Gnome desktop semi-frozen on initial login... then thaws.

Question

Hi folks,
I've got a weird problem which I'm hoping you can help diagnose...
On logging into Gnome from XDM the desktop appears as normal but I have no right click menu on the desktop, no main menu and no keyboard input. I can start apps from Cairo-Dock, where Firefox and Thunderbird do have responding menus. Logging out (from Cairo-Dock) and back in immediately solves the problem every time and also, curiously, if I wait for around 5-6 minutes everything starts working again.
I've tried disabling Compiz and also looking through the logs but nothing jumps out at me. This has been happening for a few weeks now and I haven't been able to associate it with any particular update. I've also tried removing .gconf .gconfd .gnome .gnome2 etc but to no avail. Killing Nautilus and restarting makes no difference either.
If anyone could suggest a way to track this down I would be most grateful.

Answer 1

I've tried watching the processes but nothing's racing or out of the ordinary as far as I can tell.
Here's my Xorg log...
X.Org X Server 1.7.6
Release Date: 2010-03-17
X Protocol Version 11, Revision 0
Build Operating System: Linux 2.6.33-ARCH x86_64
Current Operating System: Linux arch64 2.6.34-ck #1 SMP PREEMPT Wed May 26 14:53:23 BST 2010 x86_64
Kernel command line: BOOT_IMAGE=/boot/vmlinuz26-ck root=/dev/disk/by-uuid/80db2d73-6dea-465c-a9a2-b14624badc57 ro
Build Date: 01 April 2010 05:28:33PM
Current version of pixman: 0.18.2
Before reporting problems, check http://wiki.x.org
to make sure that you have the latest version.
Markers: (--) probed, (**) from config file, (==) default setting,
(++) from command line, (!!) notice, (II) informational,
(WW) warning, (EE) error, (NI) not implemented, (??) unknown.
(==) Log file: "/var/log/Xorg.0.log", Time: Mon Jun 7 14:59:34 2010
(==) Using config file: "/etc/X11/xorg.conf"
(==) ServerLayout "Layout0"
(**) |-->Screen "Screen0" (0)
(**) | |-->Monitor "Monitor0"
(**) | |-->Device "Device0"
(**) |-->Input Device "Keyboard0"
(**) |-->Input Device "Mouse0"
(**) Option "BlankTime" "0"
(**) Option "StandbyTime" "0"
(**) Option "SuspendTime" "0"
(**) Option "OffTime" "0"
(**) Option "AutoAddDevices" "False"
(**) Not automatically adding devices
(==) Automatically enabling devices
(==) FontPath set to:
/usr/share/fonts/misc,
/usr/share/fonts/100dpi:unscaled,
/usr/share/fonts/75dpi:unscaled,
/usr/share/fonts/TTF,
/usr/share/fonts/Type1
(==) ModulePath set to "/usr/lib/xorg/modules"
(II) Loader magic: 0x7c1080
(II) Module ABI versions:
X.Org ANSI C Emulation: 0.4
X.Org Video Driver: 6.0
X.Org XInput driver : 7.0
X.Org Server Extension : 2.0
(--) using VT number 4
(WW) xf86OpenConsole: setpgid failed: Operation not permitted
(WW) xf86OpenConsole: setsid failed: Operation not permitted
(--) PCI: (0:1:7:0) 109e:036e:11bd:0012 Brooktree Corporation Bt878 Video Capture rev 17, Mem @ 0xfdfff000/4096
(--) PCI:*(0:5:0:0) 10de:0402:1462:1020 nVidia Corporation G84 [GeForce 8600 GT] rev 161, Mem @ 0xfa000000/16777216, 0xd0000000/268435456, 0xf8000000/33554432, I/O @ 0x0000bc00/128, BIOS @ 0x????????/131072
(II) Open ACPI successful (/var/run/acpid.socket)
(II) LoadModule: "extmod"
(II) Loading /usr/lib/xorg/modules/extensions/libextmod.so
(II) Module extmod: vendor="X.Org Foundation"
compiled for 1.7.6, module version = 1.0.0
Module class: X.Org Server Extension
ABI class: X.Org Server Extension, version 2.0
(II) Loading extension MIT-SCREEN-SAVER
(II) Loading extension XFree86-VidModeExtension
