Volume control disappears from top panel on 18.04

running Ubuntu-Mate on an old HP Elitebook laptop. in the last couple of months the volume control applet has begun disappearing from the top panel.

I can get it back by moving the panel to the right side, wherein it miraculously reappears, then back to the top. it stays there until I open the volume control applet and use it (usually once, but sometimes more than once) then it disappears again.

I'd appreciate clues. Thanks in advance!

Fred

First off, @fredex, welcome to the forum. This is an intriguing question.

Please do us a favor and proceed with the following steps. First, log out, then log back in. This will clear out certain error logs so that we can determine the problem easier, since we won't have to wade through pages of error messages.

Next, make the volume control applet disappear, however you may do that.

Then, make it reappear.

Next, use the volume control applet and make it disappear once again.

Finally, please post the contents of your .xsession-errors file -- it is a hidden file under your home directory. If you do not see it at first, try pressing Ctrl-H to show hidden files. Notice the dot ('.') at the start of the filename. This is important.

I've got some theories, but I'd like to see what the error messages are.

Hah. wouldn't you know it... right now it won't fail! Just tried about 20 times. Will keep an eye out and repost here when/if it does it again.

this problem is being stubborn.
if I log off and on, the control returns. of course.
if I TRY to make it disappear, it won't.
it only disappears sometimes, when I least expect it.
I'll see if I can grab the log files, if I can capture the failure, without having first logged off/on. Time will tell.

Fred

Don't spend all your time on this. Unless it really drives you nuts that much...

unfortunately it DOES drive me nuts. it tends to happen when I start playing something that is about 100db too loud and I can't get at the stupid volume slider.

I'll post again if I can get a better example.

Does this machine have volume up / volume down buttons on / near the keyboard?

Just a clunky workaround, but it might help you in those situations.

(Also, have you considered that the loud sound may be knocking the Volume Control applet off the panel? :wink:)

On a more serious note, also do you have the Indicator Applet enabled, or does the volume control applet appear in the "notification area"?

It's an old HP laptop. doesn't have buttons per se, but there are some lighted
icons on a strip above the keyboard, a speaker icon next to a - and a + with marks between them, so I guess that could be used. Haven'tfigured out ho they are supposed to work, maybe I need to.

I've only had the laptop for about a year and a half. it came from a discard pile at my last employer and still had win7 on it. a little wipe of the disk and a Linux DVD and voila!

no end-user docs, so some things, like that volume control, aren't obvious. HP no longer has docs on it available on web site, either. :frowning:

Well, tell you what, if you can make the volume icon disappear at all, then (as soon as you can) log off, then log back in, then post the contents of .xsession-errors.old (notice the '.old' at the end), that will do just as well.

Also try swiping across the lighted icons with your finger. Sometimes that works.

You can always put the volume on your desktop as an icon too.
System>Preferences> Hardware>sound - right click add to desktop or add to panel. Certainly not ideal, as it launches the whole sound preferences, but it works.

Um, I don't find any top-level menus named system. and none anywhere else that contain preferences/hardware/sound.

on the main dropdown menu there IS preferences, and one of the submenu items is sound, but where do I right-click to get it on the desktop?

Remember, this is Ubuntu 18.04 with Mate, not Gnome.

I use the custom menu, not sure which one you are using. Just right click the icon itself.
Go to your menu on the task bar:
System>Preferences> Hardware>sound - right click add to desktop or add to panel.
Once it opens sound preferences


click on the 4th tab "output'
Output volume is at the top. It is a slider.
Sound Preference

@Gordon:
OK, here's the .xsession-errors.old. I just found the control missing, logged off and back on.
<deleted first part, hope I left the interesting stuff for you.>


###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost

###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost

###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost

###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost

###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost

###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost

###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost

###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost

###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost

###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost

###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost

###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost

###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost

###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost

###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost

###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost

###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost

(mate-screensaver:1737): GLib-CRITICAL **: 08:52:50.111: Source ID 151 was not found when attempting to remove it

###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost

###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost

(mate-power-manager:1695): GLib-CRITICAL **: 09:43:04.347: Source ID 1852 was not found when attempting to remove it

###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost

(mate-screensaver:1737): GLib-CRITICAL **: 11:01:30.352: Source ID 185 was not found when attempting to remove it

###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost

(mate-power-manager:1695): GLib-CRITICAL **: 12:05:55.235: Source ID 1949 was not found when attempting to remove it

###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost

Gtk-Message: 12:20:42.114: GtkDialog mapped without a transient parent. This is discouraged.
RuntimeError: object at 0x7fab23749c30 of type FolderColorMenu is not initialized
RuntimeError: object at 0x7fab23749410 of type RenameMenu is not initialized
RuntimeError: object at 0x7fab23749c30 of type FolderColorMenu is not initialized
RuntimeError: object at 0x7fab23749410 of type RenameMenu is not initialized
RuntimeError: object at 0x7fab23749c30 of type FolderColorMenu is not initialized
RuntimeError: object at 0x7fab23749410 of type RenameMenu is not initialized

