Comment 15 for bug 567029

no change in login loop after all that, and I accidentally wound up loading Natty Narwhal.

Let me rephrase my question -

My HDD was subjected to every data removal option short of scrap yard Electro Magnet or Low Level Format, and after repeated reloads from disc's and internet update and upgrades, does not allow me to login to the Ubuntu Desktop. Login is allowed with the Ubuntu safe mode option, this was noted at the same point where GNOME desktop option vanished [upgrade from fully updated 9.10].

Why does Ubuntu 11.04 (and 10.10 and 10.04) refuse all login/password combinations (just like a failed login) unless it is in safe mode?

If safe-mode only is the intended login mode I apologise for having missed that in the documentation, but it seems to me like there is something interesting going on here regarding how a totally erased backup persists via some bizarre USB/recycle bin/wiped HDD severed connection.