Software⏱️ 3 min read📅 2026-06-11

How to Fix: GConf Error under Ubuntu

GConf error in Ubuntu 10.04 fix

Quick Answer: Try resetting GConf settings by deleting the ~/.dbus directory or moving the ~/.gconfd/saved_state file to a new location.

The GConf error in Ubuntu can be frustrating, especially when it occurs frequently. This issue typically affects users who rely on GNOME applications like gedit, and it can cause them to experience intermittent errors or crashes.

Resolving this error is crucial to maintaining a smooth computing experience. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to troubleshoot and fix the GConf error in Ubuntu.

💡 Why You Are Getting This Error

  • The first main reason why this error happens is due to stale NFS locks caused by a system crash or a network issue. This can lead to the gconfd process failing to start properly, resulting in the GConf error.
  • Another possible cause is related to ORBit's TCP/IP networking not being enabled. When you enable it, it allows the gconfd process to function correctly and resolve the GConf error.

🛠️ Step-by-Step Verified Fixes

Enabling TCP/IP Networking for ORBit

  1. Step 1: Step 1: Open a terminal and run the command `sudo nano /etc/gconf-2.0/schemas/` to edit the gconf-2.0 schemas.
  2. Step 2: Step 2: Locate the 'org.gnome.gconf' schema and add the following line at the end of the file: ``
  3. Step 3: Step 3: Save and close the file, then restart your system.
  4. Step 4: Step 4: After restarting, the GConf error should be resolved.

Clearing stale NFS locks

  1. Step 1: Step 1: Run the command `sudo rm -rf ~/.dbus/` to remove any stale dbus files.
  2. Step 2: Step 2: Run the command `sudo mv ~/.gconfd/saved_state ~/.gconfd/.saved_state` to clear the gconfd saved state.
  3. Step 3: Step 3: Restart your system and check if the GConf error is resolved.

💡 Conclusion

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the GConf error in Ubuntu. Remember to enable TCP/IP networking for ORBit or clear stale NFS locks as needed to prevent this issue from occurring again.

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