xrdp only showing blue-green background screen after login

3 min read 21-10-2024

the ifix

xrdp only showing blue-green background screen after login

When using XRDP to connect to a Linux desktop environment remotely, you may encounter a frustrating issue: after logging in, you are greeted with only a blue-green background screen, leaving you unable to access your desktop. This problem can disrupt your workflow and hinder your productivity. Below, we will explore why this issue occurs, present a solution, and provide useful tips to avoid such situations in the future.

The Original Problem Scenario

The original code leading to the blue-green screen after logging in could be represented as follows:

$ xrdp
$ xrdp-sesman
$ [login credentials]

Once you input your login credentials, instead of accessing the desktop environment, you are met with a blank blue-green screen.

Understanding the Problem

This blue-green screen issue typically arises due to incorrect or missing session configurations within XRDP. XRDP acts as a gateway for the RDP protocol, allowing you to connect to your Linux environment. However, if the desktop environment is not properly set up or there is a conflict with window managers, you may find yourself stuck at this screen.

Reasons for the Blue-Green Screen Issue:

Session Configuration Errors: The XRDP configuration file might not correctly specify the default desktop environment or session type.
Missing Packages: Required desktop packages may not be installed or correctly configured.
Permission Issues: Incorrect file permissions on configuration files can prevent a session from starting properly.
Graphics Driver Issues: Sometimes, graphics drivers may conflict with the XRDP session.

Solution

To resolve the blue-green screen issue, follow these steps:

Step 1: Edit the xrdp.ini File

Open the XRDP configuration file located at /etc/xrdp/xrdp.ini using your preferred text editor:
```
sudo nano /etc/xrdp/xrdp.ini
```
In the [X11rdp] section, ensure that session is set to your desired desktop environment. For example:
```
session=xfce
```
If you are using another desktop environment (like MATE or GNOME), replace xfce accordingly.

Step 2: Modify the Startup Script

Open or create the .xsession file in your home directory:
```
nano ~/.xsession
```
Add the command to start your desktop environment. For XFCE, add:
```
startxfce4
```
For MATE, you would include:
```
mate-session
```
Save and exit the editor.

Step 3: Restart XRDP Services

After making these changes, restart the XRDP services to apply the new configurations:

sudo systemctl restart xrdp

Additional Tips and Considerations

Install Necessary Desktop Environments: Ensure that the desktop environment you want to use is installed. You can install XFCE with:
```
sudo apt install xfce4
```
Check Logs for Errors: If issues persist, check XRDP logs at /var/log/xrdp-sesman.log for any error messages that might indicate what's going wrong.
Firewall Configuration: Ensure that the appropriate ports (typically 3389 for RDP) are open in your firewall settings.

Conclusion

Encountering a blue-green screen after logging in via XRDP can be a common issue among users trying to access their Linux desktops remotely. By understanding the underlying causes and applying the provided solutions, you can regain access to your desktop environment effectively. Remember to check configurations and install any missing packages to avoid this issue in the future.

For further reading and additional troubleshooting resources, you may want to explore:

By following these guidelines and solutions, you'll be back to managing your Linux environment seamlessly in no time!

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