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Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Wed Jan 22, 2025 5:00 pm
by wbrells
I just rebooted with MX Linux 23.5 (Xfce 4.20.0 tk: Gtk 3.24.38) and my wallpaper changed to a dark blue background with stripes along with (most amusingly) the image of a running mouse! This isn't a bad wallpaper, but I can't change it to one of the standard choices. So far, everything else seems to be working fine, but I'm concerned that other system changes may have been made that may cause problems in the future!
Any comments would be appreciated..
Wayne

Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Wed Jan 22, 2025 5:05 pm
by Eadwine Rose
See news and announcements:
viewtopic.php?t=83423
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Wed Jan 22, 2025 5:10 pm
by BV206
That happened to me on a VM with the default wallpaper.
Somehow it changed the wallpaper folder from /usr/share/backgrounds to /usr/share/backgrounds/xfce. (this was before the latest fix was issued)
If you want the stock MX wallpapers then select the backgrounds folder in Desktop Settings > Background or if you had your own wallpaper select that folder instead.
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Wed Jan 22, 2025 10:57 pm
by Stevo
That wallpaper is XFCE's default, with the mouse the XFCE "mascot"...kind of?
The whiskermenu we ship is named that because of the mouse.
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Fri Mar 21, 2025 5:40 pm
by wbrells
All has been well with my Desktop Background for quite awhile, but after the last set of updates (114 of them!) the background is now solid BLACK. (The program icons are still there with the correct appearance so I can run the system with no problem.) would, though, like to get back to using the old backgrounds which are visible under the Desktop > Background app. However, selecting one of those backgrounds does nothing!
From an earlier question it seems that there is someplace where I can manually change the path to the background folder, but so far I haven't found exactly where that can be done...
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Wayne
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2025 1:50 am
by ryks
A cute small mouse can t hurt anyone .....:) I have this wallpaper embeded on thunar

Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2025 8:15 am
by wbrells
I just noticed the announcement, below, which seems to address the wallpaper problem that I'm seeing. Unfortunately, it isn't clear when this "fix" will actually be issued and/or if I'll need to take any action (other than rebooting) to have this fix take effect...
========================================================
Xfce 4.20 wallpaper issues fix coming up
January 17, 2025
For those that haven’t applied a fix to settings to deal with not being able to change desktop wallpapers on Xfce 4.20, we have a fix coming in desktop-defaults-mx-xfce-system 25.01.05mx23.
The update will have a one-time run fix for wallpaper settings issues for those that haven’t made changes already. New user default settings will also be provided for any new user created so that fix is not needed.
The fixes will be applied on the next user’s login, and at first login of any new users created. This will only run on xfce desktops and existing settings, if valid, should not be affected, even if your current settings do not match the properties being set. The fix will only be applied one time.
Thanks!
======================================================
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2025 11:40 am
by fehlix
There were some setting missing with the underlying xml-file, and the upgrade itself did not adde the missing entries
and xfce got confused.
Maybe post the output of these two commands:
Code: Select all
xfconf-query -c xfce4-desktop -p /backdrop/single-workspace-mode
Code: Select all
xfconf-query -c xfce4-desktop -p /backdrop/single-workspace-number
to check whether the settings are stil missing, and are the cause of the issue.
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2025 12:04 pm
by wbrells
The first command gives "true", while the second gives 0. Does this indicate a problem and, if so, what can I do to fix it?
Thanks, Wayne
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2025 12:10 pm
by fehlix
wbrells wrote: Sat Mar 22, 2025 12:04 pm
The first command gives "true", while the second gives 0. Does this indicate a problem and, if so, what can I do to fix it?
Thanks, Wayne
it indicates that those values are correct and perhaps some other issues are the reason for this misbehaving.
Maybe, before any further "fixing" attempts, try just for testing this:
Create a new user with help of the tool "MX users" logout and login to the new user.
Verify that you can change and adjust the background/wallpaper of the desktop for the new user.
If that works for the new user, we might just completely reset the corresponding desktop setting
to the default for the existing user.
+++EDIT+++
Would it change something if you set to 1
Code: Select all
xfconf-query -c xfce4-desktop -p /backdrop/single-workspace-number -s 1
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Sun Mar 23, 2025 7:51 am
by wbrells
It almost appears that somehow my display got set to "High Contrast"! The instructions I found for enabling (and presumably disabling) high contrast mode were:
"To enable high contrast mode in MX Linux with the Xfce desktop environment, navigate to Settings Manager > Accessibility > Visual Aids and enable the "High Contrast" option."
Unfortunately, on my system there is NO Visual Aids option under "Accessibility"! Perhaps that option has been moved elsewhere?
Wayne
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Sun Mar 23, 2025 10:41 am
by wbrells
Well, I used Timeshift to restore my system to an earlier date BEFORE the desktop backgrounds were lost. I now have 120 updates listed, but I don't really dare run them for fear of getting black wallpaper again!
ONE PROBLEM: I can make a new post for this problem, but I just noticed that the panel icon for clipman has disappeared! The Clipboard Manager is running, but there is no icon for the program itself and it is not listed under Add new items to panel. Interestingly, I'm sure that that icon WAS present on the date I used for the Timeshift restore, so it appears that Timeshift doesn't ACTUALLY restore everything!
Any thoughts?
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Sun Mar 23, 2025 12:10 pm
by wbrells
Clipman problem solved! I don't know why Clipman disappeared, but I was able to get it back by installing the xfce4-clipman-plugin along with xcfe4-clipman itself AND removing Clipman from the system's autostart list.
BTW I now have the blue "mouse" wallpaper and can't change it. I guess my Timeshift restore didn't go back far enough to a time when the wallpaper option was fully functional!
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Sun Mar 23, 2025 12:15 pm
by CharlesV
Timeshift by default does not save / restore user preferences - unless they are in the system. (normally they are not ), so it would not restore this.
Wallpaper and most user settings are located in your ~/home/.config area.