(caja:1592): Gtk-CRITICAL **: 12:21:01.932: gtk_container_foreach: assertion 'GTK_IS_CONTAINER (container)' failed

(caja:1592): Gtk-CRITICAL **: 12:21:01.933: gtk_container_foreach: assertion 'GTK_IS_CONTAINER (container)' failed

(caja:1592): Gtk-CRITICAL **: 12:21:01.933: gtk_container_foreach: assertion 'GTK_IS_CONTAINER (container)' failed

(caja:1592): Gtk-CRITICAL **: 12:21:01.934: gtk_container_foreach: assertion 'GTK_IS_CONTAINER (container)' failed

(caja:1592): Gtk-CRITICAL **: 12:21:01.934: gtk_container_foreach: assertion 'GTK_IS_CONTAINER (container)' failed

(caja:1592): Gtk-CRITICAL **: 12:21:01.934: gtk_container_foreach: assertion 'GTK_IS_CONTAINER (container)' failed
RuntimeError: object at 0x7fab23749c30 of type FolderColorMenu is not initialized
RuntimeError: object at 0x7fab23749410 of type RenameMenu is not initialized

(mate-screensaver:1737): GLib-CRITICAL **: 13:11:19.442: Source ID 222 was not found when attempting to remove it

(mate-power-manager:1695): GLib-CRITICAL **: 13:47:19.588: Source ID 2043 was not found when attempting to remove it
RuntimeError: object at 0x7fab23749c30 of type FolderColorMenu is not initialized
RuntimeError: object at 0x7fab23749410 of type RenameMenu is not initialized
RuntimeError: object at 0x7fab23749c30 of type FolderColorMenu is not initialized
RuntimeError: object at 0x7fab23749410 of type RenameMenu is not initialized
RuntimeError: object at 0x7fab23749c30 of type FolderColorMenu is not initialized
RuntimeError: object at 0x7fab23749410 of type RenameMenu is not initialized
javaldx: Could not find a Java Runtime Environment!
Please ensure that a JVM and the package libreoffice-java-common
is installed.
If it is already installed then try removing ~/.libreoffice/3/user/config/javasettings_Linux_*.xml
Warning: failed to read path from javaldx
func=xmlSecCheckVersionExt:file=xmlsec.c:line=188:obj=unknown:subj=unknown:error=19:invalid version:mode=abi compatible;expected minor version=2;real minor version=2;expected subminor version=25;real subminor version=26

(caja:1592): Gtk-CRITICAL **: 14:09:34.112: gtk_container_foreach: assertion 'GTK_IS_CONTAINER (container)' failed

(caja:1592): Gtk-CRITICAL **: 14:09:34.119: gtk_container_foreach: assertion 'GTK_IS_CONTAINER (container)' failed

(caja:1592): Gtk-CRITICAL **: 14:09:34.119: gtk_container_foreach: assertion 'GTK_IS_CONTAINER (container)' failed

(caja:1592): Gtk-CRITICAL **: 14:09:34.120: gtk_container_foreach: assertion 'GTK_IS_CONTAINER (container)' failed

(caja:1592): Gtk-CRITICAL **: 14:09:34.120: gtk_container_foreach: assertion 'GTK_IS_CONTAINER (container)' failed

(caja:1592): Gtk-CRITICAL **: 14:09:34.120: gtk_container_foreach: assertion 'GTK_IS_CONTAINER (container)' failed

(process:1764): indicator-sound-WARNING **: 14:10:24.955: accounts-service-access.vala:218: unable to sync volume 1.219890 to AccountsService: GDBus.Error:org.freedesktop.DBus.Error.InvalidArgs: No such interface 'com.ubuntu.AccountsService.Sound'

(process:1764): indicator-sound-WARNING **: 14:10:26.667: accounts-service-access.vala:218: unable to sync volume 0.610062 to AccountsService: GDBus.Error:org.freedesktop.DBus.Error.InvalidArgs: No such interface 'com.ubuntu.AccountsService.Sound'

(process:1764): indicator-sound-WARNING **: 14:10:45.516: accounts-service-access.vala:218: unable to sync volume 0.457539 to AccountsService: GDBus.Error:org.freedesktop.DBus.Error.InvalidArgs: No such interface 'com.ubuntu.AccountsService.Sound'

(process:1764): indicator-sound-WARNING **: 14:10:46.666: accounts-service-access.vala:218: unable to sync volume 0.915024 to AccountsService: GDBus.Error:org.freedesktop.DBus.Error.InvalidArgs: No such interface 'com.ubuntu.AccountsService.Sound'
Window manager warning: Buggy client sent a _NET_ACTIVE_WINDOW message with a timestamp of 0 for 0x6200004 (Image View)
Window manager warning: meta_window_activate called by a pager with a 0 timestamp; the pager needs to be fixed.
Window manager warning: Buggy client sent a _NET_ACTIVE_WINDOW message with a timestamp of 0 for 0x6200004 (Image View)
Window manager warning: meta_window_activate called by a pager with a 0 timestamp; the pager needs to be fixed.
RuntimeError: object at 0x7fab23749c30 of type FolderColorMenu is not initialized
RuntimeError: object at 0x7fab23749410 of type RenameMenu is not initialized
RuntimeError: object at 0x7fab23749c30 of type FolderColorMenu is not initialized
RuntimeError: object at 0x7fab23749410 of type RenameMenu is not initialized

