Ubuntu has moved on to “Unity“, and Gnome has evolved to version 3‘s “Gnome Shell“, but many people (like myself) still prefer to use the old “Classic” desktop – be it the old Gnome 2 version, or the “Fallback Mode” of Gnome 3 (users of 11.10 upwards have no choice but to use the Gnome 3 version).
While the 2 versions of the “Classic” interface do have some differences – no “System” menu in Gnome 3 (read this if this is your only concern), and having to hold Alt while right-clicking it to access options – both have panels that are much more customisable (and infinitely more useful) than what “Unity” and “Gnome Shell” currently offer.
But things can go awry, like after doing some tweaking, or installing a program, or having to do a hard reboot, and you can find your panel altered (particularly minus the menus), or even completely missing. So we’ll look at a few different scenarios, and how to rectify them, including how to force Gnome to reset your menus back to their defaults (which is probably the quickest and easiest method). Also, because I’ve seen a lot of newbies in forums say “My Applications menu is missing!” when they should be saying “My top panel has totally vanished!”, we’ll look at how to get your panel back as well.
Finally, because some will need to take a harder approach (or just prefer an easier one), we’ll look at how to totally reset your panels back to their defaults. This is by far the most drastic measure, but it’s quick and easy, and for most people there are no customisations to worry about losing. Besides, if your panel has totally died or vanished, and nothing else you’ve tried has worked, then it’s the only option left.
Try A Quick Panel Restart:
First off, it might be enough to simply refresh the panel by forcing it to close then re-open, which can be done by a reboot, or logging out, or simply entering the following command into the terminal or via Alt+F2:
killall gnome-panel
It pays to do that first, in case that’s all that’s really needed, but chances are you’ve already tried logging out or rebooting, so check out the following tips.
Restore Missing Menus to Panel:
If just your main menu (the “Applications” and “Places” menus, and the “System” menu in Gnome 2) is missing, then perhaps all you need to do is add the menu back to your panel. Right-click an empty area of your panel (holding Alt in Gnome 3) and choose “Add to Panel…“, then scroll down till you find “Menu Bar” (ignore “Main Menu“, as that is a small icon version), and drag it to the left area of your panel.
If it’s conceivable that you perhaps accidentally right-clicked the menu and hit “Remove From Panel“, then it might pay to do this, especially if you have panel customisations you don’t want to lose.
Force Reset of Main Menus:
If you can’t add the menus back to your panel, for example you can’t invoke “Add to Panel…” with a right-click, it’s time to reset the menus to their defaults, which is done by deleting some configuration files. Actually, technically you’re not deleting anything, as the 2 files in question are simply renamed with .bak extensions [so they’re still there if you really need them later], forcing Gnome to recreate those files with default values.
To force Gnome to rewrite its panel menus with default values, enter the following command into a terminal:
mv ~/.config/menus/applications.menu ~/.config/menus/applications.menu.bak && mv ~/.config/menus/settings.menu ~/.config/menus/settings.menu.bak
(That should work with either Gnome 2 or 3, though the settings menu part of it probably won’t do anything in Gnome 3).
All you have to do now is log out, then once you log back in again, your panel should be back with all its menus. Or you can simply enter killall gnome-panel into the terminal and it should successfully refresh your panels without having to log out.
Make a New Top Panel if Missing:
If your panel is absent, you could have even accidentally deleted it yourself, if you unwittingly right-clicked the panel and chose “Delete This Panel” (in Gnome 2 – in Gnome 3 that is harder to do, since you need to be holding Alt while right-clicking the panel). But don’t immediately blame yourself, as all sorts of mishaps can result in a missing panel.
Whatever the case, you should be able to recreate your top panel simply by right-clicking the bottom panel (while holding Alt in Gnome 3) and choosing “New Panel“. You’d then move it to the top, then right-click it (holding Alt in Gnome 3) and choose “Add to Panel…” to add back all the various bits and pieces you had before (the “default” panel is actually a blank panel with a bunch of plugins added).
