Application switcher and unity sidebar fail to list certain windows

[shinyblue]

I was using LibreOffice when I noticed that alt-tabbing no longer listed the Writer document windows. I also noticed that there was no corresponding icon in the left icon panel. (possibly relevant: Also, while editing a document maximised, there was no menu - or rather there was the menu for the Nautilus Desktop, not for LO.)

This caused me to lose work because I (foolishly) minimised one of my LO windows and then had no way to possibly get back to them. Even the Windows menu of LO has been removed, so I could not use that to switch between open documents. I started ccsm and tried to employ a different switcher, but this caused the whole desktop to lock up and become completely unresponsive; so I lost work in other apps too.

I will attach a screenshot showing that despite two LO windows being open, alt-tab does not list them.

ProblemType: Bug
DistroRelease: Ubuntu 11.10
Package: unity 4.24.0-0ubuntu2b1
ProcVersionSignature: Ubuntu 3.0.0-13.21-generic 3.0.6
Uname: Linux 3.0.0-13-generic x86_64
NonfreeKernelModules: fglrx wl
ApportVersion: 1.23-0ubuntu4
Architecture: amd64
CompizPlugins: [core,bailer,detection,composite,opengl,decor,compiztoolbox,gnomecompat,regex,animation,place,resize,imgpng,session,vpswitch,expo,mousepoll,move,snap,grid,ezoom,workarounds,wall,unitymtgrabhandles,fade,scale,unityshell]
Date: Tue Nov 1 09:13:21 2011
InstallationMedia: Ubuntu 11.10 "Oneiric Ocelot" - Release amd64 (20111012)
SourcePackage: unity
UpgradeStatus: No upgrade log present (probably fresh install)

[Dean Henrichsmeyer (dean)]

This impacts more than LibreOffice. It happens with thunderbird for me. This shows up in ~/.xsession_errors

WARN 2011-11-07 10:18:14 glib.glib-gobject <unknown>:0 instance of invalid non-instantiatable type `(null)'

** (process:1761): DEBUG: zeitgeist-datahub.vala:174: Inserting 1 events
enigmail.js: Registered components

[Launchpad Janitor (janitor)]

Status changed to 'Confirmed' because the bug affects multiple users.

[Dean Henrichsmeyer (dean)]

These errors also appear to perhaps be applicable.

WARN 2011-11-07 10:27:00 glib <unknown>:0 Unable to fetch children: Method "Children" with signature "" on interface "org.ayatana.bamf.view" doesn't exist

WARN 2011-11-07 10:27:00 glib.glib-gobject <unknown>:0 instance of invalid non-instantiatable type `(null)'
WARN 2011-11-07 10:27:01 glib <unknown>:0 Unable to fetch children: Method "Children" with signature "" on interface "org.ayatana.bamf.view" doesn't exist

[shinyblue (shinyblue)]

Bug #880293 has been marked as duplicate of this, however Comment #2 points out "This impacts more than LibreOffice."

[shinyblue (shinyblue)]

@seb128 Don't understand how a bug that can result in losing work for every minimised office document is "Low" importance.

This bug was enough for me to go back to my Natty install (w/out unity) and is certainly enough for me to un-recommend that people try Ubuntu [at this point]. I have instructed several people not to upgrade on the basis of this.

(this isn't a rant, though it may sound like one! Just wanted to make sure the decision was fully informed. Apols if I've misunderstood the meaning of bug priorities.)

[Bernd Bandemer (bandemer)]

I agree with shinyblue, it's not just LibreOffice. For me, this happens with Kile. Even immediately after I launch Kile (I keep it in the launcher), it does not get the arrow in the dash and does not appear in the task switcher.

It's a major usability issue.

@shinyblue: A workaround that lets me get back to the lost windows is to press shift-alt-arrowUp and then find the window there.