CDE startup fails with "desktop messaging system could not be started"

[kevin donnelly]

This may be related to my swagentd problems but I forgot to post in the same message.

When I try to connect to the CDE server running on a newly installed K class 11i machine I get the following message:
The desktop message system cound not be started.

To correct the problem:

1. Choose [OK] to return tot he login screen.

2. Select Failsafe Session from the login screen's options menu and log in.

3. Check to see that the desktop is properly installed, the hostname is correct(/etc/hosts) and that the network is properly configured.

When I restart in failsafe mode I get a graphical dtterm window.

As far as I can tell everything is installed correctly and the /etc/hosts looks normal to me.

The /etc/hosts only contains three lines. I blanked the IP's and changed the domain and host names but you get the idea:
129.*.*.* dnsserver.domainname.com dnsserver
129.*.*.* hostname
127.0.0.1 localhost loopback

[RAC_1]

127.0.0.1 localhost loopback

Put this entry first and try.
Host name entry should come afterwards.

Anil

[john kingsley · Accepted solution]

What does /etc/nsswitch.conf look like?
What happens when you do:
nslookup hostname
nslookup 129.*.*.*

[kevin donnelly]

Creating a nsswitch.conf fixed both my problems!!!!!

Thanks!