I just found this tip on ubuntuforums.org which works for me: http://ubuntuforums.org/showpost.php?p=8681086&postcount=2
"alt f2 launch run box gconf-editor Then navigate the tree to ( / > apps > nautilus > preferences ) Make sure you have "preferences" clicked on. Then on the right scroll down to "show_desktop", checked it" -- Gnome Shell isn't showing a wallpaper https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/509951 You received this bug notification because you are a member of Ubuntu Bugs, which is subscribed to Ubuntu. -- ubuntu-bugs mailing list ubuntu-bugs@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-bugs