(nm-applet:1670): Gtk-CRITICAL **: 14:51:29.285: gtk_widget_destroy: assertion 'GTK_IS_WIDGET (widget)' failed

(nm-applet:1670): Gtk-CRITICAL **: 14:51:29.285: gtk_widget_destroy: assertion 'GTK_IS_WIDGET (widget)' failed

(nm-applet:1670): Gtk-WARNING **: 14:51:29.294: Can't set a parent on widget which has a parent

(nm-applet:1670): Gtk-CRITICAL **: 14:55:44.835: gtk_widget_destroy: assertion 'GTK_IS_WIDGET (widget)' failed

(nm-applet:1670): Gtk-CRITICAL **: 14:55:44.835: gtk_widget_destroy: assertion 'GTK_IS_WIDGET (widget)' failed

(nm-applet:1670): Gtk-WARNING **: 14:55:44.840: Can't set a parent on widget which has a parent
RuntimeError: object at 0x7fab23749c30 of type FolderColorMenu is not initialized
RuntimeError: object at 0x7fab23749410 of type RenameMenu is not initialized
Window manager warning: Invalid WM_TRANSIENT_FOR window 0x6a0000e specified for 0x6a0000c (calibre).
RuntimeError: object at 0x7fab23749c30 of type FolderColorMenu is not initialized
RuntimeError: object at 0x7fab23749410 of type RenameMenu is not initialized
RuntimeError: object at 0x7fab23749c30 of type FolderColorMenu is not initialized
RuntimeError: object at 0x7fab23749410 of type RenameMenu is not initialized
RuntimeError: object at 0x7fab23749c30 of type FolderColorMenu is not initialized
RuntimeError: object at 0x7fab23749410 of type RenameMenu is not initialized
RuntimeError: object at 0x7fab23749c30 of type FolderColorMenu is not initialized
RuntimeError: object at 0x7fab23749410 of type RenameMenu is not initialized
RuntimeError: object at 0x7fab23749c30 of type FolderColorMenu is not initialized
RuntimeError: object at 0x7fab23749410 of type RenameMenu is not initialized
RuntimeError: object at 0x7fab23749c30 of type FolderColorMenu is not initialized
RuntimeError: object at 0x7fab23749410 of type RenameMenu is not initialized
RuntimeError: object at 0x7fab23749c30 of type FolderColorMenu is not initialized
RuntimeError: object at 0x7fab23749410 of type RenameMenu is not initialized
RuntimeError: object at 0x7fab23749c30 of type FolderColorMenu is not initialized
RuntimeError: object at 0x7fab23749410 of type RenameMenu is not initialized
RuntimeError: object at 0x7fab23749c30 of type FolderColorMenu is not initialized
RuntimeError: object at 0x7fab23749410 of type RenameMenu is not initialized
RuntimeError: object at 0x7fab23749c30 of type FolderColorMenu is not initialized
RuntimeError: object at 0x7fab23749410 of type RenameMenu is not initialized
RuntimeError: object at 0x7fab23749c30 of type FolderColorMenu is not initialized
RuntimeError: object at 0x7fab23749410 of type RenameMenu is not initialized
RuntimeError: object at 0x7fab23749c30 of type FolderColorMenu is not initialized
RuntimeError: object at 0x7fab23749410 of type RenameMenu is not initialized

(caja:1592): Gtk-CRITICAL **: 15:54:15.322: gtk_container_foreach: assertion 'GTK_IS_CONTAINER (container)' failed

(caja:1592): Gtk-CRITICAL **: 15:54:15.323: gtk_container_foreach: assertion 'GTK_IS_CONTAINER (container)' failed

(caja:1592): Gtk-CRITICAL **: 15:54:15.323: gtk_container_foreach: assertion 'GTK_IS_CONTAINER (container)' failed

(caja:1592): Gtk-CRITICAL **: 15:54:15.323: gtk_container_foreach: assertion 'GTK_IS_CONTAINER (container)' failed

(caja:1592): Gtk-CRITICAL **: 15:54:15.323: gtk_container_foreach: assertion 'GTK_IS_CONTAINER (container)' failed

(caja:1592): Gtk-CRITICAL **: 15:54:15.323: gtk_container_foreach: assertion 'GTK_IS_CONTAINER (container)' failed

###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost

(process:1764): indicator-sound-WARNING **: 16:14:03.588: accounts-service-access.vala:218: unable to sync volume 0.855026 to AccountsService: GDBus.Error:org.freedesktop.DBus.Error.InvalidArgs: No such interface 'com.ubuntu.AccountsService.Sound'

(process:1764): indicator-sound-WARNING **: 16:14:04.667: accounts-service-access.vala:218: unable to sync volume 0.615036 to AccountsService: GDBus.Error:org.freedesktop.DBus.Error.InvalidArgs: No such interface 'com.ubuntu.AccountsService.Sound'

(process:1764): indicator-sound-WARNING **: 17:01:47.062: accounts-service-access.vala:218: unable to sync volume 0.767558 to AccountsService: GDBus.Error:org.freedesktop.DBus.Error.InvalidArgs: No such interface 'com.ubuntu.AccountsService.Sound'

