Ubuntu – How to reset compiz to the default settings

compizsettingswindow-manager

I've got a bug that is reoccuring (no window chrome close/minimize/maximize buttons) that is solved by changing the visual effects level (e.g. from none to normal).

Unfortunately, the desktop is relatively unusable until I change that setting upon each login.

I have the inkling that it might be solved by resetting compiz to its default settings. How would I go about resetting compiz (or whatever is in charge of those visual effects) to its defaults?

Best Answer

GUI Option

For 11.04 and below:

  • Log into a recovery console,
  • gnome-settings-daemon && gnome-appearance-properties && metacity and press enter.
  • When the appearance properties dialogue comes up, change your settings to normal under the effects tab.
  • Close this window, and metacity will run (so you can close the terminal)
  • Close the terminal to log out from recovery mode, and log back into your desktop.

For all versions:

  • Install ccsm (Compiz Config Settings Manager).

    sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager
    
  • Log into the recovery console,
  • Launch ccsm from the terminal, (you may also optionally run metacity).
  • Create a new profile (if you want to use this method) by going to preferences, and clicking on reset to defaults:

enter image description here

  • You can also select the individual plugin causing the problems and reset its values.

Command-Line Option:

Run this command in a terminal (on 11.04 and up):

  • gconftool --recursive-unset /apps/compiz-1

On 10.10 and below:

  • gconftool --recursive-unset /apps/compiz

Credits to James Gifford for the command.

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