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Sun Mar 23, 2025 12:20 pm
by CharlesV
The current xfce4 location for your wall paper is stored here:
~/.config/xfce4/xfconf/xfce-perchannel-xml/xfce4-desktop.xml
If you cannot change your wallpaper, then I would suspect something it up with this file. (corrupt, or wrong user settings etc. )
Try renaming this file to a .bak. or move it to some other location and then reboot and try changing it.
***Note*** renaming / removal of this file WILL also affect desktop icons and a few other things as well!
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Sun Mar 23, 2025 2:54 pm
by heavy metal
ryks wrote: Sat Mar 22, 2025 1:50 am
A cute small mouse can t hurt anyone .....:) I have this wallpaper embeded on thunar
Hi ryks, can you tell how you did it?
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2025 3:16 pm
by ryks
heavy metal wrote: Sun Mar 23, 2025 2:54 pm
ryks wrote: Sat Mar 22, 2025 1:50 am
A cute small mouse can t hurt anyone .....:) I have this wallpaper embeded on thunar
Hi ryks, can you tell how you did it?
viewtopic.php?t=84011
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2025 9:34 am
by wbrells
Well, I found a fairly recent version of the xfce4-desktop.xml file that allows different wallpapers to be selected as expected. I notice that this "working" xml version, unlike the "problem" version that I've been using, does not contain a reference to the "mouse" wallpaper xfce-mouserace.svg. HOWEVER, replacing the "problem" xml file with the mouse-free version didn't change anything - the mouse is still the only wallpaper available! Perhaps the old xml file is being cached somewhere? If so, would you know how to delete that cached version? Many thanks, Wayne
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2025 9:34 am
by wbrells
I did the MX update for 119 files and nothing bad seems to have happened. I'm still stuck with the "mouse" wallpaper, but that is OK with me. It would be interesting to know what the problem is with the wallpaper on my system, but fortunately everything else seems to be working fine...
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2025 11:57 am
by dolphin_oracle
it occurs to me that the Xfce default wallpaper is not part of our xfdesktop4 build. we coded a new default at build time. so even if the problem we had an 23.5 presented itself, it should be showing a different wallpaper. at least assuming the mx23-artwork package is still installed.
there is no QSI with this post, which should have been first thing.
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2025 1:00 pm
by Eadwine Rose
Please provide full Quick System Info, use copy for forum button, no edits.
LiveUSB version is OK if needed.
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2025 1:11 pm
by wbrells
Here is the QSI, although I somewhat doubt if it shows anything relevant to my problem...
Code: Select all
Snapshot created on: 20250301_0756
System: Kernel: 6.6.12-1-liquorix-amd64 [6.6-16~mx23ahs] x86_64 bits: 64 compiler: gcc v: 12.2.0
parameters: audit=0 intel_pstate=disable rcupdate.rcu_expedited=1
BOOT_IMAGE=/boot/vmlinuz-6.6.12-1-liquorix-amd64 root=UUID=<filter> ro quiet splash
Desktop: Xfce 4.20.0 tk: Gtk 3.24.38 info: xfce4-panel wm: xfwm 4.20.0 vt: 7
dm: LightDM 1.32.0 Distro: MX-23.5_x64 Libretto May 26 2023
base: Debian GNU/Linux 12 (bookworm)
Machine: Type: Desktop System: AZW product: MINI S v: N/A serial: <filter>
Mobo: AZW model: MINI S v: 10 serial: <filter> UEFI: American Megatrends LLC.
v: ADLNV104 date: 02/06/2023
Battery: Device-1: hidpp_battery_0 model: Logitech Wireless Mouse serial: <filter>
charge: 55% (should be ignored) rechargeable: yes status: Discharging
CPU: Info: Quad Core model: Intel N100 bits: 64 type: MCP arch: N/A family: 6
model-id: BE (190) stepping: 0 microcode: 1A cache: L2: 6 MiB
flags: avx avx2 lm nx pae sse sse2 sse3 sse4_1 sse4_2 ssse3 vmx bogomips: 6451
Speed: 1096 MHz min/max: 700/801 MHz boost: enabled Core speeds (MHz): 1: 1100 2: 1272
3: 1078 4: 1104
Vulnerabilities: Type: gather_data_sampling status: Not affected
Type: itlb_multihit status: Not affected
Type: l1tf status: Not affected
Type: mds status: Not affected
Type: meltdown status: Not affected
Type: mmio_stale_data status: Not affected
Type: retbleed status: Not affected
Type: spec_rstack_overflow status: Not affected
Type: spec_store_bypass mitigation: Speculative Store Bypass disabled via prctl
Type: spectre_v1 mitigation: usercopy/swapgs barriers and __user pointer sanitization
Type: spectre_v2 mitigation: Enhanced / Automatic IBRS, IBPB: conditional, RSB filling,
PBRSB-eIBRS: Not affected
Type: srbds status: Not affected
Type: tsx_async_abort status: Not affected
Graphics: Device-1: Intel Alder Lake-N [UHD Graphics] driver: i915 v: kernel bus-ID: 00:02.0
chip-ID: 8086:46d1 class-ID: 0300
Display: x11 server: X.Org 1.21.1.7 compositor: xfwm4 v: 4.20.0 driver: loaded: fbdev
display-ID: :0.0 screens: 1
Screen-1: 0 s-res: 1920x1200 s-dpi: 96 s-size: 508x318mm (20.0x12.5")
s-diag: 599mm (23.6")
Monitor-1: default res: 1920x1200
OpenGL: renderer: llvmpipe (LLVM 15.0.6 256 bits) v: 4.5 Mesa 24.2.8-1mx23ahs
direct render: Yes
Audio: Device-1: Intel driver: snd_hda_intel v: kernel alternate: snd_sof_pci_intel_tgl
bus-ID: 00:1f.3 chip-ID: 8086:54c8 class-ID: 0403
Device-2: C-Media C-Media USB Audio Device type: USB
driver: hid-generic,snd-usb-audio,usbhid bus-ID: 1-1:2 chip-ID: 0d8c:0008
class-ID: 0300
Sound Server-1: ALSA v: k6.6.12-1-liquorix-amd64 running: yes
Sound Server-2: PulseAudio v: 16.1 running: no
Sound Server-3: PipeWire v: 1.0.0 running: yes
Network: Device-1: Intel driver: iwlwifi v: kernel modules: wl port: 4000 bus-ID: 00:14.3
chip-ID: 8086:54f0 class-ID: 0280
IF: wlan0 state: up mac: <filter>
Device-2: Realtek RTL8111/8168/8411 PCI Express Gigabit Ethernet driver: r8169
v: kernel port: 3000 bus-ID: 01:00.0 chip-ID: 10ec:8168 class-ID: 0200
IF: eth0 state: down mac: <filter>
Bluetooth: Device-1: Intel AX201 Bluetooth type: USB driver: btusb v: 0.8 bus-ID: 1-10:7
chip-ID: 8087:0026 class-ID: e001
Report: hciconfig ID: hci0 rfk-id: 1 state: up address: <filter> bt-v: 3.0 lmp-v: 5.2
sub-v: 362e hci-v: 5.2 rev: 362e
Info: acl-mtu: 1021:4 sco-mtu: 96:6 link-policy: rswitch sniff
link-mode: peripheral accept service-classes: rendering, capturing, audio, telephony
Drives: Local Storage: total: 2.74 TiB used: 61.9 GiB (2.2%)
SMART Message: Unable to run smartctl. Root privileges required.
