-get autoremove. – jdthood Dec 17 '12 at 20:21
Thanks. The issue was solved. The reason for this request is to obtain a list of packages for future reference for those experiencing this issue in the future concerning what needs to be removed and then reinstalled. I saw quite a few users on the Ubuntu forum who had this issue, so it would be beneficial to provide one place for what needs to be removed and then reinstalled. I fumbled around till something finally worked. Your reference to "unity" may have been one of those somethings that I had overlooked. – Steve R. Dec 17 '12 at 20:37

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