(II) Loading extension XFree86-DGA
(II) Loading extension DPMS
(II) Loading extension XVideo
(II) Loading extension XVideo-MotionCompensation
(II) Loading extension X-Resource
(II) LoadModule: "dbe"
(II) Loading /usr/lib/xorg/modules/extensions/libdbe.so
(II) Module dbe: vendor="X.Org Foundation"
compiled for 1.7.6, module version = 1.0.0
Module class: X.Org Server Extension
ABI class: X.Org Server Extension, version 2.0
(II) Loading extension DOUBLE-BUFFER
(II) LoadModule: "glx"
(II) Loading /usr/lib/xorg/modules/extensions/libglx.so
(II) Module glx: vendor="NVIDIA Corporation"
compiled for 4.0.2, module version = 1.0.0
Module class: X.Org Server Extension
(II) NVIDIA GLX Module 195.36.15 Fri Mar 12 01:17:05 PST 2010
(II) Loading extension GLX
(II) LoadModule: "record"
(II) Loading /usr/lib/xorg/modules/extensions/librecord.so
(II) Module record: vendor="X.Org Foundation"
compiled for 1.7.6, module version = 1.13.0
Module class: X.Org Server Extension
ABI class: X.Org Server Extension, version 2.0
(II) Loading extension RECORD
(II) LoadModule: "dri"
(II) Loading /usr/lib/xorg/modules/extensions/libdri.so
(II) Module dri: vendor="X.Org Foundation"
compiled for 1.7.6, module version = 1.0.0
ABI class: X.Org Server Extension, version 2.0
(II) Loading extension XFree86-DRI
(II) LoadModule: "dri2"
(II) Loading /usr/lib/xorg/modules/extensions/libdri2.so
(II) Module dri2: vendor="X.Org Foundation"
compiled for 1.7.6, module version = 1.1.0
ABI class: X.Org Server Extension, version 2.0
(II) Loading extension DRI2
(II) LoadModule: "nvidia"
(II) Loading /usr/lib/xorg/modules/drivers/nvidia_drv.so
(II) Module nvidia: vendor="NVIDIA Corporation"
compiled for 4.0.2, module version = 1.0.0
Module class: X.Org Video Driver
(II) LoadModule: "kbd"
(II) Loading /usr/lib/xorg/modules/input/kbd_drv.so
(II) Module kbd: vendor="X.Org Foundation"
compiled for 1.7.0.901, module version = 1.4.0
Module class: X.Org XInput Driver
ABI class: X.Org XInput driver, version 7.0
(II) LoadModule: "mouse"
(II) Loading /usr/lib/xorg/modules/input/mouse_drv.so
(II) Module mouse: vendor="X.Org Foundation"
compiled for 1.7.0.901, module version = 1.5.0
Module class: X.Org XInput Driver
ABI class: X.Org XInput driver, version 7.0
(II) NVIDIA dlloader X Driver 195.36.15 Fri Mar 12 00:38:50 PST 2010
(II) NVIDIA Unified Driver for all Supported NVIDIA GPUs
(II) Primary Device is: PCI 05@00:00:0
(II) Loading sub module "fb"
(II) LoadModule: "fb"
(II) Loading /usr/lib/xorg/modules/libfb.so
(II) Module fb: vendor="X.Org Foundation"
compiled for 1.7.6, module version = 1.0.0
ABI class: X.Org ANSI C Emulation, version 0.4
(II) Loading sub module "wfb"
(II) LoadModule: "wfb"
(II) Loading /usr/lib/xorg/modules/libwfb.so
(II) Module wfb: vendor="X.Org Foundation"
compiled for 1.7.6, module version = 1.0.0
ABI class: X.Org ANSI C Emulation, version 0.4
(II) Loading sub module "ramdac"
(II) LoadModule: "ramdac"
(II) Module "ramdac" already built-in
(**) NVIDIA(0): Depth 24, (--) framebuffer bpp 32
(==) NVIDIA(0): RGB weight 888
(==) NVIDIA(0): Default visual is TrueColor
(==) NVIDIA(0): Using gamma correction (1.0, 1.0, 1.0)
(**) NVIDIA(0): Option "NoLogo" "True"
(**) NVIDIA(0): Option "ConnectedMonitor" "DFP"
(**) NVIDIA(0): Option "Coolbits" "1"
(**) Jun 07 14:59:36 NVIDIA(0): Enabling RENDER acceleration
(**) Jun 07 14:59:36 NVIDIA(0): ConnectedMonitor string: "DFP"
(II) Jun 07 14:59:36 NVIDIA(0): Support for GLX with the Damage and Composite X extensions is
(II) Jun 07 14:59:36 NVIDIA(0): enabled.
