VNC & GDM - following docs does not result in a working configuration

[ibodog]

Following directions for "Method 3: Create multi-user logins with authentication through GDM" from https://docs.01.org/clearlinux/latest/guides/network/vnc.html. Clear OS is installed on a VM on ESXi 6.7.

There seems to be a problem with the docs because following the instructions does not result in a working VNC + GDM configuration.

After following all directions for Method 3 the vm is rebooted and user attempts to log on from a VNC client (remmina). Connection is successful but only a black screen is presented to the user.

User logs on to the vmware console (which is showing GDM) as user "myuser". Log in on console is ok. Try remote VNC again. This time GDM is shown ok in the VNC session. Try to login to the GDM in the VNC session and the screen is black after login.

Via console create 2nd user "user". In console log in as "myuser". Connect via VNC and log into the GDM as "user". It works!

I'd just like to run this vm "headless" and only vnc to it for the ui as "myuser". Something seems to be missing from the docs or my case is "special" because I'm running a vm, maybe? I don't see a way in ESXi to disable or remove the vmware vm video card.

[github-actions]

Welcome to Clear Linux* OS Docs. Thanks for submitting your first issue.

[mvincerx]

Thanks for your contribution to the docs. The last time I ran this tutorial for Method 3, I encountered issues too. @bktan8 will review this.

[headwhacker]

I also have this problem. After reading several online forums it appears the problem is that gdm is broken as xdmcp server for tigervnc server for CL.

The workaround is to use another display manager. In my case I used lightdm. Basically replace gdm related steps in method 3 with these

1. sudo swupd bundle-add lightdm
2. create /etc/lightdm/lightdm.conf
3. then add these lines
   [XDMCPServer]
   enabled=true
4. sudo systemctl enable lightdm
5. sudo systemctl start lightdm

At least on my case this works and no need to disable gdm. This is source which gave me the clue.

https://askubuntu.com/questions/66431/how-do-i-configure-lightdm-to-work-with-xdmcp

[eadamsintel]

I can confirm that @headwhacker workaround to use lightdm worked for me.