SOLVED:Cannot get more than 1 desktop working

[oldpbflyer]

Basic problem: Running PCLOS-KDE, latest updates, window manager and hardware option set for Compiz. I can only configure a single desktop. I have all the Compiz effects in that one desktop that I want and all apps run fine. When I try to add a second virtual desktop and then select that desktop, all I get is a black screen with a white cursor. No icons, no panels or taskbar, nothing, just black. Left or right clicking does nothing. The only escape is ctl-alt-del which brings up the logout/shutdown menu. Doesn't matter if I log in again or reboot. I can't run more than one desktop.

Environment: PCLOS-KED, all latest updates applied, homebrew PC with Intel native graphics

Question: Is there something straightforward I can check. I have tried lots of options of Compiz and KDE and always get strange results whenever I try to add a second desktop. The best I have had is using KDE, I get some background (not my normal wall paper) but no desktop icons, and maybe or maybe not the bottom taskbar?

I did not include pages of irrelevant system settings here, but can supply any specific info that might help troubleshoot. The new "improved" KDE has really been a challenge. I used to be able to figure out what I wanted to accomplish, but not now. Anyone?

[kensum71]

oldpbflyer; I don't have compiz running on this machine, but until someone comes along that can be of more help, lets go backwards for a sec and see if we can clarify the problem.
Is this a new condition that has just started? ie, you mentioned you had intel graphics.

First, if you turn off compiz and uncheck desktop effects in the configure your desktop, then right click the pager, set it to 4 virtual desktops, you will have 4 working desktops. If this works  and all is ok here, then turn on all effects using config desktops, which will give all effects using kwin. if this works and you have 4 working desktops then we can move to compiz. This will at least give a base to find the problem. Let us know what happened doing the above. Last, to get back to the base config, right click desktop, unlock widgets, and make sure layout is set to desktop. thanks Ken

[oldpbflyer]

Thanks for the feedback. I somehow could not figure out how to get back to a baseline. Running KWin, desktop effects unchecked, I can get 4 virtual desktops with the same wallpaper and desktop icons and task bar on each. So that is good! I can live with that.
As soon as I check the desktop effects button and hit apply, KWin crashes. I get 2 or 3 warning boxes and sometimes the open window title bars disappear. So, no-go on desktop effects with more than one desktop. I have not tried going any further at this time.
I installed PCLOS on a new build computer and never have been able to figure out the new KDE other than basic settings.

[kensum71]

oldpbflyer, sorry for the late reply; been away working. First thing to do is open a topic under software to see if your intel card supports 3d effects and if it does then see if the correct driver is installed.

I've never had any issues using kwin and 3d effects using nvidia gpus. I think kwin is much smoother than compiz  when in the kde desktop. just my two cents. On your newer build, there should be no proplems using kwin with ati or nvidia cards, most seem to work fine for people. Ken

[oldpbflyer]

kensum71, thanks for the assistance. I have the Intel GMA 4500, and you gave me the clue to dig a little further. I found from other problem threads that disabling the "blur" effect allowed me to enable desktop effects. I think we have liftoff. Thanks. I will consider my issue solved.