How to Undelete the Panel in Linux

The panels in Linux can be restored to the default setting easily.

The panels in the Linux desktop environment are useful tools that house system menus, time and date, wireless information and links to open applications. They are easy to remove but can be tricky to bring back. Because Ubuntu Linux is designed for the average computer user to have a positive experience, the panels can be restored with just a few system commands.

Instructions

1. Press "ALT+F2" and enter "gnome-terminal" into the search box. This command is used on the assumption you have no access to the "Applications" menu. If you do have access, click "Applications," then "Accessories" and open "Terminal." This is a command line for directly communicating with the operating system.

2. Type "gconftool --recursive-unset /apps/panel" (without quote marks) into Terminal and press "Enter." Next, type "rm -rf ~/.gconf/apps/panel" (without quote marks) and press "Enter."

3. Type "pkill gnome-panel" (without quote marks) and press "Enter." These commands restore the top and bottom panels to the default status. You can add and remove functions and application launchers to the panels by right-clicking and selecting "Add to Panel."

Tips & Warnings

• These instructions apply to Ubuntu Linux 10.04 or earlier versions.

References

• Watching the Net: Restore Panels In Ubuntu Back To Their Default Settings

Resources

• Linux Journal