(II) Jun 07 14:59:37 NVIDIA(0): NVIDIA GPU GeForce 8600 GT (G84) at PCI:5:0:0 (GPU-0)
(--) Jun 07 14:59:37 NVIDIA(0): Memory: 262144 kBytes
(--) Jun 07 14:59:37 NVIDIA(0): VideoBIOS: 60.84.35.00.11
(II) Jun 07 14:59:37 NVIDIA(0): Detected PCI Express Link width: 16X
(--) Jun 07 14:59:37 NVIDIA(0): Interlaced video modes are supported on this GPU
(--) Jun 07 14:59:37 NVIDIA(0): Connected display device(s) on GeForce 8600 GT at PCI:5:0:0:
(--) Jun 07 14:59:37 NVIDIA(0): Samsung SyncMaster (DFP-0)
(--) Jun 07 14:59:37 NVIDIA(0): Samsung SyncMaster (DFP-0): 330.0 MHz maximum pixel clock
(--) Jun 07 14:59:37 NVIDIA(0): Samsung SyncMaster (DFP-0): Internal Dual Link TMDS
(II) Jun 07 14:59:37 NVIDIA(0): Assigned Display Device: DFP-0
(==) Jun 07 14:59:37 NVIDIA(0):
(==) Jun 07 14:59:37 NVIDIA(0): No modes were requested; the default mode "nvidia-auto-select"
(==) Jun 07 14:59:37 NVIDIA(0): will be used as the requested mode.
(==) Jun 07 14:59:37 NVIDIA(0):
(II) Jun 07 14:59:37 NVIDIA(0): Validated modes:
(II) Jun 07 14:59:37 NVIDIA(0): "nvidia-auto-select"
(II) Jun 07 14:59:37 NVIDIA(0): Virtual screen size determined to be 1680 x 1050
(--) Jun 07 14:59:37 NVIDIA(0): DPI set to (92, 88); computed from "UseEdidDpi" X config
(--) Jun 07 14:59:37 NVIDIA(0): option
(==) Jun 07 14:59:37 NVIDIA(0): Enabling 32-bit ARGB GLX visuals.
(--) Depth 24 pixmap format is 32 bpp
(II) Jun 07 14:59:37 NVIDIA: Using 768.00 MB of virtual memory for indirect framebuffer
(II) Jun 07 14:59:37 NVIDIA: access.
(II) Jun 07 14:59:37 NVIDIA(0): Initialized GPU GART.
(II) Jun 07 14:59:37 NVIDIA(0): Setting mode "nvidia-auto-select"
(II) Loading extension NV-GLX
(II) Jun 07 14:59:37 NVIDIA(0): Initialized OpenGL Acceleration
(==) NVIDIA(0): Disabling shared memory pixmaps
(II) Jun 07 14:59:37 NVIDIA(0): Initialized X Rendering Acceleration
(**) NVIDIA(0): Option "BackingStore" "True"
(**) NVIDIA(0): Backing store enabled
(==) NVIDIA(0): Silken mouse enabled
(II) Loading extension NV-CONTROL
(II) Loading extension XINERAMA
(==) RandR enabled
(II) Initializing built-in extension Generic Event Extension
(II) Initializing built-in extension SHAPE
(II) Initializing built-in extension MIT-SHM
(II) Initializing built-in extension XInputExtension
(II) Initializing built-in extension XTEST
(II) Initializing built-in extension BIG-REQUESTS
(II) Initializing built-in extension SYNC
(II) Initializing built-in extension XKEYBOARD
(II) Initializing built-in extension XC-MISC
(II) Initializing built-in extension SECURITY
(II) Initializing built-in extension XINERAMA
(II) Initializing built-in extension XFIXES
(II) Initializing built-in extension RENDER
(II) Initializing built-in extension RANDR
(II) Initializing built-in extension COMPOSITE
(II) Initializing built-in extension DAMAGE
(II) Initializing extension GLX
(**) Option "CoreKeyboard"
(**) Keyboard0: always reports core events
(**) Option "Protocol" "standard"
(**) Keyboard0: Protocol: standard
(**) Option "XkbRules" "base"
(**) Keyboard0: XkbRules: "base"
(**) Option "XkbModel" "pc105"
(**) Keyboard0: XkbModel: "pc105"
(**) Option "XkbLayout" "us"
(**) Keyboard0: XkbLayout: "us"
(**) Option "CustomKeycodes" "off"
(**) Keyboard0: CustomKeycodes disabled
(II) XINPUT: Adding extended input device "Keyboard0" (type: KEYBOARD)