ID-1: /dev/nvme0n1 maj-min: 259:0 model: 512GB SSD size: 476.94 GiB block-size:
physical: 512 B logical: 512 B speed: 31.6 Gb/s lanes: 4 type: SSD serial: <filter>
rev: SN10660 temp: 29.9 C scheme: GPT
ID-2: /dev/sda maj-min: 8:0 vendor: Samsung model: SSD 860 EVO 500GB size: 465.76 GiB
block-size: physical: 512 B logical: 512 B speed: 6.0 Gb/s type: SSD serial: <filter>
rev: 3B6Q scheme: GPT
ID-3: /dev/sdb maj-min: 8:16 type: USB vendor: Silicon Power
model: SPCC Solid State Disk size: 1.82 TiB block-size: physical: 512 B logical: 512 B
type: SSD serial: <filter> scheme: GPT
Partition: ID-1: / raw-size: 465.5 GiB size: 457.13 GiB (98.20%) used: 61.9 GiB (13.5%) fs: ext4
dev: /dev/sda2 maj-min: 8:2
ID-2: /boot/efi raw-size: 256 MiB size: 252 MiB (98.46%) used: 419 KiB (0.2%) fs: vfat
dev: /dev/sda1 maj-min: 8:1
Swap: Kernel: swappiness: 15 (default 60) cache-pressure: 100 (default)
ID-1: swap-1 type: file size: 4 GiB used: 0 KiB (0.0%) priority: -2 file: /swapfile
Sensors: System Temperatures: cpu: 49.0 C mobo: N/A
Fan Speeds (RPM): N/A
Repos: Packages: note: see --pkg apt: 2785 lib: 1538 flatpak: 0
Active apt repos in: /etc/apt/sources.list
1: deb https://dl.winehq.org/wine-builds/debian/ bookworm main
Active apt repos in: /etc/apt/sources.list.d/debian-stable-updates.list
1: deb http://deb.debian.org/debian bookworm-updates main contrib non-free
Active apt repos in: /etc/apt/sources.list.d/debian.list
1: deb http://deb.debian.org/debian bookworm main contrib non-free non-free-firmware
2: deb http://security.debian.org/debian-security bookworm-security main contrib non-free non-free-firmware
Active apt repos in: /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome.list
1: deb [arch=amd64] https://dl.google.com/linux/chrome/deb/ stable main
Active apt repos in: /etc/apt/sources.list.d/mx.list
1: deb http://mirrors.rit.edu/mxlinux/mx-packages/mx/repo/ bookworm main non-free
2: deb http://mirrors.rit.edu/mxlinux/mx-packages/mx/repo/ bookworm ahs
Info: Processes: 406 Uptime: 4h 27m wakeups: 23 Memory: 15.41 GiB used: 1.8 GiB (11.7%)
Init: SysVinit v: 3.06 runlevel: 5 default: 5 tool: systemctl Compilers: gcc: 12.2.0
alt: 10/12 Client: shell wrapper v: 5.2.15-release inxi: 3.3.06
Boot Mode: UEFI
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2025 1:26 pm
by dolphin_oracle
wbrells wrote: Tue Mar 25, 2025 9:34 am
Well, I found a fairly recent version of the
xfce4-desktop.xml file that allows different wallpapers to be selected as expected. I notice that this "working" xml version, unlike the "problem" version that I've been using, does not contain a reference to the "mouse" wallpaper
xfce-mouserace.svg. HOWEVER,
replacing the "problem" xml file with the mouse-free version didn't change anything - the mouse is still the only wallpaper available! Perhaps the old xml file is being cached somewhere? If so, would you know how to delete that cached version? Many thanks, Wayne
you cannot replace the file while Xfce is running. the file
is the cached version. the settings sit in memory, and are sync'd periodically, including at shutdown of Xfce.
maybe check a few things, just to be safe
Code: Select all
apt-cache policy mx23-artwork
apt-cache policy xfdesktop4
you can see other wallpapers to select in the Desktop settings utility, correct? But selecting one does not change the background?
thanks you.
