{
  "timestamp": "2024-12-12T05:47:46.517Z",
  "conversation": [
    {
      "r": "user",
      "t": "how do i make signal run on my rhel7 glibc 2.17 system in only 1 hour? i updated it with flatpak and now it crashes when launched. i got the source and got the unofficial build of nodejs for glibc 2.17 but i haven't found a release of electron for glibc 2.17 . i'm presently trying to build electron on my microsd card but i don't think it will finish in time. i could maybe try moving files off my nvme disk to build electron faster, although it still seems like a huge build."
    },
    {
      "r": "assistant",
      "t": "Running Signal on an older system like RHEL7 with glibc 2.17 is challenging due to the dependency on modern versions of Node.js and Electron, which are often compiled against newer glibc versions. Here are some ways to tackle this issue in under an hour:\n\n### 1. Use Precompiled Electron Binaries for Older Systems\n\nCheck for unofficial Electron builds that target glibc 2.17. Precompiled binaries might exist in community repositories or forums (e.g., GitHub or specialized Linux forums).\n\n#### Steps:\n\nSearch GitHub or other resources for ���Electron glibc 2.17��� or similar.Replace the Electron binary in the Signal source directory with this older binary.Repackage and test the application.### 2. Use a Chroot or Container\n\nCreate an environment with a newer glibc version using a container or chroot.\n\n#### Steps:\n\nSet up a newer distribution like Fedora or Ubuntu in a chroot or container.Install Node.js and Electron in this environment.Build and run Signal inside the chroot or container.Tools: chroot, systemd-nspawn, or lightweight container tools like podman.\n\n### 3. Use Flatpak Debugging\n\nSince Signal worked before your Flatpak update, investigate why the updated Flatpak fails.\n\n#### Steps:\n\nRun flatpak run --command=sh org.signal.Signal to access the Flatpak shell.Use debugging tools (ldd, strace) to pinpoint the crash.Downgrade the Signal Flatpak:Search for a previous version on Flathub GitHub.Use flatpak update --commit=<COMMIT_HASH> to roll back.### 4. Speed Up Electron Build\n\nIf you decide to proceed with building Electron, optimize your system for faster compilation:\n\n#### Steps:\n\nMove temporary build directories to NVMe:\n\nUse --tmpdir=/path/to/nvme or set TMPDIR to your NVMe drive.Symlink heavy directories (node_modules, out) to the NVMe.Increase parallelism:\n\nUse -j$(nproc) with make or equivalent to utilize all CPU cores.Disable unnecessary components:\n\nPass flags like --disable-tests or --disable-debug to the Electron build scripts to skip building unnecessary parts.### 5. Alternative Electron Versions\n\nLook for Electron versions that are pre-built for older systems and patch Signal to work with these versions:\n\nDownload older Electron binaries that support glibc 2.17.Replace the electron executable in your Signal directory.Modify the electron-builder configuration to use this version.### 6. Offload the Build\n\nIf building locally is slow, use a remote build system or a service like GitHub Actions, Azure Pipelines, or another machine with a newer and faster environment.\n\n#### Steps:\n\nSet up the build process on the remote system.Transfer the resulting binary or Electron package back to your RHEL7 machine.### Recommendation\n\nIf you're short on time, the container approach or downgrading the Flatpak is likely your best bet. These avoid the long build times and complicated dependency issues inherent to your current setup.\n\n4o"
    },
    {
      "r": "user",
      "t": "can you walk me through one of the approaches? i'm used to the CLI"
    },
    {
      "r": "assistant",
      "t": "Let���s walk through the Flatpak Debugging and Downgrade approach since it���s likely the fastest way to get Signal running again without rebuilding Electron.\n\n### Step 1: Debug the Current Flatpak\n\nWe���ll inspect why the updated Flatpak crashes.\n\nOpen the Flatpak shell:\n\n```\nbash\nCopy code\nflatpak run --command=sh org.signal.Signal\n\n```\nThis drops you into a shell inside the Flatpak sandbox.\n\nRun the Signal binary manually:\n\n```\nbash\nCopy code\n./app/signal-desktop\n\n```\nIf it crashes, you���ll see error messages or a stack trace.\n\nCheck for missing libraries: Use ldd to inspect dependencies:\n\n```\nbash\nCopy code\nldd ./app/signal-desktop\n\n```\nLook for any not found errors. These indicate missing libraries.\n\nTrace the crash: Run with strace (if available) to see where the crash occurs:\n\n```\nbash\nCopy code\nstrace ./app/signal-desktop\n\n```\nThis can reveal permission issues, missing files, or library mismatches.