Problem is simple: I managed to get a program (Mathematica) X11-forwarded over ssh over ssh (yes, twice because of the network) onto my Gnome desktop. What do I get? Everything else works flawlessly, but Gnome panel, the one that holds the applications' "blocks" (where you can click them front and back), dies; it just freezes and does nothing, and while trying to do something about it (killall gnome-panel or logout), the whole Gnome Panel system dies; restarting won't work because Gnome keeps telling me there already is a panel started ("and I will exit now"), though I cannot see any panels anywhere.

So, is this a bug in Gnome, ssh or my head? Any ideas how to get around this? it's annoying to kill a bunch of processes or reboot every time to get Gnome back to life..

Thanks for answers.

are you using "ssh -x" or "ssh -y".

i doubt it's that, but just a quickie to elminate...

yes and no. the first ssh connection I start from my own pc goes without those, but the other one I have to establish from a machine between me and the program requires me to use "ssh -X"..but how does that kill Gnome panel? And what's more important: why?

well, try the -y option just in case, but that really is a bit of strange one i am happy to admit....