Obviously, this would be the most time-consuming method, but if you plan to customise your panel anyway, you may as well start from scratch. However, the easiest method would be to totally reset your panels, so keep reading.
Force A Complete Panel Reset:
When all else fails, it’s time to force Gnome to completely reset your panels, which is done by deleting the configuration files. That might sound drastic, and in reality this really is the last resort, but if your panel is totally messed up, chances are your old settings are useless anyway, or rather that having to stick some launchers back on a clean panel will be a welcome alternative to having no panel, or one that is buggy, or missing the “Applications” menu or whatever.
To force Gnome to recreate its panels with default values, enter the following commands into a terminal:
gconftool --
recursive-unset /apps/panel (This wipes the panel’s settings)
rm -rf ~/.gconf/apps/panel (This deletes the panel’s folders and files)
killall gnome-panel (This forces the panel to close and restart)
Your panel should now be back with all its menus (but of course minus any customisations). If for some reason they don’t appear immediately, a reboot should fix it.
Alternative Commands for Panel Reset:
ΔΔΔ Some guides have gconftool-2 --
shutdown as the first command (this shuts down the current user’s gconfd), though gconftool --
recursive-unset /apps/panel should work perfectly fine without it. However, if you aren’t having success, then run it first.
ΔΔΔ If you’re running the commands via the Alt+F2 Run Application box, chances are it won’t like the tilde (~) in the second command, so use rm -rf $HOME/.gconf/apps/panel instead.
ΔΔΔ Instead of killall gnome-panel, you can use pkill gnome-panel (which is basically the same thing), or nohup gnome-panel --
replace &, or nohup gnome-panel --
replace </dev/null &>/dev/null & (note that nohup specifies the command not halt when the terminal is closed, so is not needed if using Alt+F2).
ΔΔΔ If you’d rather make a backup of the panel’s files before deleting them, run mv ~/.gconf/apps/panel ~/Settings/PanelBackup (note the second path can be whatever you want; in this case, it’s a folder called PanelBackup inside a Settings folder within my home folder I have for storing various config files and settings backup). It actually moves the whole folder to a new location, which is basically the same as deleting it, so you shouldn’t need to run the second command (since there is nothing left there to delete, anyway).
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killall gnome-panel
gnome-panel: no process found
I’m using the netbook version, updated to 11.10 and I’m hoping to get my administration tools back
Thanks,
Les
So you’re using the Unity desktop then? Or still Gnome Classic? I’m assuming it’s the former, since you don’t seem to have gnome-panel running, or perhaps even installed. So you’re wanting to get back the Administration menu that used to be in the System menu? Give me as much info as you can, and I’ll try to help.
So, digging deeper, it sounds like I’m running Unity2. I’ll take a stab at installing the Ubuntu Control Center tonight.
Ultimately what I’m trying to accomplish is to be able to easily view and manage the daemon running on the system. I’m trying to get it to talk to an older Magellan GPS 315 via usb-to-serial converter and it isn’t working. Because of the dumbing-down of the system management tools, I’m not able to easily tell if the serial adapter drivers or the GPS daemon are running.
Thanks for the help!
Les
Check out https://ubuntugenius.wordpress.com/2011/06/25/ubuntu-11-04-fix-add-the-classic-gnome-menu-applicationssystemwine-to-the-unity-panel-system-tray/ for a Unity plugin that basically gives you the old Gnome menu accessible from one small button near the end of the Unity panel. Many have found this to be just what they were looking for. I actually mistook the page you were commenting on, otherwise would have pointed it out. But UCC looks promising, with all/most settings available via the one app, so may be even better (I’ll have to keep looking for a 64-bit version). While that site is in Portuguese, you’ll see some app names highlighted at the top – those are programs/commands UCC will need to function properly, so make sure they’re also installed. But check out the Unity plugin first. Let me know how you go. Cheers.
