6 down vote accepted install these packages # apt-get install gnome-panel gnome-settings-daemon metacity nautilus gnome-terminal and use this xstartup file #!/bin/sh export XKL_XMODMAP_DISABLE=1 unset SESSION_MANAGER unset DBUS_SESSION_BUS_ADDRESS [ -x /etc/vnc/xstartup ] && exec /etc/vnc/xstartup [ -r $HOME/.Xresources ] && xrdb $HOME/.Xresources xsetroot -solid grey vncconfig -iconic & gnome-panel & gnome-settings-daemon & metacity & nautilus & gnome-terminal &