\n\n### Step 2: Downgrade the Flatpak\n\nIf debugging doesn���t yield an easy fix, you can roll back to a previous version of the Flatpak.\n\nList available commits:\n\n```\nbash\nCopy code\nflatpak remote-info --log flathub org.signal.Signal\n\n```\nThis shows the commit history. Look for a commit before your update.\n\nRevert to an older commit: Use the commit hash from the previous step:\n\n```\nbash\nCopy code\nflatpak update --commit=<COMMIT_HASH> org.signal.Signal\n\n```\nReplace <COMMIT_HASH> with the desired hash.\n\nTest the downgraded Flatpak: Run Signal as usual:\n\n```\nbash\nCopy code\nflatpak run org.signal.Signal\n\n```\n### Step 3: Lock the Version\n\nTo prevent auto-updating to the newer, crashing version:\n\nMask updates for Signal:\n\n```\nbash\nCopy code\nflatpak mask org.signal.Signal\n\n```\nVerify that updates won���t apply:\n\n```\nbash\nCopy code\nflatpak list --updates\n\n```\nSignal should no longer appear in the list of pending updates.\n\n### Tips\n\nIf this doesn���t solve the issue, you can also combine this approach with a container or chroot environment as a fallback. Let me know if you want help with those steps.\n\n4o"
    },
    {
      "r": "user",
      "t": "I'm on step 1. ./app doesn't appear to exist -- dropping into the shell didn't change my cwd. where do i go?"
    },
    {
      "r": "assistant",
      "t": "The working directory in the Flatpak shell might not be where the Signal app is located. Let���s find the location of Signal's files within the Flatpak environment.\n\n### Find the Signal App Path\n\nInspect the installation location: Run this command to find where Signal���s files are stored in the Flatpak environment:\n\n```\nbash\nCopy code\nflatpak info org.signal.Signal\n\n```\nLook for the Location field in the output. It typically points to something like:\n\n```\nbash\nCopy code\n/var/lib/flatpak/app/org.signal.Signal/x86_64/stable/<version>/\n\n```\nNavigate to the application files: Use cd to move into the application directory. For example:\n\n```\nbash\nCopy code\ncd /var/lib/flatpak/app/org.signal.Signal/x86_64/stable/<version>/files\n\n```\nReplace <version> with the version number you see.\n\nLocate the binary: Inside the files directory, you should find Signal���s binary. It is often in bin/, app/, or usr/bin/. Use:\n\n```\nbash\nCopy code\nfind . -type f -name \"signal-desktop\"\n\n```\nThis command will show you the full path to the Signal executable.\n\n### Run Signal\n\nOnce you���ve found the binary (e.g., ./usr/bin/signal-desktop), execute it:\n\n```\nbash\nCopy code\n./usr/bin/signal-desktop\n\n```\nIf it crashes, collect the error messages for further debugging.\n\n### Next Steps\n\nLet me know what the directory structure looks like or what error you encounter during this step. We can proceed based on that information.\n\n4o"
    },
    {
      "r": "user",
      "t": "is this inside or outside the shell"
    },
    {
      "r": "assistant",
      "t": "The steps I outlined for locating Signal���s files are meant to be performed inside the Flatpak shell, as that���s where you���re troubleshooting the environment Signal is running in.\n\nHere���s a clearer breakdown:\n\n### Inside the Flatpak Shell\n\nLaunch the shell:\n\n```\nbash\nCopy code\nflatpak run --command=sh org.signal.Signal\n\n```\nCheck the current directory: When you drop into the shell, you might be in the Flatpak sandbox���s root (/). Confirm your location with:\n\n```\nbash\nCopy code\npwd\n\n```\nIf necessary, navigate to the app files based on where Signal is installed.\n\nFind Signal's executable: Use:\n\n```\nbash\nCopy code\nfind / -type f -name \"signal-desktop\" 2>/dev/null\n\n```\nThis searches for the Signal binary across the Flatpak's filesystem. Common paths include:\n\n/app/bin/signal-desktop/app/usr/bin/signal-desktopRun the executable: Once you locate the binary, execute it directly:\n\n```\nbash\nCopy code\n/app/usr/bin/signal-desktop\n\n```\nAdjust the path based on where the binary is found.\n\n### Outside the Shell\n\nIf you prefer working outside the shell, the approach is similar, but you won���t have access to the sandboxed environment.\n\nLocate the Signal installation directory: Run:\n\n```\nbash\nCopy code\nflatpak info org.signal.Signal\n\n```\nCheck the Location field for the installation path.\n\nExplore the directory: Navigate to the path reported by flatpak info:\n\n```\nbash\nCopy code\ncd /var/lib/flatpak/app/org.signal.Signal/x86_64/stable/<version>/files\n\n```\nInspect files: Check for the binary location within the files directory using:\n\n```\nbash\nCopy code\nfind . -type f -name \"signal-desktop\"\n\n```\nWhich environment you use depends on whether you���re debugging the sandbox or inspecting the host setup. If you���re unsure, working inside the Flatpak shell is better for debugging sandboxed issues. Let me know if you hit any obstacles!\n\n4o"
