Starting a window manager
 

I have had a problem with (the latest versions of) several distributions (Debian, Linux MATE, Ubuntu), presumably all caused by the same thing. I think it is a problem which anyone who has had one Gnome distribution on their computer then installs a different one might come across.

I can fix it for a login session as follows:

Debian
Debian.....requires "metacity --replace &" in Startup Applications

For Ubuntu (which has gnome-session installed):
..Gnome....................just works
..Gnome Classic.....requires "metacity --replace &" in Startup Applications
..Unity.......................requires "compiz --replace &" in Startup Applications
..Unity 2D.................requires "metacity --replace &" in Startup Applications and still only half works
Mint
Mint-Cinnamon..........just works (not useable because it crashes frequently though)
Mint-MATE..........requires "metacity --replace &" in Startup Applications

I think there must be a startup file somewhere which is missing the command to start the appropriate window manager, but when I've posted on the forums for those distributions the only suggestions I have had are:
* to delete directories such as .config - I have deleted loads of directories without any effect.
* to backup, format the disk and replace my data - that is definitely much too drastic when probably all I need to do is to change one line in a configuration file.

Is there anyone around who understands Linux well enough to know how the window manager should be started?

This is a duplicate post of this post.

Please don't post the same question in multiple forums.

I don't know how that's happened - please delete this thread if you can.

Please post your thread in only one forum. Posting a single thread in the most relevant forum will make it easier for members to help you and will keep the discussion in one place. This thread is being closed because it is a duplicate.