Thanks for that, Jeremy. It was the gnome classic login session. I've updated with the gnome-session package. Is that right?
** Package changed: gnome-shell (Ubuntu) => gnome-session (Ubuntu) -- You received this bug notification because you are a member of Desktop Packages, which is subscribed to gnome-session in Ubuntu. https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/857933 Title: Gnome in fallback mode in Oneiric with proprietary AMD driver and Radeon 5870 Status in “gnome-session” package in Ubuntu: New Bug description: When I attempt to login to Oneiric with a Gnome desktop, I get the following dialog popup up. "Unfortunately GNOME 3 failed to start properly and started in the fallback mode. This most likely means your system (graphics hardware or driver) is not capable of delivering the full GNOME 3 experience." I have the proprietary AMD 3D driver installed and activated according to jockey. I was able to run Unity 3D desktop but was getting some flicker on my second monitor so decided to try Gnome 3. All the latest updates have been applied. ProblemType: Bug DistroRelease: Ubuntu 11.10 Package: gnome-shell (not installed) ProcVersionSignature: Ubuntu 3.0.0-11.18-generic 3.0.4 Uname: Linux 3.0.0-11-generic x86_64 NonfreeKernelModules: fglrx ApportVersion: 1.23-0ubuntu1 Architecture: amd64 Date: Sat Sep 24 11:41:46 2011 InstallationMedia: Ubuntu 10.04 "Lucid Lynx" - Beta amd64 (20100406.1) ProcEnviron: PATH=(custom, no user) LANG=en_AU.UTF-8 SHELL=/bin/bash SourcePackage: gnome-shell UpgradeStatus: Upgraded to oneiric on 2011-09-20 (3 days ago) To manage notifications about this bug go to: https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/gnome-session/+bug/857933/+subscriptions -- Mailing list: https://launchpad.net/~desktop-packages Post to : desktop-packages@lists.launchpad.net Unsubscribe : https://launchpad.net/~desktop-packages More help : https://help.launchpad.net/ListHelp