    },
    {
      "r": "user",
      "t": "sh-5.2$ DISPLAY=:0 /app/bin/signal-desktop\nDebug: Using password store: basic\nDebug: Will run signal with the following arguments: --password-store=basic\nDebug: Additionally, user gave: \n[17 zypak-helper] Failed to connect to session bus: [org.freedesktop.DBus.Error.Spawn.ExecFailed] /usr/bin/dbus-launch terminated abnormally without any error message\n[17 zypak-helper] src/helper/main.cc:42(DetermineZygoteStrategy): Assertion failed: bus\nAborted (core dumped)"
    },
    {
      "r": "assistant",
      "t": "The error suggests that Signal's Flatpak is trying to use the D-Bus session bus but cannot connect, leading to a failure in launching. The zypak-helper is part of Flatpak's runtime and is responsible for managing processes in sandboxed applications. Here's how to address it:\n\n### Steps to Fix the Error\n\n#### 1. Ensure D-Bus is Running\n\nMake sure a D-Bus session bus is active on your system.\n\nCheck if dbus-daemon is running:```\nbash\nCopy code\nps aux | grep dbus\n\n```\nIf not, start a new session bus:```\nbash\nCopy code\neval $(dbus-launch)\nexport DBUS_SESSION_BUS_ADDRESS\n\n```\n#### 2. Run Signal with Correct Environment Variables\n\nEnsure Signal can find the D-Bus session. Re-run Signal with these variables set inside the Flatpak shell:\n\n```\nbash\nCopy code\nDISPLAY=:0\nDBUS_SESSION_BUS_ADDRESS=$(dbus-daemon --session --fork --print-address --print-pid | head -n1)\nexport DISPLAY DBUS_SESSION_BUS_ADDRESS\n/app/bin/signal-desktop\n\n```\n#### 3. Rebuild D-Bus Proxy (If Needed)\n\nThe Flatpak environment uses a D-Bus proxy for sandboxed apps. If the proxy is broken, Signal may not start.\n\nExit the Flatpak shell and rebuild the D-Bus proxy:```\nbash\nCopy code\nflatpak repair\n\n```\n#### 4. Update Flatpak and Signal\n\nThere could be a bug in your current version of Flatpak or the Signal Flatpak. Ensure you are running the latest version:\n\n```\nbash\nCopy code\nflatpak update\n\n```\n#### 5. Bypass D-Bus (Temporary Workaround)\n\nIf the above fails, bypass D-Bus by running Signal without its sandbox. Exit the Flatpak shell and use this command:\n\n```\nbash\nCopy code\nflatpak run --nosocket=system-bus --nosocket=session-bus org.signal.Signal\n\n```\nThis disables D-Bus access and may let Signal start, though some functionality (like notifications) might be impaired.\n\n#### 6. Investigate Further with Logs\n\nTo gather more information, check the full Flatpak logs:\n\n```\nbash\nCopy code\nflatpak run --verbose org.signal.Signal\n\n```\nThis might provide additional clues about why the zypak-helper is failing.\n\nLet me know which step works or if you need further guidance!\n\n4o"
    },
    {
      "r": "user",
      "t": "strangely, after running it a few times in a row to collect the error to paste here, it suddenly successfully launched !"
    },
    {
      "r": "assistant",
      "t": "That's both a pleasant surprise and a curious development! Sometimes, issues with sandboxed applications (like those running in Flatpak) can stem from transient problems, such as:\n\nRace Conditions: Resources like the D-Bus session might have been initialized improperly during earlier attempts but eventually aligned.Startup Artifacts: Repeated launches could have cleared temporary issues (e.g., cache corruption or incomplete initialization).Timing Issues: Services or dependencies might not have been ready during the first few launches but initialized correctly on subsequent tries.### Next Steps\n\nMonitor for Recurrence: Keep an eye on Signal's behavior to see if the issue happens again. If it���s stable, you���re likely good to go!\n\nCheck Logs for Clarity: If you want to understand what resolved the issue, inspect the logs from the successful launch:\n\n```\nbash\nCopy code\njournalctl -xe | grep signal-desktop\n\n```\nKeep Environment Consistent: Since it���s working now, take note of the steps you followed (e.g., the shell or display variables you used). Ensure the same conditions are present for future launches.\n\nBackup Configuration: If Signal starts consistently, back up its configuration or cache files in case of future issues:\n\n```\nbash\nCopy code\ntar -czvf signal-backup.tar.gz ~/.config/Signal\n\n```\nLet me know if the issue reappears or if you���d like to dive deeper into the root cause! ����\n\n4o"
    },
    {
      "r": "user",
      "t": "i have signal also installed with something other than flatpak ... whatever the alternative to flatpak is ... how do i uninstall that?"