(process:1764): indicator-sound-WARNING **: 17:01:48.665: accounts-service-access.vala:218: unable to sync volume 0.920059 to AccountsService: GDBus.Error:org.freedesktop.DBus.Error.InvalidArgs: No such interface 'com.ubuntu.AccountsService.Sound'

(process:1764): indicator-sound-WARNING **: 17:02:50.286: accounts-service-access.vala:218: unable to sync volume 0.767537 to AccountsService: GDBus.Error:org.freedesktop.DBus.Error.InvalidArgs: No such interface 'com.ubuntu.AccountsService.Sound'

(process:1764): indicator-sound-WARNING **: 17:02:51.666: accounts-service-access.vala:218: unable to sync volume 0.767532 to AccountsService: GDBus.Error:org.freedesktop.DBus.Error.InvalidArgs: No such interface 'com.ubuntu.AccountsService.Sound'

(process:1764): indicator-sound-WARNING **: 17:03:17.090: accounts-service-access.vala:218: unable to sync volume 0.533493 to AccountsService: GDBus.Error:org.freedesktop.DBus.Error.InvalidArgs: No such interface 'com.ubuntu.AccountsService.Sound'
[Child 12198, MediaDecoderStateMachine #1] WARNING: Decoder=7fbc5e12f400 Decode error: NS_ERROR_DOM_MEDIA_FATAL_ERR (0x806e0005) - RefPtrMediaSourceTrackDemuxer::SamplesPromise mozilla::MediaSourceTrackDemuxer::DoGetSamples(int32_t): manager is detached.: file /builds/worker/checkouts/gecko/dom/media/MediaDecoderStateMachine.cpp, line 3470
[Child 14465, MediaDecoderStateMachine #1] WARNING: Decoder=7ff6d0155800 Decode error: NS_ERROR_DOM_MEDIA_FATAL_ERR (0x806e0005) - RefPtrMediaSourceTrackDemuxer::SamplesPromise mozilla::MediaSourceTrackDemuxer::DoGetSamples(int32_t): manager is detached.: file /builds/worker/checkouts/gecko/dom/media/MediaDecoderStateMachine.cpp, line 3470

(process:1764): indicator-sound-WARNING **: 17:10:20.782: accounts-service-access.vala:218: unable to sync volume 0.767532 to AccountsService: GDBus.Error:org.freedesktop.DBus.Error.InvalidArgs: No such interface 'com.ubuntu.AccountsService.Sound'

###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost

Window manager warning: Buggy client sent a _NET_ACTIVE_WINDOW message with a timestamp of 0 for 0x3e00003 (Control Ce)
Window manager warning: meta_window_activate called by a pager with a 0 timestamp; the pager needs to be fixed.

(process:1764): indicator-sound-WARNING **: 18:11:08.140: accounts-service-access.vala:218: unable to sync volume 0.762604 to AccountsService: GDBus.Error:org.freedesktop.DBus.Error.InvalidArgs: No such interface 'com.ubuntu.AccountsService.Sound'
Gtk-Message: 18:13:17.820: GtkDialog mapped without a transient parent. This is discouraged.
Gtk-Message: 18:16:58.951: GtkDialog mapped without a transient parent. This is discouraged.
Gtk-Message: 18:17:05.233: GtkDialog mapped without a transient parent. This is discouraged.

(mate-terminal:16368): dbind-WARNING **: 18:44:54.065: Couldn't connect to accessibility bus: Failed to connect to socket /tmp/dbus-Mmv4oIaztb: Connection refused

###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost

(mate-screensaver:1737): GLib-CRITICAL **: 19:22:46.242: Source ID 270 was not found when attempting to remove it

(/usr/lib/mate-screensaver/mate-screensaver-gl-helper:16738): dbind-WARNING **: 19:22:56.441: Couldn't connect to accessibility bus: Failed to connect to socket /tmp/dbus-Mmv4oIaztb: Connection refused

###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost

(mate-power-manager:1695): GLib-CRITICAL **: 22:03:18.805: Source ID 2470 was not found when attempting to remove it
RuntimeError: object at 0x7fab23749c30 of type FolderColorMenu is not initialized
RuntimeError: object at 0x7fab23749410 of type RenameMenu is not initialized

(mate-screensaver:1737): GLib-CRITICAL **: 22:47:31.919: Source ID 304 was not found when attempting to remove it

(/usr/lib/mate-screensaver/mate-screensaver-gl-helper:18448): dbind-WARNING **: 22:47:42.022: Couldn't connect to accessibility bus: Failed to connect to socket /tmp/dbus-Mmv4oIaztb: Connection refused

###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost

###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost

(mate-power-manager:1695): GLib-CRITICAL **: 06:32:11.612: Source ID 2587 was not found when attempting to remove it