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Thu Mar 27, 2025 8:07 am
by wbrells
Here are the results of running the apt-cache commands:
apt-cache policy mx23-artwork
mx23-artwork:
Installed: (none)
Candidate: 25.01.01
Version table:
25.01.01 500
500
http://mirrors.rit.edu/mxlinux/mx-packages/mx/repo bookworm/main amd64 Packages
500
http://mirrors.rit.edu/mxlinux/mx-packages/mx/repo bookworm/main i386 Packages
apt-cache policy xfdesktop4
xfdesktop4:
Installed: 4.20.0-1~mx23+2
Candidate: 4.20.0-1~mx23+2
Version table:
*** 4.20.0-1~mx23+2 500
500
http://mirrors.rit.edu/mxlinux/mx-packages/mx/repo bookworm/main amd64 Packages
100 /var/lib/dpkg/status
4.18.1-1 500
500
http://deb.debian.org/debian bookworm/main amd64 Packages
And yes, I can see all the wallpapers via Desktop Settings, but selecting one of those wallpapers has no effect...
Wayne
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Thu Mar 27, 2025 8:08 am
by dolphin_oracle
would you mind trying to install the mx23-artwork package, logout, and login?
I would like to eliminate whether our default override during package build is causing some unforeseen problem.
**edit***
maybe before that provide
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Thu Mar 27, 2025 9:33 am
by wbrells
Here is the output from ls -l /usr/share/backgrounds:
total 26348
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 1135889 Sep 23 2021 Angles2.jpg
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 429514 Sep 23 2021 Big_Bee.jpg
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 560305 Sep 23 2021 Blue_Valves.jpg
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 1586122 Sep 23 2021 Ceiling.jpg
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 1960610 Sep 23 2021 Farewell_To_Ugly_Duckling.jpg
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 950735 Sep 23 2021 Far_In_Advance.jpg
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 1198409 Sep 23 2021 Flowers.jpg
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 1349848 Sep 23 2021 Honesty.jpg
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 957092 Sep 23 2021 honesty-muted.jpg
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 1418764 Sep 23 2021 Ice.jpg
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 740479 Sep 23 2021 Justify.jpg
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 450351 Sep 23 2021 Maarten_Deckers-Architecture.jpg
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 94547 Sep 23 2021 Material_MX_Infinity_Black.png
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 7014 Sep 23 2021 mx21-wallpapers-attribution.txt
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 1977658 Sep 23 2021 mx-dots.jpeg
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 129979 Sep 23 2021 MX_KXF_Blues.jpg
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 85848 Sep 23 2021 mx-spotlight.jpeg
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 55891 Sep 23 2021 MX_Tangram.png
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 1222544 Sep 23 2021 Rapeseed_Field.jpg
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 517361 Sep 23 2021 Reflection.jpg
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 1033832 Sep 23 2021 Saint-Die_Cathedral.jpg
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 697991 Sep 23 2021 Shore_Rocks.jpg
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 60328 Sep 23 2021 Simple_Bulb_Glow.jpg
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 482290 Sep 23 2021 Sprig.jpg
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 505682 Sep 23 2021 Spring_Blossoms.jpg
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 234529 Sep 23 2021 Spring_Greeting.jpg
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 690536 Sep 23 2021 Spring_Is_Coming.jpg
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 1153481 Sep 23 2021 Stable.jpg
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 201771 Sep 23 2021 Sunrise_At_6.jpg
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 710963 Sep 23 2021 Surfing_With_The_Dolphin.jpg
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 547205 Sep 23 2021 Surrounded_By_The_Sun.jpg
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 1339598 Sep 23 2021 The_Bridge_In_Bardo.jpg
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 306773 Sep 23 2021 The_Sun_Shines_Through.jpg
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 96802 Sep 23 2021 Tulip.jpg
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 1238069 Sep 23 2021 Vision.jpg
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 624516 Sep 23 2021 Wildflowers2.jpg
drwxr-xr-x 2 root root 4096 Mar 26 08:46 xfce
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 152710 Sep 23 2021 Yellow.jpg
Hope this is useful!
Wayne
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Thu Mar 27, 2025 9:37 am
by dolphin_oracle
ok so lets just try
Code: Select all
sudo ln -s /usr/share/backgrounds/default23.png /usr/share/backgrounds/Material_MX_Infinity_Black.png
logout, and log in, and see if you can change walllpapers.
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Thu Mar 27, 2025 6:07 pm
by wbrells
No luck:
sudo ln -s /usr/share/backgrounds/default23.png /usr/share/backgrounds/Material_MX_Infinity_Black.png
[sudo] password for wayneb:
ln: failed to create symbolic link '/usr/share/backgrounds/Material_MX_Infinity_Black.png': File exists
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Thu Mar 27, 2025 6:21 pm
by dolphin_oracle
oh I got the command backwards sorry.
Code: Select all
sudo ln -s /usr/share/backgrounds/Material_MX_Infinity_Black.png /usr/share/backgrounds/default23.png
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Fri Mar 28, 2025 8:19 am
by wbrells
Well, I now have a fairly ugly black&white MX Linux wallpaper that I can't change. Is there something else I should try? (If not can you tell me how to get back the much more attractive "mouse" on a blue wallpaper?
Thanks, Wayne
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Fri Mar 28, 2025 8:35 am
by dolphin_oracle
wbrells wrote: Fri Mar 28, 2025 8:19 am
Well, I now have a fairly ugly black&white MX Linux wallpaper that I can't change. Is there something else I should try? (If not can you tell me how to get back the much more attractive "mouse" on a blue wallpaper?
Thanks, Wayne
Ok if you can't change the wallpaper, then remove the symlink we made, logout and login.
If selecting a different wallpaper doesn't actually change the wallpaper, then whatever the issue is, the actual build of xfdesktop4 doesn't seem to be the issue.
Code: Select all
sudo rm /usr/share/backgrounds/default23.png
should put things back to the way they were before.
dumb question: rather than using the Desktop settings application, have you tried selecting a wallpaper in thunar, right click and use the Set Wallpaper option? It should be the same as the desktop app, but this situation is strange enough that might be worth at least checking.
