Background problems
 

Xubuntu I have set a background photo for my desktop. Sometimes on booting it appears normally, other times there is simply a black background, and right-clicking on this to select a background has no effect. Sometimes a reboot brings up the correct background, other times it doesn't. Like all intermittents, it's a mystery

Yes, I agree, it is a mystery. Is there any info in the logfiles?

Xubuntu boot problem
 

Nothing in /var/log/boot (blank), and can't find any other likely log file.

that can be /var/log/messages, the logs of Xorg or gdm and also there can be other places as well

Xubuntu background
 

I think I might end up reinstalling, but though I have a full backup, I might find hthat whatever caused the problem might simply be reinstated. Of course, I still have a copy of Mint....

Background problems
 

Upgrade to 12.10 sorted out the problem. Thanks for advice given.