For now, you can install Ubuntu Control Center – just go to http://www.ctic.com.br/software/ucc (it’s not in the repos), look for the Ubuntu screenshots, and download either 32- or 64-bit. I saw somewhere it’s recommended to install font-manager first (sudo apt-get install font-manager), since it uses other apps. Actually, seems the amd64 version has been deleted everywhere for some reason, so I can’t check it out, but since you’re probably 32-bit anyway, you shouldn’t have a problem, and it gives you access to many admin tasks. Might be what you need. Cheers.
ok so i downloaded the ubuntu software 11.10 and im using the gnome classic setting. But at the top of my screen i should have applications, places, and system. Well the system menu part of it is missing. I Have tried reseting the panel. I have tried going to add panel and nothing is working. DO you have any suggestions
OK, read https://ubuntugenius.wordpress.com/2011/10/17/ubuntu-11-10-upgrade-missing-your-system-menu-preferences-administration-launchers/ and you’ll see Gnome 3 “Classic” no longer has a System menu. Also, some Gnome 2 approaches don’t work in Gnome 3, so you need to hold Alt while right-clicking the panel. Hope that helps. (PS: Technically, Ubuntu isn’t so much “software” as an “operating system” for software to run on). Cheers
In Unity > Go to the “Dash Home” and search for “Menu” (no double quotes) and then click on “Main Menu” and all of your menus will be there. It is absolutely outstanding. It should be the first command offered in the HUD if it is not already.
Obviously, that’s for 12.04 with HUD, and of course for users of Unity (this article is about Gnome 2 & 3 Classic). But thanks for the info; while Unity is confusing to many, Dash and HUD can actually make finding things quicker – people just don’t realise you need to start typing something to look for it. Admittedly, while I could live without my top panel full of handy launchers, and even the Applications menu, the thing that kills Unity for me is the good old “taskbar” at the bottom (to me, Unity’s answer to that is confusing and takes too many clicks). But Unity is looking better, and HUD is a good new addition.
My answer is incomplete – now you have access to the names of all of the menu items from the “classic gnome” interface. You have to go back to “Dash Home” to type in the name of the application that you want to access. Still pretty slick.
Thanks for a detailed post.
Any idea why right-clicking on my panel (whether with or without “Alt”) just seems to have no effect whatsoever? I am trying to use GNOME 3 under Ubuntu 12.04, 64-bit?
OK, I assume you’re using Gnome 3 Classic, and Alt should work with a right-click. However, upon upgrade to 12.04 (64-bit), I got my Compiz back in Classic (when Gnome went to 3, I lost that in Classic), and noticed Alt didn’t do anything. I figured out what you need to do is hold both Super/Windows and Alt, then right-click. Hope that helps.
Thanks. You are right, I am trying to use Gnome 3 Classic on Ubuntu 12.04 64-bit, and I just tried what you recommended, as well as Shift-Alt, Shift-Ctrl Super-Ctrl, etc. – and nothing worked for some bizarre reason.
Thank you! The alt clicking thingie worked for me when I wanted to move the menu bar and tray bar.
Thank you! The killall gnome-panel worked for me.
I had to re install Ubuntu 12.04, and now I am finding that the several items are missing, such as “mouse”, “keyboard”,”monitors”, “power options”, and others (Gnome-no effects). I know that it’s under Application->System Tools->Preference now. Also, they do not show up in “Main Menu” or under “other”. Is there any way to these it back(or was it a botched install somehow)? I tried the steps above, but they had no effect. Is there a way to reset/reinstall ALL preferences, or do I have to reinstall the system yet again?
OK, not exactly sure what you mean, and I am guessing you’re using Classic, not Unity. OK, in the 12.04 upgrade, the Other submenu was removed, and the apps are now in the more sensible Applications > System Tools > Preferences and Applications > System Tools > Administration (and yeah, I’ll have to update this article to reflect the changes). Seems you already found the former, so the latter should also be there. Any changes are due to Gnome 3 development rather than anything gone awry. As I said, not exactly sure what you mean (for example, “they do not show up in “Main Menu””), so give me as much detailed info as possible, and I’ll try to help. Lastly, those basic system apps you mentioned should be easily found by opening the Ubuntu version of the control panel, which you do by clicking your name (or the gear icon) in the top-right and clicking System Settings from the menu that appears.