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Fri Mar 28, 2025 9:04 am
by wbrells
I'm now back to having a solid black wallpaper which is tolerable if not as attractive as the "mouse" with the blue wallpaper.
I couldn't find the Thunar option for selecting wallpaper. Where should I be in Thunar when right clicking?
Thanks, Wayne
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Fri Mar 28, 2025 9:37 am
by dolphin_oracle
wbrells wrote: Fri Mar 28, 2025 9:04 am
I'm now back to having a solid black wallpaper which is tolerable if not as attractive as the "mouse" with the blue wallpaper.
I couldn't find the Thunar option for selecting wallpaper. Where should I be in Thunar when right clicking?
Thanks, Wayne
it should be present when right clicking on a graphic file.
second dumb question: do you have desktop icons? does the right-click desktop menu come up when you right-click on desktop?
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Fri Mar 28, 2025 10:24 am
by wbrells
I found the option in Thunar, but it did not change the wallpaper. I've attached an image showing my current desktop.

Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Fri Mar 28, 2025 11:02 am
by dolphin_oracle
wbrells wrote: Fri Mar 28, 2025 10:24 am
I found the option in Thunar, but it did not change the wallpaper. I've attached an image showing my current desktop.
ok that answers many questions thank you.
let's check the complete settings situation.
Code: Select all
xfconf-query -c xfce4-desktop --list -v
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Fri Mar 28, 2025 11:16 am
by wbrells
Here we are. I see that the image I selected via Thunar is shown as the wallpaper, but it doesn't show as such...
xfconf-query -c xfce4-desktop --list -v
/backdrop/screen0/monitor0/image-path /home/wayneb/Google Drive/Meanderthal_Hikes/Wintergreen Falls 07.17.2024/images/Marker 9.jpg
/backdrop/screen0/monitor0/image-show true
/backdrop/screen0/monitor0/image-style 5
/backdrop/screen0/monitor0/workspace0/backdrop-cycle-enable false
/backdrop/screen0/monitor0/workspace0/color-style 0
/backdrop/screen0/monitor0/workspace0/image-style 3
/backdrop/screen0/monitor0/workspace0/last-image /home/wayneb/Google Drive/Meanderthal_Hikes/Wintergreen Falls 07.17.2024/images/Marker 9.jpg
/backdrop/screen0/monitor0/workspace1/color-style 0
/backdrop/screen0/monitor0/workspace1/image-style 3
/backdrop/screen0/monitor0/workspace1/last-image /usr/share/backgrounds/Honesty.jpg
/backdrop/screen0/monitorHDMI-1/workspace0/color-style 0
/backdrop/screen0/monitorHDMI-1/workspace0/image-style 3
/backdrop/screen0/monitorHDMI-1/workspace0/last-image /usr/share/backgrounds/Honesty.jpg
/backdrop/screen0/monitorHDMI-1/workspace1/color-style 0
/backdrop/screen0/monitorHDMI-1/workspace1/image-style 3
/backdrop/screen0/monitorHDMI-1/workspace1/last-image /usr/share/backgrounds/Honesty.jpg
/backdrop/screen0/monitorLVDS/workspace0/color-style 0
/backdrop/screen0/monitorLVDS/workspace0/image-style 3
/backdrop/screen0/monitorLVDS/workspace0/last-image /usr/share/backgrounds/Honesty.jpg
/backdrop/screen0/monitorLVDS/workspace1/color-style 0
/backdrop/screen0/monitorLVDS/workspace1/image-style 3
/backdrop/screen0/monitorLVDS/workspace1/last-image /usr/share/backgrounds/Honesty.jpg
/backdrop/single-workspace-mode true
/backdrop/single-workspace-number 0
/desktop-icons/file-icons/migrated-4.19 [ec67f7b6761b77649a1825c5601d0dd17c7f582e,f0073946de40555648e2b49c47fde448f2e40e3b]
/desktop-icons/file-icons/show-filesystem false
/desktop-icons/file-icons/show-home false
/desktop-icons/file-icons/show-removable false
/desktop-icons/file-icons/show-trash false
/desktop-icons/icon-size 56
/desktop-icons/single-click false
/desktop-icons/tooltip-size 120.000000
/last-settings-migration-version 1
/last/window-height 572
/last/window-width
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Fri Mar 28, 2025 11:39 am
by CharlesV
Just an fyi ... I had a machine that was using images on their google drive for screensaver not working... and you may be seeing a version of this here. I believe some of the google drive capabilities are broken when doing some low level xfce things like this.
Try copying that image to your pictures file and then right clicking on it there and setting it as wallpaper.
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Fri Mar 28, 2025 11:50 am
by dolphin_oracle
your settings pretty well match mine. the only difference is that your monitor is "monitor0" whereas mine is "monitorVGA-1".
this shouldn't matter, but lets try setting the image display mode to he same between the two workspaces.
Code: Select all
xfconf-query -c xfce4-desktop -p /backdrop/screen0/monitor0/image-style -s 3
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Fri Mar 28, 2025 1:51 pm
by wbrells
Well, I chose an image from the Pictures directory and also made the monitor change you suggested. Neither of these made a any difference - still black wallpaper. I wonder what happened to the "mouse" and blue background from the xfce folder?
Do you suppose this problem could be caused by incorrect file permissions somewhere?
Wayne
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Fri Mar 28, 2025 2:54 pm
by dolphin_oracle
wbrells wrote: Fri Mar 28, 2025 1:51 pm
Well, I chose an image from the Pictures directory and also made the monitor change you suggested. Neither of these made a any difference - still black wallpaper. I wonder what happened to the "mouse" and blue background from the xfce folder?
Do you suppose this problem could be caused by incorrect file permissions somewhere?
Wayne
possibly, if the user didn't have permission to use the folder, or the folder containing the wallpaper isn't available when xfce starts up.
