Boot problem"Server Auth. directory does not exist" [SOLVED]

[Sontaran]

Hello.
Can anyone direct me to a solution to this problem:
Bootup does not finish, but instead shows a bluescreen with this error message:
"Server Authorization directory (daemon/ServAuthDir) is set to /var/lib/gdm but
this does not exist. Please correct GDM configuration and restart GDM"
Unfortunately, I'm new to Linux (had it installed for about 10 days) and do not know how to configure the GDM,
or what settings are appropriate.

I am using the main version of Mint 5 R1 LTS, 32 bit on a Core2Duo machine. (I chose an LTS version, assuming it to be the most stable).
Using the Live CD, I accessed the Mint partition to check, and indeed the gdm directory is missing from /var/lib.
In the session before this problem, I installed and ran Clam Antivirus, which surprisingly quarantined 8 files.
(Strange that it thinks it found linux viruses after less than 2 weeks of use, especially since I've been installing software only from the package manager).
I suspect this is the culprit, but I'm open to other possible causes (Wine worked OK in prior sessions, as did KTorrent (though it's KDE)
and neither should not have broken Gnome). Maybe from now on, I should reboot after each installation of software, like one often must do in Windows?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

[DrHu]

I am using the main version of Mint 5 R1 LTS, 32 bit on a Core2Duo machine. (I chose an LTS version, assuming it to be the most stable).

I chose an LTS version, assuming it to be the most stable
Might be, does that matter when using a desktop
http://www.linuxmint.com/download_lts.php
--I expect most people rather choose the Mint 7 (gloria) edition

Using the Live CD, I accessed the Mint partition to check, and indeed the gdm directory is missing from /var/lib.

Are you sure that is where it goes to (GDM)
--that directory is probably /usr/lib

In terminal, check

• locate gdm
  /etc/gdm
  /etc/gdm/Init
  /etc/gdm/PostLogin

/usr/lib/gdm/gdmaskpass
/usr/lib/gdm/gdmchooser
/usr/lib/gdm/gdmgreeter
/usr/lib/gdm/gdmlogin
/usr/lib/gdm/gdmopen
-- ..etc, etc. [/list]

In terminal, check

• apt search gdm
  i gdm - GNOME Display Manager

--first step, try a reinstall of gdm

Maybe from now on, I should reboot after each installation of software, like one often must do in Windows?

Doesn't hurt, but isn't usually needed
http://www.justbajan.com/computer/tips/ ... /index.htm
--similar trick for windows

[Sontaran]

Thanks, DrHu, for the speedy rescue!!

I had no idea that GDM could simply be reinstalled without reinstalling all of Linux. That's great!
I just reinstalled GDM using code I found here:
http://ubuntu-virginia.ubuntuforums.org ... p?t=700234

Code: Select all

sudo apt-get install --reinstall gdm

Everything works and bootup is just fine now, and all my settings and software are still here.
Also, the reinstall put a GDM folder back into /var/lib/

Phew!! I was afraid I'd have to reload Mint again.

Thanks again!!

Sontaran