[SOLVED] How to run gparted through ssh -X not root user

IsaacKuo · 01-11-2024, 10:02 PM

I already have a simple workaround (simply unplug the computer and move it to where I have a monitor), but I'm curious if there's some simple thing I'm missing.

I have a computer without a monitor, which I wanted to use for some drive maintenance tasks - resizing/moving partitions, cloning, etc. However, I always restrict ssh to NOT allow root login, and I prefer not to change that.

So, I was thinking this would work:

Code:

kuo@ella:~$ ssh -X dlit
kuo@dlit:~$ gparted
-bash: gparted: command not found
kuo@dlit:~$ /usr/sbin/gparted
localuser:root being added to access control list
xhost:  must be on local machine to add or remove hosts.
Error executing command as another user: No authentication agent found.
localuser:root being removed from access control list
xhost:  must be on local machine to add or remove hosts.
kuo@dlit:~$ su -
Password: 
root@dlit:~# gparted
Unit tmp.mount does not exist, proceeding anyway.

(gpartedbin:2091): Gtk-WARNING **: 21:53:39.709: cannot open display: 
root@dlit:~# exit
logout
kuo@dlit:~$ su
Password: 
root@dlit:/home/kuo# /usr/sbin/gparted
Unit tmp.mount does not exist, proceeding anyway.
sh: 1: dmidecode: not found
X11 connection rejected because of wrong authentication.

(gpartedbin:2196): Gtk-WARNING **: 21:54:09.327: cannot open display: localhost:10.0

I have no problem running a graphical X program as my normal user, but when I "su" to root, root can't start up a graphical X program.

I mean, this isn't a pressing problem for me, I was able to work around and attach this computer elsewhere to a monitor when I had the opportunity (this monitor is attached to a computer used by others).

But it's a "nice to have" for me if I'm just missing something simple.

Thanks!

enigma9o7 · 01-12-2024, 12:54 AM

sounds like a policykit issue, it should prompt you for password when you run gparted.

pan64 · 01-12-2024, 01:59 AM

you need to understand how X works. X is started as user, therefore root cannot access it by default (cannot open display). If you really want to do that you need to set at least two variables (as root):

Code:

DISPLAY=(display variable of the user)
XAUTHORITY=~/.Xauthority (Xauth file of the user)

IsaacKuo · 01-12-2024, 06:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pan64

you need to understand how X works. X is started as user, therefore root cannot access it by default (cannot open display). If you really want to do that you need to set at least two variables (as root):

Code:

DISPLAY=(display variable of the user)
XAUTHORITY=~/.Xauthority (Xauth file of the user)

Cool, thanks so much! This is what worked for me:

Code:

kuo@ella:~$ ssh -X dlit
kuo@dlit:~$ echo $DISPLAY
localhost:10.0
kuo@dlit:~$ su -
Password: 
root@dlit:~# export DISPLAY=localhost:10.0
root@dlit:~# export XAUTHORITY=/home/kuo/.Xauthority 
root@dlit:~# gparted
Unit tmp.mount does not exist, proceeding anyway.
======================
libparted : 3.2
======================

Worked like a charm!

pan64 · 01-12-2024, 06:46 AM

You are welcome. If you think your problem is solved please mark the thread solved.
(also if you wish to say thanks just click on yes)

IsaacKuo · 01-12-2024, 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pan64

You are welcome. If you think your problem is solved please mark the thread solved.
(also if you wish to say thanks just click on yes)

Thanks so much! I had to run out the door so I didn't click on it yet. Done now, though!