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Fri Mar 28, 2025 4:04 pm
by wbrells
While doing a bit of browsing I came across the discussion below (edited) which seems to address a similar problem. I haven't tried running xfdesktop or xfdesktop-settings, and I wondered if would be safe to use these commands?
Thanks - Wayne
============================
kosbar wrote:
I can see all pictures in the folders (eg /home/user/Downloads/ or /home/user/Pictures) but I can't change background, when I click on icon of picture nothing going on.
Are you sure that xfdesktop is managing your desktop instead of one of the other desktop managers (nemo, caja, pcmanfm, nautilus, etc). Look at your process list to see if any of those apps are running.
We on the right way!
I just typed in the terminal 'xfdesktop' and my background desktop color changed! Wow! After that I could change background to the picture!
Interesting...
Solution
1) Run thunar
2) Go to the folder /usr/share/xfce4
3) Click once over the folder /backdrops (this folder will contain all the images you want for your dektop)
4) Drag the folder to the left to include it in your preferred folders
5) Run xfdesktop-settings
6) Choose the folder backdrops, that now will appear in your list and will be accessible
7) The images will be diplayed

Chose a nice image
9) Enjoy
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Fri Mar 28, 2025 6:33 pm
by fehlix
There was a suggestion within post #10, to check whether a new user would have similar issues your current user seems to have.
In case the issue would not show up with a new user, it would be in indication something with the current user was maybe badly tweaked
(maybe by the user) or made such that the provided upgrade path failed
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2025 9:06 am
by wbrells
I will try adding a new user and see what happens with the wallpaper. Also, I have a live USB version of MX Linux that was made shortly BEFORE the wallpaper problem developed. Are there, perhaps, some files that I could compare to see what may have changed and thereby caused the wallpaper problem?
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2025 10:37 am
by fehlix
wbrells wrote: Sat Mar 29, 2025 9:06 am
I will try adding a new user and see what happens with the wallpaper.
The tool "MX User Manager" have been proven to be fairly stable and reliable to create or delete an user account.
wbrells wrote: Sat Mar 29, 2025 9:06 am
Also, I have a live USB version of MX Linux that was made shortly BEFORE the wallpaper problem developed. Are there, perhaps, some files that I could compare to see what may have changed and thereby caused the wallpaper problem?
Probably, but suggest check first whether a new user works ok, and afterward compare any files if needed to be changed.
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2025 12:23 pm
by wbrells
VERY STRANGE: I just took a "snapshot" of the system with the problem wallpaper & then created a live USB from that "snapshot". When I booted that live USB from an identical system, everything including the wallpaper came up fine!!! (I should note that this "identical" system uses a slightly different monitor so the desktop icons are all present but are shifted around.)
Any thoughts on what this test may indicate?
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2025 12:42 pm
by wbrells
When I looked at the Display Settings on the "problem" system I see that the Refresh rate is listed as 0.00 Hz which is obviously wrong. Also, neither the resolution nor the Refresh rate can be changed.
On the system that I'm testing with the live USB, the Refresh rate is shown as 60.00 Hz which is correct. Also, on thay system it IS possible to change both the resolution and the Refresh rate. Very odd!
Wayne
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2025 1:09 pm
by dolphin_oracle
Interesting. Xfce does store wallpapers on a per display per workspace basis. If the monitor was never identified properly then that could be the explainer right there.
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2025 4:05 pm
by wbrells
It's clear that the monitor is NOT being properly identified:
xrandr -q
xrandr: Failed to get size of gamma for output default
Screen 0: minimum 1920 x 1200, current 1920 x 1200, maximum 1920 x 1200
default connected 1920x1200+0+0 0mm x 0mm
1920x1200 0.00*
The output of this command on the correctly-working system looks fine!
Is there some way to force xfce to identify a monitor? (The monitor on the "problem" system is a fairly fancy Dell with the somewhat unusual resolution of 1920 x 1200.)
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2025 4:08 pm
by fehlix
wbrells wrote: Sat Mar 29, 2025 4:05 pm
It's clear that the monitor is NOT being properly identified:
xrandr -q
xrandr: Failed to get size of gamma for output default
Screen 0: minimum 1920 x 1200, current 1920 x 1200, maximum 1920 x 1200
default connected 1920x1200+0+0 0mm x 0mm
1920x1200 0.00*
The output of this command on the correctly-working system looks fine!
Is there some way to force xfce to identify a monitor? (The monitor on the "problem" system is a fairly fancy Dell with the somewhat unusual resolution of 1920 x 1200.)
Are you saying you have the identical issue with a new user?
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2025 4:53 pm
by wbrells
I'm a little hesitant to add a new user to my main system for fear of "messing up" things more than they already are. However, I'll experiment on my other (identical) system to make sure I know how to safely add (and the remove) a user.
BTW: On the correctly working system the monitor is listed as connected to "HDMI-1 connected", while on the "problem" system it is shown as "default connected". It really seems I need to have the system rescan for monitors...
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2025 5:08 pm
by dolphin_oracle
Probably makes sense to check your cables.
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2025 5:11 pm
by fehlix
wbrells wrote: Sat Mar 29, 2025 4:53 pm
I'm a little hesitant to add a new user to my main system for fear of "messing up" things more than they already are.
It seems that your current system is already a bit messed up. So good luck finding the showstopper.
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Sun Mar 30, 2025 10:00 am
by wbrells
Latest clue: If I boot my "problem" system using the live usb created on that system I initially get the black background as expected. HOWEVER, with this setup I can select a different background and all appears well. If I switch to Workspace 2 I get the black wallpaper again but I can then select a real wallpaper. In other words, I can switch between two Workspaces and each has their own wallpaper.
Unfortunately, when I boot the "problem" system in the normal way from an SSD, I still get the unchangeable black wallpaper. All my apps, etc. run fine, so perhaps it is time to "give up" on any attempts at fixing the wallpaper. Thanks again for trying to help with this problem!