(mate-terminal:23071): dbind-WARNING **: 06:37:53.157: Couldn't connect to accessibility bus: Failed to connect to socket /tmp/dbus-Mmv4oIaztb: Connection refused
RuntimeError: object at 0x7fab23749c30 of type FolderColorMenu is not initialized
RuntimeError: object at 0x7fab23749410 of type RenameMenu is not initialized
RuntimeError: object at 0x7fab23749c30 of type FolderColorMenu is not initialized
RuntimeError: object at 0x7fab23749410 of type RenameMenu is not initialized
javaldx: Could not find a Java Runtime Environment!
Please ensure that a JVM and the package libreoffice-java-common
is installed.
If it is already installed then try removing ~/.libreoffice/3/user/config/javasettings_Linux_*.xml
Warning: failed to read path from javaldx

(soffice:23197): dbind-WARNING **: 06:46:12.467: Couldn't connect to accessibility bus: Failed to connect to socket /tmp/dbus-Mmv4oIaztb: Connection refused
func=xmlSecCheckVersionExt:file=xmlsec.c:line=188:obj=unknown:subj=unknown:error=19:invalid version:mode=abi compatible;expected minor version=2;real minor version=2;expected subminor version=25;real subminor version=26

###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost

(mate-volume-control:23379): dbind-WARNING **: 06:51:17.166: Couldn't connect to accessibility bus: Failed to connect to socket /tmp/dbus-Mmv4oIaztb: Connection refused
Gtk-Message: 06:51:18.231: GtkDialog mapped without a transient parent. This is discouraged.

(caja:1592): Gtk-CRITICAL **: 06:52:20.552: gtk_container_foreach: assertion 'GTK_IS_CONTAINER (container)' failed

(caja:1592): Gtk-CRITICAL **: 06:52:20.553: gtk_container_foreach: assertion 'GTK_IS_CONTAINER (container)' failed

(caja:1592): Gtk-CRITICAL **: 06:52:20.553: gtk_container_foreach: assertion 'GTK_IS_CONTAINER (container)' failed

(caja:1592): Gtk-CRITICAL **: 06:52:20.553: gtk_container_foreach: assertion 'GTK_IS_CONTAINER (container)' failed

(caja:1592): Gtk-CRITICAL **: 06:52:20.553: gtk_container_foreach: assertion 'GTK_IS_CONTAINER (container)' failed

(caja:1592): Gtk-CRITICAL **: 06:52:20.553: gtk_container_foreach: assertion 'GTK_IS_CONTAINER (container)' failed
[Child 23311, MediaDecoderStateMachine #1] WARNING: Decoder=7f834d3e9c00 Decode error: NS_ERROR_DOM_MEDIA_FATAL_ERR (0x806e0005) - RefPtrMediaSourceTrackDemuxer::SamplesPromise mozilla::MediaSourceTrackDemuxer::DoGetSamples(int32_t): manager is detached.: file /builds/worker/checkouts/gecko/dom/media/MediaDecoderStateMachine.cpp, line 3470
[Child 23311, MediaDecoderStateMachine #1] WARNING: Decoder=7f834d3e9c00 Decode error: NS_ERROR_DOM_MEDIA_FATAL_ERR (0x806e0005) - RefPtrMediaSourceTrackDemuxer::SamplesPromise mozilla::MediaSourceTrackDemuxer::DoGetSamples(int32_t): manager is detached.: file /builds/worker/checkouts/gecko/dom/media/MediaDecoderStateMachine.cpp, line 3470
Window manager warning: Invalid WM_TRANSIENT_FOR window 0x5400005 specified for 0x5400004 (Initializi).

(mate-terminal:25161): dbind-WARNING **: 10:01:51.246: Couldn't connect to accessibility bus: Failed to connect to socket /tmp/dbus-Mmv4oIaztb: Connection refused
Gtk-Message: 10:06:21.282: GtkDialog mapped without a transient parent. This is discouraged.