(**) Option "Protocol" "auto"
(**) Option "Device" "/dev/psaux"
(II) Mouse0: Setting mouse protocol to "ExplorerPS/2"
(**) Mouse0: Device: "/dev/psaux"
(**) Mouse0: Protocol: "auto"
(**) Option "CorePointer"
(**) Mouse0: always reports core events
(**) Option "Device" "/dev/psaux"
(**) Option "Emulate3Buttons" "no"
(**) Option "ZAxisMapping" "4 5"
(**) Mouse0: ZAxisMapping: buttons 4 and 5
(**) Mouse0: Buttons: 9
(**) Mouse0: Sensitivity: 1
(II) XINPUT: Adding extended input device "Mouse0" (type: MOUSE)
(**) Mouse0: (accel) keeping acceleration scheme 1
(**) Mouse0: (accel) acceleration profile 0
(II) Mouse0: Setting mouse protocol to "ExplorerPS/2"
(II) Mouse0: ps2EnableDataReporting: succeeded
(II) config/hal: Adding input device ImPS/2 Generic Wheel Mouse
(II) AutoAddDevices is off - not adding device.
(EE) config/hal: NewInputDeviceRequest failed (8)
(II) config/hal: Adding input device AT Translated Set 2 keyboard
(II) AutoAddDevices is off - not adding device.
(EE) config/hal: NewInputDeviceRequest failed (8)
(II) config/hal: Adding input device Power Button
(II) AutoAddDevices is off - not adding device.
(EE) config/hal: NewInputDeviceRequest failed (8)
(II) config/hal: Adding input device Power Button
(II) AutoAddDevices is off - not adding device.
(EE) config/hal: NewInputDeviceRequest failed (8)
Here's my XDM log...
xdm info (pid 4753): Starting
xdm info (pid 4753): Starting X server on :0
X.Org X Server 1.7.6
Release Date: 2010-03-17
X Protocol Version 11, Revision 0
Build Operating System: Linux 2.6.33-ARCH x86_64
Current Operating System: Linux arch64 2.6.34-ck #1 SMP PREEMPT Wed May 26 14:53:23 BST 2010 x86_64
Kernel command line: BOOT_IMAGE=/boot/vmlinuz26-ck root=/dev/disk/by-uuid/80db2d73-6dea-465c-a9a2-b14624badc57 ro
Build Date: 01 April 2010 05:28:33PM
Current version of pixman: 0.18.2
Before reporting problems, check http://wiki.x.org
to make sure that you have the latest version.
Markers: (--) probed, (**) from config file, (==) default setting,
(++) from command line, (!!) notice, (II) informational,
(WW) warning, (EE) error, (NI) not implemented, (??) unknown.
(==) Log file: "/var/log/Xorg.0.log", Time: Mon Jun 7 14:59:34 2010
(==) Using config file: "/etc/X11/xorg.conf"
(EE) config/hal: NewInputDeviceRequest failed (8)
(EE) config/hal: NewInputDeviceRequest failed (8)
(EE) config/hal: NewInputDeviceRequest failed (8)
(EE) config/hal: NewInputDeviceRequest failed (8)
Warning: Cannot convert string "LOGIN_POS_X" to type Short
Warning: Cannot convert string "LOGIN_POS_Y" to type Short
xdm info (pid 4934): sourcing /etc/X11/xdm/arch-xdm/Xsetup
xdm info (pid 4934): sourcing /etc/X11/xdm/arch-xdm/Xstartup
XIO: fatal IO error 11 (Resource temporarily unavailable) on X server ":0.0"
after 97 requests (93 known processed) with 0 events remaining.
xkill: killing creator of resource 0xa00019
XIO: fatal IO error 11 (Resource temporarily unavailable) on X server ":0.0"
after 103 requests (56 known processed) with 0 events remaining.
xkill: killing creator of resource 0x80000b
xdm info (pid 4987): executing session /etc/X11/xdm/Xsession
As regards the NewInputDeviceRequest error common to both, if I enable that in xorg.conf then I have no keyboard at XDM. I've also tried with no xorg.conf.
Thanks for your help.