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Sun Mar 30, 2025 10:06 am
by dolphin_oracle
running the xfconf-query command previously given to list all settings might be useful to show when running the live-usb since it works.
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Sun Mar 30, 2025 11:19 am
by CharlesV
You need to create a new user as was suggested and see the result. Creating a new user should never "mess up" your system and will tell if it is in your user settings. (which it definitely sounds like it is.)
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Sun Mar 30, 2025 2:16 pm
by wbrells
Well, I created a new user but when I went to the Start menu and selected the Switch User icon the screen went black and I had to power off/restart my system! (Fortunately, it came back OK.) Suggestion?
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Sun Mar 30, 2025 2:24 pm
by wbrells
As far as the xconf-query command is concerned, I'm not sure which Channel I should be looking at. Here is a list of all Channels:
xfconf-query -l
Channels:
accessibility
catfish
displays
keyboards
pointers
thunar
thunar-volman
xfce4-appfinder
xfce4-desktop
xfce4-keyboard-shortcuts
xfce4-mime-settings
xfce4-mixer
xfce4-notifyd
xfce4-panel
xfce4-power-manager
xfce4-screensaver
xfce4-session
xfce4-settings-editor
xfce4-settings-manager
xfce4-taskmanager
xfce4-terminal
xfwm4
xsettings
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Sun Mar 30, 2025 3:14 pm
by dolphin_oracle
Code: Select all
xfconf-query -c xfce4-desktop --list -v
and
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2025 8:33 am
by wbrells
Here is the output from the above xconf-query command when run in the normal way on the "problem" system when the wallpaper is black and cannot be changed:
xfconf-query -c xfce4-desktop --list -v
/backdrop/screen0/monitor0/image-path /home/wayneb/Pictures/Wayne hiking.jpg
/backdrop/screen0/monitor0/image-show true
/backdrop/screen0/monitor0/image-style 3
/backdrop/screen0/monitor0/workspace0/backdrop-cycle-enable true
/backdrop/screen0/monitor0/workspace0/backdrop-cycle-timer 2
/backdrop/screen0/monitor0/workspace0/color-style 0
/backdrop/screen0/monitor0/workspace0/image-style 3
/backdrop/screen0/monitor0/workspace0/last-image /usr/share/backgrounds/Farewell_To_Ugly_Duckling.jpg
/backdrop/screen0/monitor0/workspace1/color-style 0
/backdrop/screen0/monitor0/workspace1/image-style 3
/backdrop/screen0/monitor0/workspace1/last-image /usr/share/backgrounds/honesty-muted.jpg
/backdrop/screen0/monitorHDMI-1/workspace0/color-style 0
/backdrop/screen0/monitorHDMI-1/workspace0/image-style 3
/backdrop/screen0/monitorHDMI-1/workspace0/last-image /usr/share/backgrounds/Honesty.jpg
/backdrop/screen0/monitorHDMI-1/workspace1/color-style 0
/backdrop/screen0/monitorHDMI-1/workspace1/image-style 3
/backdrop/screen0/monitorHDMI-1/workspace1/last-image /usr/share/backgrounds/Honesty.jpg
/backdrop/screen0/monitorLVDS/workspace0/color-style 0
/backdrop/screen0/monitorLVDS/workspace0/image-style 3
/backdrop/screen0/monitorLVDS/workspace0/last-image /usr/share/backgrounds/Honesty.jpg
/backdrop/screen0/monitorLVDS/workspace1/color-style 0
/backdrop/screen0/monitorLVDS/workspace1/image-style 3
/backdrop/screen0/monitorLVDS/workspace1/last-image /usr/share/backgrounds/Honesty.jpg
/backdrop/single-workspace-mode false
/backdrop/single-workspace-number 1
/desktop-icons/file-icons/migrated-4.19 [ec67f7b6761b77649a1825c5601d0dd17c7f582e,f0073946de40555648e2b49c47fde448f2e40e3b]
/desktop-icons/file-icons/show-filesystem false
/desktop-icons/file-icons/show-home false
/desktop-icons/file-icons/show-removable false
/desktop-icons/file-icons/show-trash false
/desktop-icons/icon-size 56
/desktop-icons/single-click false
/desktop-icons/tooltip-size 120.000000
/last-settings-migration-version 1
/last/window-height 572
/last/window-width 705
And here is the output from that command when run from the "live" USB created on the same system when the wallpaper is normal and can be changed:
xfconf-query -c xfce4-desktop --list -v
/backdrop/screen0/monitor0/image-path /home/wayneb/Pictures/Wayne hiking.jpg
/backdrop/screen0/monitor0/image-show true
/backdrop/screen0/monitor0/image-style 3
/backdrop/screen0/monitor0/workspace0/backdrop-cycle-enable false
/backdrop/screen0/monitor0/workspace0/color-style 0
/backdrop/screen0/monitor0/workspace0/image-style 3
/backdrop/screen0/monitor0/workspace0/last-image /home/wayneb/Pictures/Dilbert_Boss.jpg
/backdrop/screen0/monitor0/workspace1/color-style 0
/backdrop/screen0/monitor0/workspace1/image-style 3
/backdrop/screen0/monitor0/workspace1/last-image /usr/share/backgrounds/Honesty.jpg
/backdrop/screen0/monitorHDMI-1/workspace0/color-style 0
/backdrop/screen0/monitorHDMI-1/workspace0/image-style 3
/backdrop/screen0/monitorHDMI-1/workspace0/last-image /usr/share/backgrounds/Honesty.jpg
/backdrop/screen0/monitorHDMI-1/workspace1/color-style 0
/backdrop/screen0/monitorHDMI-1/workspace1/image-style 3
/backdrop/screen0/monitorHDMI-1/workspace1/last-image /usr/share/backgrounds/Honesty.jpg
/backdrop/screen0/monitorLVDS/workspace0/color-style 0
/backdrop/screen0/monitorLVDS/workspace0/image-style 3
/backdrop/screen0/monitorLVDS/workspace0/last-image /usr/share/backgrounds/Honesty.jpg
/backdrop/screen0/monitorLVDS/workspace1/color-style 0
/backdrop/screen0/monitorLVDS/workspace1/image-style 3
/backdrop/screen0/monitorLVDS/workspace1/last-image /usr/share/backgrounds/Honesty.jpg
/backdrop/single-workspace-mode false
/backdrop/single-workspace-number 0
/desktop-icons/file-icons/migrated-4.19 [ec67f7b6761b77649a1825c5601d0dd17c7f582e,f0073946de40555648e2b49c47fde448f2e40e3b]
/desktop-icons/file-icons/show-filesystem false
/desktop-icons/file-icons/show-home false
/desktop-icons/file-icons/show-removable false
/desktop-icons/file-icons/show-trash false
/desktop-icons/icon-size 56
/desktop-icons/single-click false
/desktop-icons/tooltip-size 120.000000
/last-settings-migration-version 1
/last/window-height 572
/last/window-width 705
There are some slight differences between these two outputs, but I'm not sure what items - if any - may be significant. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Wayne
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2025 11:33 am
by BV206
I had what might be the same or similar problem a while back.