(mate-display-properties:25349): dbind-WARNING **: 10:06:54.484: Couldn't connect to accessibility bus: Failed to connect to socket /tmp/dbus-Mmv4oIaztb: Connection refused
Gtk-Message: 10:06:54.807: GtkDialog mapped without a transient parent. This is discouraged.
Gtk-Message: 10:07:04.007: GtkDialog mapped without a transient parent. This is discouraged.
[Child 9930, MediaDecoderStateMachine #1] WARNING: Decoder=7f454f8d3000 Decode error: NS_ERROR_DOM_MEDIA_FATAL_ERR (0x806e0005) - RefPtrMediaSourceTrackDemuxer::SamplesPromise mozilla::MediaSourceTrackDemuxer::DoGetSamples(int32_t): manager is detached.: file /builds/worker/checkouts/gecko/dom/media/MediaDecoderStateMachine.cpp, line 3470
[Child 9930, MediaDecoderStateMachine #1] WARNING: Decoder=7f454f8d3000 Decode error: NS_ERROR_DOM_MEDIA_FATAL_ERR (0x806e0005) - RefPtrMediaSourceTrackDemuxer::SamplesPromise mozilla::MediaSourceTrackDemuxer::DoGetSamples(int32_t): manager is detached.: file /builds/worker/checkouts/gecko/dom/media/MediaDecoderStateMachine.cpp, line 3470
[Child 9930, MediaDecoderStateMachine #1] WARNING: Decoder=7f454f8d3000 Decode error: NS_ERROR_DOM_MEDIA_FATAL_ERR (0x806e0005) - RefPtrMediaSourceTrackDemuxer::SamplesPromise mozilla::MediaSourceTrackDemuxer::DoGetSamples(int32_t): manager is detached.: file /builds/worker/checkouts/gecko/dom/media/MediaDecoderStateMachine.cpp, line 3470
[Child 9930, MediaDecoderStateMachine #1] WARNING: Decoder=7f454f8d3000 Decode error: NS_ERROR_DOM_MEDIA_FATAL_ERR (0x806e0005) - RefPtrMediaSourceTrackDemuxer::SamplesPromise mozilla::MediaSourceTrackDemuxer::DoGetSamples(int32_t): manager is detached.: file /builds/worker/checkouts/gecko/dom/media/MediaDecoderStateMachine.cpp, line 3470
[Child 9930, MediaDecoderStateMachine #1] WARNING: Decoder=7f454f8d3000 Decode error: NS_ERROR_DOM_MEDIA_FATAL_ERR (0x806e0005) - RefPtrMediaSourceTrackDemuxer::SamplesPromise mozilla::MediaSourceTrackDemuxer::DoGetSamples(int32_t): manager is detached.: file /builds/worker/checkouts/gecko/dom/media/MediaDecoderStateMachine.cpp, line 3470
[Child 9930, MediaDecoderStateMachine #1] WARNING: Decoder=7f454f8d3000 Decode error: NS_ERROR_DOM_MEDIA_FATAL_ERR (0x806e0005) - RefPtrMediaSourceTrackDemuxer::SamplesPromise mozilla::MediaSourceTrackDemuxer::DoGetSamples(int32_t): manager is detached.: file /builds/worker/checkouts/gecko/dom/media/MediaDecoderStateMachine.cpp, line 3470
[Child 9930, MediaDecoderStateMachine #1] WARNING: Decoder=7f454f8d3000 Decode error: NS_ERROR_DOM_MEDIA_FATAL_ERR (0x806e0005) - RefPtrMediaSourceTrackDemuxer::SamplesPromise mozilla::MediaSourceTrackDemuxer::DoGetSamples(int32_t): manager is detached.: file /builds/worker/checkouts/gecko/dom/media/MediaDecoderStateMachine.cpp, line 3470
[Child 9930, MediaDecoderStateMachine #1] WARNING: Decoder=7f454f8d3000 Decode error: NS_ERROR_DOM_MEDIA_FATAL_ERR (0x806e0005) - RefPtrMediaSourceTrackDemuxer::SamplesPromise mozilla::MediaSourceTrackDemuxer::DoGetSamples(int32_t): manager is detached.: file /builds/worker/checkouts/gecko/dom/media/MediaDecoderStateMachine.cpp, line 3470
[Child 9930, MediaDecoderStateMachine #1] WARNING: Decoder=7f454f8d3000 Decode error: NS_ERROR_DOM_MEDIA_FATAL_ERR (0x806e0005) - RefPtrMediaSourceTrackDemuxer::SamplesPromise mozilla::MediaSourceTrackDemuxer::DoGetSamples(int32_t): manager is detached.: file /builds/worker/checkouts/gecko/dom/media/MediaDecoderStateMachine.cpp, line 3470
[Child 9930, MediaDecoderStateMachine #1] WARNING: Decoder=7f454f8d3000 Decode error: NS_ERROR_DOM_MEDIA_FATAL_ERR (0x806e0005) - RefPtrMediaSourceTrackDemuxer::SamplesPromise mozilla::MediaSourceTrackDemuxer::DoGetSamples(int32_t): manager is detached.: file /builds/worker/checkouts/gecko/dom/media/MediaDecoderStateMachine.cpp, line 3470
[Child 9930, MediaDecoderStateMachine #1] WARNING: Decoder=7f454f8d3000 Decode error: NS_ERROR_DOM_MEDIA_FATAL_ERR (0x806e0005) - RefPtrMediaSourceTrackDemuxer::SamplesPromise mozilla::MediaSourceTrackDemuxer::DoGetSamples(int32_t): manager is detached.: file /builds/worker/checkouts/gecko/dom/media/MediaDecoderStateMachine.cpp, line 3470
[Child 9930, MediaDecoderStateMachine #1] WARNING: Decoder=7f454f8d3000 Decode error: NS_ERROR_DOM_MEDIA_FATAL_ERR (0x806e0005) - RefPtrMediaSourceTrackDemuxer::SamplesPromise mozilla::MediaSourceTrackDemuxer::DoGetSamples(int32_t): manager is detached.: file /builds/worker/checkouts/gecko/dom/media/MediaDecoderStateMachine.cpp, line 3470
[Child 9930, MediaDecoderStateMachine #1] WARNING: Decoder=7f454f8d3000 Decode error: NS_ERROR_DOM_MEDIA_FATAL_ERR (0x806e0005) - RefPtrMediaSourceTrackDemuxer::SamplesPromise mozilla::MediaSourceTrackDemuxer::DoGetSamples(int32_t): manager is detached.: file /builds/worker/checkouts/gecko/dom/media/MediaDecoderStateMachine.cpp, line 3470
[Child 9930, MediaDecoderStateMachine #1] WARNING: Decoder=7f454f8d3000 Decode error: NS_ERROR_DOM_MEDIA_FATAL_ERR (0x806e0005) - RefPtrMediaSourceTrackDemuxer::SamplesPromise mozilla::MediaSourceTrackDemuxer::DoGetSamples(int32_t): manager is detached.: file /builds/worker/checkouts/gecko/dom/media/MediaDecoderStateMachine.cpp, line 3470
[Child 9930, MediaDecoderStateMachine #1] WARNING: Decoder=7f454f8d3000 Decode error: NS_ERROR_DOM_MEDIA_FATAL_ERR (0x806e0005) - RefPtrMediaSourceTrackDemuxer::SamplesPromise mozilla::MediaSourceTrackDemuxer::DoGetSamples(int32_t): manager is detached.: file /builds/worker/checkouts/gecko/dom/media/MediaDecoderStateMachine.cpp, line 3470
[Child 9930, MediaDecoderStateMachine #1] WARNING: Decoder=7f454f8d3000 Decode error: NS_ERROR_DOM_MEDIA_FATAL_ERR (0x806e0005) - RefPtrMediaSourceTrackDemuxer::SamplesPromise mozilla::MediaSourceTrackDemuxer::DoGetSamples(int32_t): manager is detached.: file /builds/worker/checkouts/gecko/dom/media/MediaDecoderStateMachine.cpp, line 3470

