KDE-Forum.org

I am having a similar problem with kdesu.

When I try to run KPPP under a user profile I get the message: "KDEInit could not launch kdesu".

Then, I can't launch any of the other applications (Mozilla, KMail, etc). The only choice I have is to click back on the KPPP icon (running in the panel) and interrupt the connection. It is when I get the error message.

I am using RedHat 9.0.

If you can't launch applications during a kppp-session then kppp probably changes your hostname during the connection. You can check this in settings->tab accounts->edit->tab IP and look if the option set hostname automaticly on this ip-adres (or similar message, i'm using the Dutch version )
Unselect this option.

(because kppp changes the hostname into something else then the one your logged into, X Windows does not allow you to start any new x-connections (new applications), since it only accepts connections from the new hostname)

Thank you Rinse, but the option "Auto-configure hostname from this IP" was unchecked.

I believe it is a Linux security issue but I don't know what yet.

If your start applications from the commandline,
What error does Bash give?

Rinse

I have 3 different situations, but in all cases I can access to the Internet (The answer to your question is in point #3).

1) When I just click on the KPPP icon (either from my desktop or task bar)

In this case, as soon as I am connected, I cannot click on any other icon of my desktop. Nothing happen. I can only click on the icons displayed in the task bar. Because that, I placed the icon of my web browser there (same for my mail client).

Then, when I stop KPPP, I get the error message "KDEInit could not launch kdesu".


2) When I run the command "kdesu kppp" (Alt+F2)

No problem in this case everything works and no error message.


3) When I run KPPP from a terminal session (Command line)

No problem either.

Here is the log:

______________________
Opener: received SetSecret
Opener: received OpenLock

Opener: received OpenDevice
Opener: received ExecPPPDaemon
In parent: pppd pid 4801
Couldn't find interface ppp0: No such device
Kernel supports ppp alright.
Opener: received OpenResolv
Opener: received OpenResolv
Opener: received OpenResolv
Opener: received RemoveSecret
Opener: received RemoveSecret
______________________

Quoted

Original von linuxway

I have 3 different situations, but in all cases I can access to the Internet (The answer to your question is in point #3).

1) When I just click on the KPPP icon (either from my desktop or task bar)

In this case, as soon as I am connected, I cannot click on any other icon of my desktop. Nothing happen. I can only click on the icons displayed in the task bar. Because that, I placed the icon of my web browser there (same for my mail client).

OK, but can you start apps using the commandline in this case?
(like starting konqueror in xterm or konsole)

Rinse

Yes.

I can start kppp from a command line (xterm or konsole), it works fine. Don't get any error and then I can click on any icon of my desktop.

Here is a recap.

It works when I am using these 3 tools and I type the command,
- xterm: kppp
- konsole: kppp
- kdesktop: kdesu kppp

I have the problem when,
- I use kdesktop and I just type "kppp"
- Or when I click on the kppp icon

It sounds like KDE doesn't allow me to run kppp if I am not identified as root. In all cases, as a user, I need to type my root password before to get the kppp window, where I can click on "Connect".

When I am logged as root everything goes smoothly.

Thanks.

First, check with kmenuedit if the icon of kppp uses an extra option wich explains the fact that you need to be root to use kppp

Next, do [chmod +s path/to/kppp[/b] as root to allow kppp to open your modem.

Third, when kppp has made connection with internet, check if you can still open application (kmail, kword, kcalc, whatever...) as user from the commandline (e.g. in xterm/konsole)

Rinse

Thank you for trying to help me to solve this issue.

I followed your instructions but now I get the message "KDEInit could not launch kdesu" right when I click on the KPPP icon instead of after stopping KPPP.

This solution has been provided by David, from another forum.

It does not work because /usr/bin/kppp was linked to consolehelper.

Please removed /usr/bin/kppp, and set up a link to /usr/sbin/kppp.
1.  rm /usr/bin/kppp
2.  ln -s /usr/sbin/kppp /usr/bin/kppp
3.  chmod /usr/sbin/kppp 4711

It worked in my case. I hope it will help others.

Apperently this is a very common problem.
This topic uses the same solution

http://www.kde-forum.org/viewtopic.php?t=725