Yeah. I found it under Applications->System Tools->System Settings about an hour ago (and after I had already re-installed the system). I feel so dumb, this my tenth Ubuntu install! I swear it was in “Preferences” before(!). Maybe I got my other system (11.04) confused. But, as ‘evidence’, the login screen is different now (the second install-that’s weird..) but my problem is solved.
Thank you for being there, Ubuntugenius!!
The lack os ‘system’ menu is intended to force users to abandon the gnome. I find it frunstrating how people ignore market strategies
I’m in 12.04 with Fallback Mode. Right-click an empty area of Top Panel (with holding “Alt” key) > choose “Add to Panel…“ > “Main Menu“ … but it only added “Applications” and “Places” … Still without “System” menu.
Yes, the System menu is part of Gnome 2, so is not available in Gnome 3 Fallback. The 2 sub-menus of the old System menu are now found in Applications > System Tools > Preferences and Applications > System Tools > Administration.
thanks for all your help I am back with microsoft and loving it
Thanks, excellent instructions! After reviewing the Windows 8 move to tablets and away from the desktop Ubuntu is looking better and better as a desktop solution.
Just remember that not only is there Unity, but you can very easily install Gnome Shell (or the old Gnome “Classic”/Fallback-Mode, which I still use) and boot into that instead. Or KDE (which will basically turn it into Kubuntu), or any number of other desktop environments and window managers out there. But now that there is lots of development on Unity, it’s getting harder to resist.
Thanks a lot for this post! You saved me at least few minutes and lot of frustration :). The option “Make a New Top Panel if Missing” worked for me.
Thank you so much. Your killall advice worked great. Simple.
Greetings! Quick question that’s entirely off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My blog looks weird when viewing from my iphone4. I’m trying to find
a theme or plugin that might be able to resolve this problem.
If you have any recommendations, please share. Appreciate it!
Sorry, but you’ll need to Google “WordPress on iPhone” or something (or even contact WordPress directly on this). The format is pretty much the same for all of WordPress’s free blogs. While there are quite a few themes, basically all the free blogs are limited in width, which I actually thought was for making it friendly on mobile devices.
I upgraded to ubuntu 13.04 the picture app is missing from places, any ideas
Could you be more specific? I am unsure what “picture app” you’re referring to, especially as the Places menu is simply for accessing locations, not launching programs. I gather you are using Gnome Classic, which this guide is for.
thanx bro
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Please stay us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for this! It has already proven very useful in the past (and firmly in my booTkmarks after an earlier dist-upgrade). But after upgrading from 13.04 to 13.10 there are a few things I can’t solve. It started with how the dist-upgrade made a complete mess of the amount of entries and order in my application menu. A lot of doubles and weird new places for items; it took me ages for instance to find the system logs viewer in 13.10. Will take some getting used to and re-arranging the menus again. I’m using 13.10 Gnome fallback no-effects, and this site/link, earlier helped me to get Applications and Places back on the top panel, but currently the same steps aren’t working. I reset the top panel, removed it finally and added items to it again, but adding items with ‘windows’,’alt’ right gave me the list; but the the top panel remained blank whatever I tried to add. After logging out and logging back in, but then Fallback WITH effects I could finally get items visibly back on the the top panel. (Fallback with or without effects influencing the possibility to yes/no add something to the panel seems strange and probably just a coincidence/fluke…). However, what worked before is now no longer, and that’s getting Applications an Places back on the panel: add ‘main menu’ still works, so just ubuntu logo with al menus underneath, but adding ‘Menu Bar’ does nothing. Panel remains empty/blank. Any ideas/suggestions perhaps? I would be much obliged.
