Arch Linux

whaler

Member

From: Oslo, Norway

Registered: 2008-03-25

Posts: 323

cannot execute "/usr/bin/xdm" [SOLVED]

I recently noticed the following msg during startup and in /var/log/messages log:
Jul 21 12:06:58 utve init: cannot execute "/usr/bin/xdm"
Jul 21 12:06:58 utve init: Id "x" respawning too fast: disabled for 5 minutes
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The first line is being repeated 10 times and the message appears, as promised(!), every 5 minutes. I expect I'll run out of hd space shortly...

I've been using Arch for several months and been very happy with it (still am...) and can't remember seeing this. I am using the full KDE 3.5.

In /etc/rc.conf I have this line at the end:

DAEMONS=(syslog-ng network netfs crond alsa arch32 hal fam kdm)

In /etc/inittab I have these lines at the end:

# Example lines for starting a login manager
x:5:respawn:/usr/bin/xdm -nodaemon
#x:5:respawn:/usr/sbin/gdm -nodaemon
#x:5:respawn:/opt/kde/bin/kdm -nodaemon
#x:5:respawn:/usr/bin/slim >& /dev/null

# End of file

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I had a look in this wiki  http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Login_manager
but am still a bit confused. Should I add the line(s)

Entrance:
x:5:respawn:/usr/sbin/entranced -nodaemon >& /dev/null

to /etc/inittab?

And must I UNcomment the kdm line instead of the xdm one?

***

Another new thing is that when I try to close Konqueror (file manager), I am told the app does not respond.

Also, my System icon has disappeared from the desktop...

Any tips?

Last edited by whaler (2008-08-31 13:58:53)

Allan

Pacman

From: Brisbane, AU

Registered: 2007-06-09

Posts: 11,385

Website

Re: cannot execute "/usr/bin/xdm" [SOLVED]

If you are running kdm using the daemon method (as your DAEMONS= line in /etc/rc.conf indiciates), comment out that xdm line in /etc/inittab (and leave the others commented too).

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PGP Key: F99FFE0FEAE999BD

whaler

Member

From: Oslo, Norway

Registered: 2008-03-25

Posts: 323

Re: cannot execute "/usr/bin/xdm" [SOLVED]

Thank you for the lighteningly swift response!

I did as you said and restarted the system. The msg is gone, and as a bonus the Konqueror file manager now seems to have decided to close nicely, too.

Apparently I had not fully understood that I should choose between the inittab and daemon startup method when I installed Arch. For my education - if I should try the inittab method, must I place these extra lines

Entrance:
x:5:respawn:/usr/sbin/entranced -nodaemon >& /dev/null

in /etc/inittab?

Anyhow, this leaves only the missing desktop icon. Not terribly important, but I like to have it there for the rare occasions when it's handy.

Allan

Pacman

From: Brisbane, AU

Registered: 2007-06-09

Posts: 11,385

Website

Re: cannot execute "/usr/bin/xdm" [SOLVED]

That extra line is if you want to run the enlightenment login manager.  As you use kdm, you only need to have the kdm line uncommented to use the inittab method (and remove it from the DAEMONS= line).

I don't use KDE so I can't help with the desktop icon.  It would probably be best to start a new thread with a more appropriate title to find help for that.

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PGP Key: F99FFE0FEAE999BD

whaler

Member

From: Oslo, Norway

Registered: 2008-03-25

Posts: 323

Re: cannot execute "/usr/bin/xdm" [SOLVED]

Thanks again, very helpful!

I guess for the desktop icon, an option might be to waste some time exploring KDE...

tigrmesh

IRC Op

From: Florida, US

Registered: 2007-12-11

Posts: 794

Re: cannot execute "/usr/bin/xdm" [SOLVED]

Glad you fixed it.

Please mark this thread as solved.  That way other people with this problem can find the solution.  Thanks!