(mate-display-properties:26661): dbind-WARNING **: 11:01:38.806: Couldn't connect to accessibility bus: Failed to connect to socket /tmp/dbus-Mmv4oIaztb: Connection refused
Gtk-Message: 11:01:40.340: GtkDialog mapped without a transient parent. This is discouraged.
Gtk-Message: 11:01:53.730: GtkDialog mapped without a transient parent. This is discouraged.
Gtk-Message: 11:04:25.241: GtkDialog mapped without a transient parent. This is discouraged.

(mate-terminal:26797): dbind-WARNING **: 11:04:44.416: Couldn't connect to accessibility bus: Failed to connect to socket /tmp/dbus-Mmv4oIaztb: Connection refused

(mate-terminal:26797): GLib-GObject-CRITICAL **: 11:04:47.653: g_object_set_data: assertion 'G_IS_OBJECT (object)' failed

(process:1764): indicator-sound-WARNING **: 11:42:54.080: accounts-service-access.vala:218: unable to sync volume 0.915126 to AccountsService: GDBus.Error:org.freedesktop.DBus.Error.InvalidArgs: No such interface 'com.ubuntu.AccountsService.Sound'

(process:1764): indicator-sound-WARNING **: 11:42:55.667: accounts-service-access.vala:218: unable to sync volume 1.067627 to AccountsService: GDBus.Error:org.freedesktop.DBus.Error.InvalidArgs: No such interface 'com.ubuntu.AccountsService.Sound'
Gtk-Message: 11:43:41.880: GtkDialog mapped without a transient parent. This is discouraged.
Gtk-Message: 11:43:46.259: GtkDialog mapped without a transient parent. This is discouraged.

(mate-session:1411): Gtk-WARNING **: 11:43:46.342: gtk_window_set_titlebar() called on a realized window
Gtk-Message: 11:43:46.398: GtkDialog mapped without a transient parent. This is discouraged.
Window manager warning: CurrentTime used to choose focus window; focus window may not be correct.
Window manager warning: Got a request to focus the no_focus_window with a timestamp of 0. This shouldn't happen!
IPDL protocol error: Handler returned error code!

###!!! [Parent][DispatchAsyncMessage] Error: PLayerTransaction::Msg_ReleaseLayer Processing error: message was deserialized, but the handler returned false (indicating failure)

IPDL protocol error: Handler returned error code!

###!!! [Parent][DispatchAsyncMessage] Error: PLayerTransaction::Msg_ReleaseLayer Processing error: message was deserialized, but the handler returned false (indicating failure)

IPDL protocol error: Handler returned error code!

###!!! [Parent][DispatchAsyncMessage] Error: PLayerTransaction::Msg_ReleaseLayer Processing error: message was deserialized, but the handler returned false (indicating failure)

IPDL protocol error: Handler returned error code!

###!!! [Parent][DispatchAsyncMessage] Error: PLayerTransaction::Msg_ReleaseLayer Processing error: message was deserialized, but the handler returned false (indicating failure)

IPDL protocol error: Handler returned error code!

###!!! [Parent][DispatchAsyncMessage] Error: PLayerTransaction::Msg_ReleaseLayer Processing error: message was deserialized, but the handler returned false (indicating failure)

IPDL protocol error: Handler returned error code!

###!!! [Parent][DispatchAsyncMessage] Error: PLayerTransaction::Msg_ReleaseLayer Processing error: message was deserialized, but the handler returned false (indicating failure)

IPDL protocol error: Handler returned error code!

