Ubuntu XRDP Blue Screen: Troubleshooting and Solutions

Ubuntu’s XRDP (X Remote Desktop Protocol) is a popular remote desktop protocol that allows users to access their Ubuntu desktop remotely. However, some users may encounter a frustrating blue screen error when trying to use XRDP. In this article, we will discuss the common causes of the “Ubuntu XRDP blue screen” issue and provide solutions to help you resolve it.

What is the Ubuntu XRDP blue screen error?

When you try to start an XRDP session, you may encounter a blue screen with an error message that says “Failed to start remote desktop server” or “Error: Blue screen - no such process”. This error can occur due to several reasons, including configuration errors, permissions issues, or conflicts with other desktop environments.

Common causes of the Ubuntu XRDP blue screen error

1. Configuration errors: XRDP relies on a configuration file called /etc/xrdp/xrdp.ini. If the file is not properly configured, you may encounter the blue screen error.
2. Permissions issues: XRDP requires specific permissions to run correctly. If the permissions are not set correctly, you may encounter the blue screen error.
3. Conflicts with other desktop environments: If you have multiple desktop environments installed on your Ubuntu system, it may cause conflicts with XRDP, leading to the blue screen error.
4. Outdated XRDP packages: If the XRDP packages are not up-to-date, it may cause compatibility issues and result in the blue screen error.
5. Corrupted XRDP configuration files: Corrupted configuration files can cause XRDP to malfunction, resulting in the blue screen error.

Solutions to the Ubuntu XRDP blue screen error

1. Configure XRDP correctly: Make sure that the /etc/xrdp/xrdp.ini file is properly configured. You can do this by running the following command:

sudo nano /etc/xrdp/xrdp.ini

Edit the file to ensure that the port parameter is set to the correct value (usually 3389) and the username parameter is set to your username.

1. Check permissions: Make sure that the XRDP user has the correct permissions to run the XRDP service. You can do this by running the following command:

sudo chown -R ubuntu:ubuntu /etc/xrdp

Replace ubuntu with your username.

1. Disable other desktop environments: If you have multiple desktop environments installed, try disabling them to see if it resolves the issue.
2. Update XRDP packages: Make sure that the XRDP packages are up-to-date by running the following command:

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install xrdp

1. Reinstall XRDP: If the above solutions do not work, try reinstalling XRDP by running the following command:

sudo apt-get purge xrdp
sudo apt-get install xrdp

1. Check for corrupted configuration files: If none of the above solutions work, it may be due to a corrupted configuration file. Try removing the corrupted file and reinstalling XRDP:

sudo rm /etc/xrdp/xrdp.ini
sudo apt-get install xrdp

Conclusion

The Ubuntu XRDP blue screen error can be frustrating, but it is often caused by simple configuration errors or permissions issues. By following the solutions outlined in this article, you should be able to resolve the issue and start using XRDP to access your Ubuntu desktop remotely. If you are still experiencing issues, you may want to try reinstalling XRDP or seeking help from the Ubuntu community or a Linux expert.