Ubuntu – Rhythmbox does not start after upgrading to Ubuntu 14.04

14.04rhythmbox

When I try to start Rhythmbox its window remains only for few seconds then it disappears and I get "An internal Ubuntu error" message. Even if I try to open an MP3 file I see the same scenario.

Tried to reinstall it (twice :D)

Started from command line:

(rhythmbox:9164): Gtk-CRITICAL **: gtk_css_provider_load_from_path: assertion 'path != NULL' failed

(rhythmbox:9164): GLib-GObject-CRITICAL **: object SoupServer 0x2afc3e0 finalized while still in-construction

(rhythmbox:9164): GLib-GObject-CRITICAL **: Custom constructor for class SoupServer returned NULL (which is invalid). Please use GInitable instead.
Unable to open ~/.mtpz-data for reading, MTPZ disabled.Segmentation fault (core dumped)

UPDATE

Just found a bug report to launchpad: https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/rhythmbox/+bug/1299245 , but the problem does not seem to be fixed

Best Answer

Trouble-shooting

Trouble-shooting rhythmbox issues can be a bit of a trial and error.

These are the areas you should consider.

Cleaning up plugins settings

Sometimes a rogue plugin (internal or external) could be the cause of rhythmbox crashes.

Cleaning up the gsettings database for the various plugins can work:

gsettings reset-recursively org.gnome.rhythmbox.plugins

Cleaning up locally installed plugins

Occasionally, compilation issues occur if you install external plugins manually - removing these plugins and reinstalling will resolve this.

rm -rf ~/.local/share/rhythmbox/plugins

Cleaning up all rhythmbox settings

Occasionally, a corruption can occur in other rhythmbox settings. Using Dima's answer here will resolve this.

last resort

If the above does not work then the problem is likely to be due to corruption in the rhythmbox database and related files itself. Using Alvin's answer here will resolve this.

Note though - if you use the last resort method you'll need to reimport/re-do all of your music/playlists/ratings again.

Related Solutions

Ubuntu – How to start RhythmBox minimized

There is a plugin for this...

disclaimer - I'm the author for this plugin

Called rhythmbox_hide, this is a little applet that either starts rhythmbox hidden or minimized.

By default, when the plugin is enabled through the menu option Edit - Plugins, rhythmbox starts hidden on startup, but through the plugin preferences you can uncheck this option and rhythmbox will then start minimized.

enter image description here

This plugin is particularly useful in combination with another plugin called remember-the-rhythm.

When used with this plugin you can start rhythmbox via the startup applications option for your Desktop Environment and on login, your last track that was playing will be immediately start playing.

how to install

sudo apt-get install git
git clone https://github.com/fossfreedom/rhythmbox_hide
cd rhythmbox_hide
./install.sh

You will be prompted for your password which installs the dconf schema key used to remember your preferences option.

Alternatively, if you prefer a package installation method:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:fossfreedom/rhythmbox-plugins
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install rhythmbox-plugin-hide

Linked Question

How do I install third-party rhythmbox plugins?

Ubuntu – Rhythmbox and Banshee do not start anymore

Run this in terminal:

sudo rm -rf /usr/share/rhythmbox/plugins/magnatune/
sudo rm -rf /usr/lib/rhythmbox/plugins/magnatune/

And try to launch Rhythmbox again!