It could be useful to mention that because of the mess in the menus after upgrade and also that I’m (still) missing my volume-level-indicator-message window (I have a HP laptop with volume keys, they’re functioning perfectly, but can’t see volume message window anymore, while the message popups/notifications still appear when wifi connects and my-weather indicator first starts), I reinstalled gnome-core, ubuntu-desktop, sound indicator gtk, panel-applets and more. Did this via synaptic by selecting complete removal (including configuration) and then reinstalling. Ran across a new item in Synaptic and tried it: Ubuntu-gnome-default-settings version 13.10.11, which wasn’t installed, merely out of curiosity to see what would happen. What I can tell is that the system font has changed; unfortunately the ‘default-settings’ didn’t restore the menus layout and the panel setup.
Finally I’ve been doing dist-upgrades on this laptop since Ubuntu 11.04, so perhaps not really a ‘clean’ installation, if that’s useful information.
Addition: sound-level-window/notification-popup is back! Returned to Synaptic and reinstalled, libnotify, notification-deamon, notify-osd (items I reckon/hope/think take care of these notification-popups and had not tried this earlier) and now in the top right of the screen the volume level window is visible.
Hello,
thanks for this informative post. I recently migrated from “Mint” back to Ubuntu, and installed 12.04 (because of LTS). After fighting several hours with “Gnome Classic (no effects)” I finally found your post. The 3 magick commands from “Force complete reset” do their job, but when I log out and log in again, the panel is messed up again. And when I place new launchers (for Firefox or Skype) on the panel, it’s not visible. Really pain in the ass. I hope, I will manage these problems…
Well, Gnome “Classic” got totally reset to defaults (plus some odd behaviour) upon upgrading to 13.10, and while I ironed those out and set up my panels again, I decided it was time to look at Gnome Shell (with a bottom panel/taskbar extension), and that’s really nice once you get used to it. However, then I thought I’d log into KDE again, as it had been a while, and quite a few weeks later I haven’t left. I can’t believe how much more customisable it is than the other desktop environments – widgets galore for the 2 panels, as well as being able to easily add your own launchers to the main menu, as well as the panels. You can even set up custom actions for the various devices you attach, so when I stick in a RW disc, I can now choose to erase it. It’s a very powerful DE worth looking at if “Classic” drives you nuts.
Hello,
after waisitng my time and nerves with “Gnome Classic”, I decided to start “Gnome 3 “-session. It’s OK; but (here again “but”) I cannot change the appearance of the environment using “Tweak tool”: my changes are simply not saved or applied.
So, at the present I’m still choosing the most acceptable/useable desktop environment in 12.04. OK, Unity is there, but I would prefer somethig else. And this “something else” should run.
Oh, and in KDE you can use all your Gnome/GTK apps, and not worry about using Gnome Tweak Tool to theme those in KDE. A part of the appearance area in System Settings is actually devoted to GTK apps, so you can theme Nautilus etc while you’re changing the look of KDE. And you can tailor the look of both KDE and GTK themes while you’re there, which makes it much more versatile than what you can do in Gnome and Unity.
In reply to your second comment, by “Gnome 3” you mean you tried Gnome-Shell? Gnome Tweak Tool should definitely work in that, as well as Classic, and I can tell you it even works with GTK apps in KDE, so the only thing I can offer it to submit a bug report (it’s worth the slight hassle, as sometimes people can reply with work-arounds or fixes). Other than that, there are heaps of DEs out there to try, many on the minimalist side. If you want a sleek and highly-customisable DE, I definitely recommend KDE – there are plenty of themes out there for all the visual elements, and everything can be changed easily through the one System Settings app found in the main menu.
Hello again,
I will stay with Gnome 3 (Gnome Shell). I installed recently several usefull extensions, so that I can comfortably use the environment. And my previous problem – that I could not change anythig in the appearance – was related to my old (migrated from Mint) system folders (“.*”-folders). I removed them all, and now I can save and change all my settings properly.