startx - problem

[Matthew Seaman]

On Thu, Jul 31, 2003 at 10:46:42PM +0300, Alex Zivenko wrote:
> Hi all!
> I have a problem. When I am starting My X server with only a user privilegies - it gives me an error containing:
> error in locking authority file
> .Xauthority
> But when i am a root - all perfect.
> What's the problem

startx needs the X server to be SUID root -- if you've installed X
from ports you should have:

    lrwxr-xr-x  1 root  wheel       10 May 15 12:06 /usr/X11R6/bin/X@ -> Xwrapper-4
    -r-sr-xr-x  1 root  wheel     4804 Apr 24 11:52 /usr/X11R6/bin/Xwrapper-4*
    -rwxr-xr-x  1 root  wheel  1808362 May 15 12:06 /usr/X11R6/bin/XFree86*

However, the .Xauthority file should be in your home directory, and
owned by you:

    -rw-------  1 matthew  matthew  860 Jul 27 21:16 /home/matthew/.Xauthority

If you've run X as root, but with $HOME set to your ordinary home
directory, then I suppose that file could end up owned by root, and
unreadable by your UID, which would cause the effects you're seeing.

	Cheers,

	Matthew

-- 
Dr Matthew J Seaman MA, D.Phil.                       26 The Paddocks
                                                      Savill Way
PGP: http://www.infracaninophile.co.uk/pgpkey         Marlow
Tel: +44 1628 476614                                  Bucks., SL7 1TH UK
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