A lot of programs can't be started

[Steffman]

When I start konsole, KDEInit tells me it couldn't start konsole. Firefox, Synaptic, Adept, Amarok etc. won't start either. I even reinstalled my kubuntu, but the problems still remain. It started with the forelast update which included ktorrent and two metacity-packages. From time to time a program _will_ start (konsole), but that's quite seldom. At least ktorrent now runs stable (when it starts).
I use kubuntu feisty but now have gnome installed, too, because it works better. Maybe I should try xfce, too.

[Steffman (steffmanzing)]

I traced the problem down to the NVIDIA driver. Sorry for the alert, but I was really annoyed.

[Brian Murray (brian-murray)]

Thanks for taking the time to report this bug and helping to make Ubuntu better. From your last comment it sounds like you resolved your issue is that correct? Thanks in advance.

[Steffman (steffmanzing)]

Yes, now everything runs normal again. I reinstalled Kubuntu twice in that process, but that's no problem. By now I figured out what went wrong: I used restricted-manager to install the proprietary drivers for my card (GeForce2 MX/MX 400), and the program (as automatix, which I tested to get a "second opinion") installed the wrong nvidia-drivers, namely nvidia-glx instead of the nvidia-glx-legacy, which my card needs. I installed them manually (and added my monitor rates manually to xorg.conf), and now it runs good. My favourite screensaver (helios) doesn't run YET, but I think I will fix that soon - at least I hope.
Anyway, it wasn't kdebase nor even the nvidia-drivers, but the library/program both restricted-manager and automatix use, because they both installed the wrong driver. Maybe you know which package this is - if so, maybe this should be filed as a new bug ? From a short look at your profile I saw that you know your way around here much better than me.
Ubuntu is great and I'm glad to help improve it to give a little bit back...

[Steffman (steffmanzing)]

Stop everything - I just found out the reason why my screensaver doesn't work ist that 3D in general doesn't work on my PC, although the NVIDIA-drivers ARE installed.
But the good news is that the non-3D-programs (firefox, akregator, konsole etc.) work. So I'll read some news and go to bed for tonight. But stay tuned - there's more to come soon...

PS: Again, sorry for the false alert(s). I'll investigate further...

[Brian Murray (brian-murray)]

You mention automatix in one of your previous comments are you referring to http://www.getautomatix.com/ ? If so that software isn't provided by use or supported in Launchpad.

[Steffman (steffmanzing)]

Sorry for the delay, now everything works fine again. I know that it isnt't supported, I just wanted to test if it was a fault of restricted-manager. But they both did the same. And yes, I meant that prg.