[SOLVED] Can't switch DE (desktop environment) w/o user pwd

[ssv170379]

Sorry for bad English (...and possibly for dumb question).

I am new to Mageia (ex Ubuntu user). Encountered a problem with DE selection on Mageia 4, fresh install from Classical (not Live) DVD-64. My default DE is GNOME and I can not switch to any other installed. There's no "gear" icon visible on Login screen. If select "Not listed?" and enter username manually, there's no gear icon either, but it is possible to call DE selection menu, clicking on a position where it is supposed to be (or using Tab-Tab-Space combo ). But after entering username I end up with GNOME regardless of selected DE.

I had to reinstall Mageia couple of times to find workaround. Key action is to enter User (not the Root one) password on this screen https://doc.mageia.org/installer/4/en/c ... dUser.html . Now Logging in is one step longer (enter password), but gear icon becomes visible and working correctly during this step, so I finally can switch DE.

Here's some pics http://oi59.tinypic.com/sy48r8.jpg
(I haven't figured out where screenshots are stored while logged off, so I resorted to photographs)

Shouldn't DE-selection icon be visible and operable on Login screen during all 3 stages? Am I the only one, who suffered from this issue? Maybe I doing something wrong?

[doktor5000]

That's with GDM probably? Yes GDM is a bit tricky as without entering your username BEFORE entering your password you cannot select another sessions, and it's pretty unobvious that this selection is even possible if you don't pay close attention. But for that you need to complain to upstream (GNOME).
Workaround is to use another display manager, see e.g. https://wiki.mageia.org/en/Display_Mana ... _Selection

[ssv170379]

doktor5000, Thanks!!! This is exactly what was needed. I've switched to LXDM, removed password, and enabled autologin. Now DE-switching works as it should!

[isadora]

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Thanks ahead.