Cannot unhide (show hidden) launcher over Remote Desktop (VNC connection over vino or x11vnc)

[Iordan Iordanov]

When the Launcher is hidden (System Settings->Appearance->Behavior->Auto-hide the Launcher->On), when sitting in front of the computer, one is able to show it by moving the mouse all the way to the left quickly. When connected over Remote Desktop, one is unable to make the Launcher show up no matter what one does.

Setting up the environment:
1) On HOST1 which runs Unity 3D or Unity 2D (fails on both), in a terminal, start vino-preferences:
- vino-preferences
- Make sure that the following settings are checked:
  - allow other users to view your desktop
  - allow other users to control your desktop
  - Require the user to enter the password
- Enter a password to secure your VNC connection
- Uncheck all other options
2) Ensure that you are logged in when reproducing from a client machine below.

Way to reproduce #1:
1) You need another host on the same network. On that host, perform the following steps.
2) Install ssvnc:
- apt-get install ssvnc
3) Start ssvnc, and select "None" for encryption at the bottom
4) Enter HOST1's IP address in VNC Host:Display
5) Enter HOST1's VNC password in VNC Password
6) Click "Connect"
7) Once connected, press F9 in order to get into full-screen mode
8) Try moving the mouse pointer all the way to the left, and you will FAIL to show the Launcher.

In order to demonstrate this is not a fault with ssvnc, you can try xtightvncviewer, or try "Way to reproduce #2" below.

Way to reproduce #2:
1) On an Android device on the same network, install and run bVNC.
2) Enter HOST1's IP address in the VNC Server field
3) Enter HOST1's VNC password in VNC Password field
4) Tap "Connect"
5) Once connected, from the Menu, select "Input Mode"->"Simulated Touchpad"
6) Swipe the mouse pointer to the left quickly as many times as is necessary to prove to yourself that you cannot show the Launcher.

In order to prove to yourself this is not a fault with vino, try way to reproduce #3:

Way to reproduce #3:
1) On HOST1, install x11vnc, openssh-server:
apt-get install x11vnc openssh-server
2) On an Android device on the same network, install and run bVNC.
3) Create a new VNC over SSH connection
4) Enter HOST1's IP address in the SSH server field
5) Enter HOST1's username and password in the SSH Username and Password fields
6) Tap the Configure AutoX button
7) In the dialog that opens up, select "Only Find, Don't Create"
8) Tap "Confirm"
9) When on the main screen again, Tap "Connect"
10) Once connected, from the Menu, select "Input Mode"->"Simulated Touchpad"
11) Swipe the mouse pointer to the left quickly as many times as is necessary to prove to yourself that you cannot show the Launcher.

ProblemType: Bug
DistroRelease: Ubuntu 12.04
Package: unity 5.20.0-0ubuntu2
ProcVersionSignature: Ubuntu 3.2.0-52.78-generic 3.2.48
Uname: Linux 3.2.0-52-generic x86_64
ApportVersion: 2.0.1-0ubuntu17.4
Architecture: amd64
CompizPlugins: No value set for `/apps/compiz-1/general/screen0/options/active_plugins'
Date: Sun Sep 1 14:32:17 2013
EcryptfsInUse: Yes
InstallationMedia: Ubuntu 12.04 LTS "Precise Pangolin" - Alpha amd64 (20120304)
MarkForUpload: True
ProcEnviron:
 LANGUAGE=en_CA:en
 TERM=xterm
 PATH=(custom, no user)
 LANG=en_CA.UTF-8
 SHELL=/bin/bash
SourcePackage: unity
UpgradeStatus: No upgrade log present (probably fresh install)

[aeromojito (aeromojito)]

I am having the same issue. The launcher is hidden because I have a smaller CRT monitor and need the space consumed by the launcher.

[Iordan Iordanov (iiordanov)]

Hi! Please subscribe to this bug and indicate that you are affected to increase the "heat" of this bug and confirm that it exists.

Thanks!

[Launchpad Janitor (janitor)]

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

[James Cuzella (trinitronx)]

I am able to reproduce issue when using:

VNC Server: Ubuntu trusty 14.04.3 LTS running x11vnc 0.9.13-1.1

    $ x11vnc -version
    x11vnc: 0.9.13 lastmod: 2011-08-10

VNC Clients:

 - Mac OS X 10.9.5 running Screen Sharing app Version 1.5 (481.1)
 - Mac OS X 10.10.5 running Screen Sharing app Version 1.6.4 (491.13)

Evidence suggests that this problem is not due to any specific VNC server or client. Seems to be a combination of Unity & VNC

[James Cuzella (trinitronx)]

Above reproduction was tested using Unity package:

    unity 7.2.0+14.04.20140416-0ubuntu1

[Bob Cargill (rsc-bioeng)]

I am running Ubuntu Trusty 14.04 LTS

I have been able to reproduce this in two ways:

1. x11vnc server on Ubuntu 14.04 and TightVNC client on MS Win7 SP1
x11vnc server version 0.9.13 lastmod: 2011-08-10
TightVNC client Version 2.7.10

2. Synergy 1.7.5 Basic client on Ubuntu 14.04 and Synergy 1.7.5 Basic server on MS Win7 SP1

One thing that I'd like to add as an observation is that even when the Launcher is un-hidden with the Alt-F1 key combination, clicking the top button ("Search your computer and online sources") does not show the search window. This is not a problem when the launcher is not in "automatic hide" mode.