###!!! [Parent][DispatchAsyncMessage] Error: PLayerTransaction::Msg_ReleaseLayer Processing error: message was deserialized, but the handler returned false (indicating failure)

(firefox:2223): GLib-GObject-WARNING **: 11:44:02.043: invalid (NULL) pointer instance

(firefox:2223): GLib-GObject-CRITICAL **: 11:44:02.044: g_signal_handler_disconnect: assertion 'G_TYPE_CHECK_INSTANCE (instance)' failed

(firefox:2223): GLib-GObject-WARNING **: 11:44:02.044: invalid (NULL) pointer instance

(firefox:2223): GLib-GObject-CRITICAL **: 11:44:02.047: g_signal_handler_disconnect: assertion 'G_TYPE_CHECK_INSTANCE (instance)' failed
Gdk-Message: 11:44:02.179: mate-screensaver: Fatal IO error 11 (Resource temporarily unavailable) on X server :0.

Gdk-Message: 11:44:02.187: firefox: Fatal IO error 25 (Inappropriate ioctl for device) on X server :0.

Gdk-Message: 11:44:02.181: /home/fredex/Downloads/firefox/firefox/firefox-bin: Fatal IO error 11 (Resource temporarily unavailable) on X server :0.

Gdk-Message: 11:44:02.240: mate-maximus: Fatal IO error 11 (Resource temporarily unavailable) on X server :0.

Gdk-Message: 11:44:02.223: update-notifier: Fatal IO error 11 (Resource temporarily unavailable) on X server :0.

Gdk-Message: 11:44:02.410: blueman-applet: Fatal IO error 11 (Resource temporarily unavailable) on X server :0.

Gdk-Message: 11:44:02.460: nm-applet: Fatal IO error 11 (Resource temporarily unavailable) on X server :0.

Exiting due to channel error.
Exiting due to channel error.
Exiting due to channel error.
Exiting due to channel error.
Exiting due to channel error.
Sandbox: Unexpected EOF, op 2 flags 00 path /etc/localtime
Gdk-Message: 15:44:02.205: /home/fredex/Downloads/firefox/firefox/firefox-bin: Fatal IO error 11 (Resource temporarily unavailable) on X server :0.

Sandbox: Unexpected EOF, op 0 flags 02000000 path /etc/localtime
Gdk-Message: 15:44:02.444: /home/fredex/Downloads/firefox/firefox/firefox-bin: Fatal IO error 11 (Resource temporarily unavailable) on X server :0.

Sandbox: Unexpected EOF, op 2 flags 00 path /etc/localtime
Gdk-Message: 15:44:02.431: /home/fredex/Downloads/firefox/firefox/firefox-bin: Fatal IO error 11 (Resource temporarily unavailable) on X server :0.

First off, thanks for the data there.

Second, when I first wrote this post here I went off on a tangent about PulseAudio and stuff. But your error dump there contained a golden line of output:

(process:1764): indicator-sound-WARNING **: 14:10:26.667: accounts-service-access.vala:218: unable to sync volume 0.610062 to AccountsService: GDBus.Error:org.freedesktop.DBus.Error.InvalidArgs: No such interface 'com.ubuntu.AccountsService.Sound'

I just looked the issue up. Something similar was reported on Launchpad affecting Ubuntu 16.04 and seems to also affect all versions through 18.04:
https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/pulseaudio/+bug/1585084

According to several sources, comment #20 in that Launchpad bug report contains a workaround for this issue which some have reported to work. To cut to the chase, comment #20 involves installing extra software and remapping the headphone jack on the system to the "null device", somehow. Either way, if you're going to install software like that, I'd suggest you update the packages you have on 18.04 to their latest versions with a quick:

sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get dist-upgrade

...just to see if the problem goes away suddenly. If that doesn't work, try comment #20.

Gordon, thanks for the quick response. I've just done the update/dist-upgrade thing, am about to reboot.

regarding the workaround in comment 20, it sounds as if it stops the headphone jack from working??

Fred

  1. Were there any updates to be installed?

  2. Keep me posted on this applet failing, please.

  3. Unfortunately, I suspect comment 20 does indeed make the headphone jack stop working.

If this really bugs you and the upgrade didn't fix it, I'd suggest you try 20.04 on a live medium for a few hours / days / whatever it takes and see if 20.04 solved the bug finally. I haven't seen any activity on that bug report I pointed you to since February (2020).

I did the steps you suggested, and there were updates. I do run updates occasionally, maybe anywhere from weekly to monthly, when I think of it, so it shouldn't have been too far behind. certainly I've done so more than once since the problem began. it hasn't failed (yet) since the updates, but it's fickle that way.

One thing that just came to mind: I don't think it failed BEFORE I added the icon for screen settings to the top pane., but certainly has since.

Re 20.04, I saw an online page, back when 20.04 was released, or soon thereafter on how to upgrade an existing 18.04 sysem to 20.04. tried it, and it installed a bunch of packages, failed with some error or other (don't recall which, sorry) and it still reports itself as 18.04.

subsequently I saw another online article indicating that Ubuntu Mate as well as some of the other variants are not ready to upgrade. haven't tried it in a while, maybe it's time to go back and do so.

actually it wasn't this machine I ran that on, but a VM (in VirtualBox) that runs on top of my Centos main desktop.

Thanks for the support!

Fred

Well Fred, keep me posted. I'll continue to monitor this thread.