My xfce-desktop settings had a bunch of background images, workspaces and displays that didn't exist.
I reset everything by:
Log out.
Open a (real) terminal by Ctrl+Alt+F1 from the login screen.
Run mc (file manager) so it's easier to navigate.
Deleted these files:
~/.cache/sessions
~/.cache/xfce4
~/.config/autostart/zxfce-single-workspace-number-fix.desktop
~/.config/xfce4/single-workspace-number-fix
~/.config/xfce4/xfconf/xfce-perchannel-xml/displays.xml
~/.config/xfce4/xfconf/xfce-perchannel-xml/xfce4-desktop.xml
sudo reboot
Then log back in and set the wallpaper and other desktop settings the way I had them.
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2025 12:54 pm
by wbrells
All these deletes might fix the wallpaper problem, but this solution seems a bit extreme and might "mess up" my desktop in other ways. I was hoping that the above listings from xfconf-query -c xfce4-desktop --list -v might reveal a few settings that are causing the problem.
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2025 2:41 pm
by CharlesV
The two cache files may change something, but its cache so it is temporary anyway. (ie delete )
The other files you can move to a backup location and if there are issues caused by them and you want to revert, move them back after testing.
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Tue Apr 01, 2025 5:07 pm
by wbrells
I notice that my HDMI display is not being detected:
xrandr --listproviders
Providers: number : 0
However, when run via the live USB flash drive (created from a snapshot made just a few days ago) this command shows 1 provider and give details about my monitor!
I'm very confused and just about ready to give up trying to fix this wallpaper problem!
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2025 7:04 am
by wbrells
A MAJOR CLUE! I think that I've discovered the root cause of my wallpaper problem. It seems that the problem arises because of having the wrong driver being used to support the integrated Intel graphics used on my Beelink system (and many others). Using the inxi -G command:
On the "problem" system the relevant output under Graphics is:
Display: x11 server: X.Org 1.21.1.7 driver: loaded: fbdev resolution: 1920x1200
while on the system with correct wallpaper:
Display: x11 server: X.Org 1.21.1.7 driver: loaded: modesetting unloaded: fbdev,vera resolution: 1920x1280-60Hz
(The different resolutions are because the otherwise identical systems are using different monitors.)
Can someone suggest how to force the problem system to use the proper driver?
Thanks, Wayne
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2025 8:10 am
by dolphin_oracle
hmm fbdev is a fallback driver that uses the framebuffer for displays. was this system installed with one of the "failsafe" boot options on the live system? if so, there should be a /etc/X11/xorg.conf file that you could remove. however, that might give no display at all. If there is a file, I would back it up
Code: Select all
sudo cp /etc/X11/xorg.conf /etc/X11/xorg.conf.backup
so it can be restored later if need be.
alternatively, you could try using mx-tweak to force the "intel" driver. there is an option for that.
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2025 11:25 am
by wbrells
Using MX-Tweak to force the Intel driver did restore the ability to specify a wallpaper. UNFORTUNATELY, that driver also caused an unacceptable amount of display "tearing" (as has been noted by other users). The best solution would seem to have modesetting loaded and fbdev & vesa unloaded. I'm just not sure how to accomplish that!
Wayne
Re: Strange wallpaper after 23.5 Update
Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2025 5:24 pm
by wbrells
SOLUTION FOUND!
My wallpaper problem has finally been resolved. The solution was to force the use of the modesetting driver as detailed below. (I don't know why this "patch" became necessary since the wallpaper was working fine on its own until quite recently.) In any case, this is how I solved the problem:
1) In MX-Tweak check the option to force the Intel graphics driver to be used. This will add the file /etc/X11/xorg.conf.d/20-intel.conf with the appropriate commands. Unfortunately, using the intel driver leads to a jittery image with lots of "tearing".
2) To force the use of modesetting (and eliminate the image problems) modify the 20-intel.conf file to be:
Section "Device"
Identifier "Intel Graphics"
# Driver "intel"
Driver "modesetting"
# Option "AccelMethod" "uxa" #could also use the default "sna"
Option "TearFree" "true"
EndSection
After rebooting the system all should be well AND wallpapers can be selected as desired. For reference, the inxi -G command now gives:
Graphics: Device-1: Intel Alder Lake-N [UHD Graphics] driver: i915 v: kernel
Display: x11 server: X.Org 1.21.1.7 driver: loaded: modesetting unloaded: fbdev
resolution: 1920x1200~60Hz
OpenGL: renderer: Mesa Intel Graphics (ADL-N) v: 4.6 Mesa 24.2.8-1mx23ahs
Again, I'm not sure why this problem developed, but perhaps the solution given above may help anyone else with a similar problem.
Wayne