No borders anymore / cannot switch between applications

[Gilbert Sullivan]

On 11/04/2011 02:20 PM, d_widi wrote:
> Hi all
>
> After some changes with theming, I have a great problem with my XFCE 4.8
> :-(
>
> I do not have any borders around the windows anymore, cannot switch
> between open programs and also don't see any entries anymore at the
> window-list (Window-Button). also not in the Workspace Switcher (Only
> one Workspace left) :-(
>
> I have Debian Squeeze with XFCE 4.8 from the Wheezy repository...
> -> I once deleted all settings-stuff from my Home directory - then it
> initially worked, but after the next login, same issue. As well I tried
> to log in as another user: Same: First I had a proper environment, have
> seen all Window-borders, after a logoff/logon, same :-(

It seems as though your window manager has died. The simplest way to 
proceed is probably to hit the <Alt><F2> key combination, type "xfwm4" 
(without the quotes) into the dialog, and hit the <Enter> key.

After the window manager has started, everything about the desktop 
should look normal and function properly. You then need to be sure that 
you log out with the "Save session for future logins" box checkmarked.

What happens is that, sometimes, something will make the window manager 
crash. When that happens, if you log out with that checkmark set, the 
session gets saved in such a manner that the next time you log on you 
start your session without the window manager.

Deleting settings probably set you back to the Xfce default -- which is 
to run with the window manager.

I hope this helps you.

>
> What else do you need to know?
>
> Thank you for your help!
> David