ssh -X (-Y) not working

[Bob McClure Jr]

On Tue, Sep 23, 2008 at 01:06:37PM -0600, Karl Pearson wrote:
> I like remote managing my server using ssh -X or ssh -Y and then running 
> gui apps sometimes.
> 
> I've check workstation and server X11Forwarding yes and then restarted 
> sshd so don't know where else to go.
> 
> I've checked the logs and there's nothing about it. The error I get is:
> 
> [root at mail root]# system-config-printer
> system-config-printer: could not open display
> This is a graphical application and requires DISPLAY to be set.
> 
> or:
> 
> [karlp at mail ~/]$ xterm
> xterm Xt error: Can't open display:
> xterm: DISPLAY is not set
> 
> Of course, the obvious is to set $DISPLAY, which doesn't work either.

Well, no, it needs to be set by sshd.  If you "ssh -X host.onthe.net",
when you get a shell prompt, you should be able to

$ echo $DISPLAY
localhost:10.0

in the usual case.  Any problems should be evident in
/var/log/messages or /var/log/secure.

Check also your ~/.Xauthority file on the distant server.  Permissions
should be something like mine:

-rw------- 1 bob users 532 Sep 23 15:09 .Xauthority

You might try deleting it, then exit, and "ssh -X" in again.  It
should mention something about creating it.

> I've seen blogs, threads and other stuff all over the net and everything 
> says, enable X11Forwarding. I've done this for years and have never had 
> that not work. Using -X or -Y should even countermand that setting if it's 
> off, right?
> 
> Any ideas where to go next?
> 
> ---
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>   _/ _/       _/      _/           ......................
>  _/   _/ arl _/_/_/  _/ earson    KarlP at ourldsfamily.com
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> http://consulting.ourldsfamily.com
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Cheers,
-- 
Bob McClure, Jr.             Bobcat Open Systems, Inc.
bob at bobcatos.com             http://www.bobcatos.com
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so
you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my
disciples, if you love one another."  John 13:34-35 (NIV)