Failed to load session "ubuntu"

I installed CCSM to enable window previews in Unity. But when I went into extras, there was no 'window preview' option.

So I tried experimenting with other options in Compiz and now there are no borders in the dialogue boxes (close, minimize, restore buttons are not there, I had enabled some 'flat....' option in Compiz.

Later, I uninstalled Compiz and then reinstalled it. Now it says

"Failed to load session Ubuntu"

I can't even access through the guest account, I am new to Ubuntu.(please explain in detail).

All I have access to is the login screen (it still shows my custom wallpaper). Please help, I don't want to lose my stuff.

I got the same problem ""Failed to load session Ubuntu"" when I was trying to login afer uninstall Compiz.

I tried to boot from USB with Live Ubuntu inside and others ways but it doensnt work.

At the end, it comes up with a simple solution.

1. Boot your Ubuntu as normal
2. When you see the log-in screen, try to Ctrl - Alt - F1
3. In my case (ubuntu 12.10), a blank screen appears. dont be panic, try Ctrl - Alt - F2
4. A login console shows up and ask you to login using your id and password.
5. After login. Run these commands. (tested)

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install unity-2d
sudo apt-get install ubuntu-desktop
sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager
sudo apt-get install compiz-plugins-extra
sudo apt-get update

I got this above list of commands from How can I remove and re-install Unity? but some doesnt work so I mentioned only good-running command in my case. I highly recommend to restart your system before try to login again.

sudo shutdown -r now

Hope it helps you to solve your problem.

Linh

Open virtual console : Ctrl+Alt+F1

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install ubuntu-desktop

sudo apt-get install -f install

sudo dpkg-reconfigure ubuntu-desktop

sudo reboot

Then try to login, This will bring back your desktop

For me it seems to have been related to having a Cinnamon desktop installed that I was playing around with. Once I removed it using Failed to load session "ubuntu" - Ubuntu 13.10 on MacBook Pro everything was fine. ( I don't have a macbook pro, it was the same on my Dell desktop).