Recover deleted files/packages on Debian Etch

[rosolem]

Hi, I am a new LINUX user and I have installed Debian Etch on my desktop. I was trying to install the libxxf86vm1 package (apt-get install libxxf86vm1) for a program I was going to test and it didn't work. So, I decided to remove (apt-get remove libxxf86vm1). I guess when I removed this package I have also removed some important packages on my computer. In the beginning I was not able to start the X display. A friend of mine (who knows more than I) started to use the dpkg and tried to see what packages I had removed (dpkg -l "*" | grep ^r). We have managed to reinstall most of gnome files and therefore I was able to open X display again. However, it does not seem to be properly working. My desktop does not allow me to right-click my mouse in order to show me the options (such as Create Folder, Add something on it, etc). I have not lost my Dekstop files though, because I still can see it on my home directory.

In summary, is there anyway I can reinstall or recover the packages/files I have deleted without the need of starting over and reinstalling everything (which means that I will need to format my HD)?

Thank you very much in advance!

Rafael

[Vergil83]

You could install gnome-desktop-environment It will install everything you need for gnome.

[rosolem]

Hi, it's me again. I tried to reinstall gnome-desktop-environment, but it seems that something else is missing. First, it said that the package had already been installed. I reinstalled it anyway. I am able to see the Greetings screen. After I type my name and password, it takes me to the gnome environment. The top and bottom menus/buttons are working fine, but nothing appears on my desktop. All the folders/icons I used to have on my Desktop are gone. They have not been deleted because I can find them on my /home/rafael/Desktop folder. It seems that somehow, the computer is not loading my Desktop folder and its proper configuration. What should I do?

Thanks

R

[Vergil83]

you might try deleting the folder where your setting are saved (.gconf) (this will deleting all settings though)