I have also had this a couple of times on 12.04. I have updated my intel driver to latest stable. I'm using cinnamon instead of Unity though.
$ apt-cache policy xserver-xorg-video-intel xserver-xorg-video-intel: Installed: 2:2.19.0-0ubuntu1~xup1 Candidate: 2:2.19.0-0ubuntu1~xup1 Version table: *** 2:2.19.0-0ubuntu1~xup1 0 500 http://ppa.launchpad.net/ubuntu-x-swat/x-updates/ubuntu/ precise/main i386 Packages 100 /var/lib/dpkg/status ctrl-alt-f1 or remote always works but I haven't found any way to restore the GUI. Can only move the mouse cursor. -- You received this bug notification because you are a member of Ubuntu Bugs, which is subscribed to Ubuntu. https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/775060 Title: Random GUI "freezes" in Natty (can only move the cursor) (might be a segfault) To manage notifications about this bug go to: https://bugs.launchpad.net/compiz/+bug/775060/+subscriptions -- ubuntu-bugs mailing list ubuntu-bugs@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-bugs