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Forum Discussion
Ubuntu headless install not working
I'm trying to do the Linux headless install as described at https://www.dropbox.com/install on an Ubuntu 16.04 workstation. It works until I get to the point in the instructions that say "If you're...
Assuming that this is not caused by an antivirus, firewall or VPN/proxy setting on this specific machine, I'll need to ask: have you downloaded the Python script from that page as well tn3?
If possible, could you change your default browser and try again too?
PS: For a list of all the system requirements take a look below:
https://www.dropbox.com/help/desktop-web/system-requirements
Ok... I will try explain in more details.
In Linux (unlike Mac and Windows) graphical shell doesn't "stick" to the place where particular program runs. One program can run on machine (real or virtual) where graphics isn't available, but program widow can come up on another machine where X interface is supported (either native - Linux, or emulated), if the interface is redirected. Something similar seems happens in your case. For example, X redirection in 'ssh' command could be achieved using '-X' option. In some graphical terminal emulators is a checkbox for same reason. Anyway, when local graphics is available or X interface is redirected, corresponding session is graphical, otherwise session is clear console. Seems you have used a redirection for your initial session. I have not any idea why browser doesn't bring up, but one possibility would be missing browser installation on the Linux. If so, you can install Firefox, for example, using:
sudo apt-get install firefox
About 'ssh' command: As I mentioned above already, to redirect X interface '-X' option is need. When this option gets miss, newly created session is clear terminal session and Dropbox application doesn't try any browser, but print the link as a console output. That's it. :wink:
Hope this casts some light. :slight_smile:
PS: Something else! You don't actually run headless Linux! As I'm reading your above post (before the last) seems your install is graphical. So you incorrectly "titled" it as headless. Probably you didn't set a default browser.
Again, you have been very helpful. It appears that I have a default browser already, but if I click on a .html file in the Files app (on my Linux instance), it challenges me to enter a password to "Unlock keyring". My Linux account password, which is also my Chrome passphrase, seems to work. Perhaps Dropbox was failing to pop up the login web page because it reached this challenge and silently failed on it. Once I've entered my password, then clicking on other .html files immediately bring them up on my Chrome browser (in the Linux instance).
-Marc Levoy
Distinguished Engineer
Google