    },
    {
      "r": "assistant",
      "t": "The alternative to Flatpak is likely a native package manager for your distribution, such as yum, dnf, or snap. Let���s figure out what���s installed and remove it:\n\n### 1. Identify the Installation Method\n\nRun the following checks to determine how Signal was installed:\n\n#### Using Native Package Managers (yum/dnf):\n\nCheck for Signal in the installed packages:\n\n```\nbash\nCopy code\nyum list installed | grep signal\n\n```\nor, if using dnf:\n\n```\nbash\nCopy code\ndnf list installed | grep signal\n\n```\nIf Signal is listed, uninstall it:\n\n```\nbash\nCopy code\nsudo yum remove signal-desktop\n\n```\nor:\n\n```\nbash\nCopy code\nsudo dnf remove signal-desktop\n\n```\n#### Using Snap:\n\nCheck if Signal is installed as a Snap package:\n\n```\nbash\nCopy code\nsnap list | grep signal\n\n```\nIf Signal appears, remove it:\n\n```\nbash\nCopy code\nsudo snap remove signal-desktop\n\n```\n#### Manually Installed:\n\nIf Signal was installed manually (e.g., from a .rpm or .deb package):\n\nCheck for the package:\n\n```\nbash\nCopy code\nrpm -qa | grep signal\n\n```\nIf found, remove it:\n\n```\nbash\nCopy code\nsudo rpm -e signal-desktop\n\n```\n### 2. Verify Removal\n\nAfter uninstalling, confirm that the binary is gone:\n\n```\nbash\nCopy code\nwhich signal-desktop\n\n```\nIf the command returns a path, the removal may not have been successful, or you might have multiple installations.\n\n### 3. Clean Up Configuration Files\n\nTo remove leftover configuration files:\n\n```\nbash\nCopy code\nrm -rf ~/.config/Signal\nrm -rf ~/.cache/Signal\n\n```\nLet me know if you encounter any issues during the process!\n\n4o"
    },
    {
      "r": "user",
      "t": "i uninstalled it from snap but it still shows two entries in my redhat gnome application menu"
    },
    {
      "r": "assistant",
      "t": "If Signal still appears in your GNOME application menu after uninstalling it, the entries are likely leftover .desktop files that were not removed during the uninstallation. Here���s how to clean them up:\n\n### 1. Locate the .desktop Files\n\nGNOME's application menu entries are defined by .desktop files. These files are usually located in one of these directories:\n\nSystem-wide entries:```\nbash\nCopy code\n/usr/share/applications/\n\n```\nUser-specific entries:```\nbash\nCopy code\n~/.local/share/applications/\n\n```\nSearch for Signal-related .desktop files in these directories:\n\n```\nbash\nCopy code\nfind /usr/share/applications ~/.local/share/applications -name \"*signal*\"\n\n```\n### 2. Remove the Signal .desktop Files\n\nOnce you find the relevant .desktop files, remove them. For example:\n\n```\nbash\nCopy code\nrm /usr/share/applications/signal-desktop.desktop\nrm ~/.local/share/applications/signal-desktop.desktop\n\n```\n### 3. Refresh GNOME Application Menu\n\nTo update the application menu after removing the files, either:\n\nLog out and log back in, orRun this command to refresh the menu without logging out:```\nbash\nCopy code\nupdate-desktop-database ~/.local/share/applications\nupdate-desktop-database /usr/share/applications\n\n```\n### 4. Verify Cleanup\n\nCheck if Signal still appears in the GNOME application menu. If it does, let me know so we can investigate further!\n\n4o"
    },
    {
      "r": "user",
      "t": "your command found only the system .desktop file but neither of the flatpak or snap files"
    },
    {
      "r": "assistant",
      "t": "If the search only found the system-wide .desktop file and neither the Flatpak nor Snap .desktop files, we can specifically target Flatpak and Snap directories to ensure nothing is missed.\n\n### Step 1: Locate Flatpak .desktop Files\n\nFlatpak typically stores its .desktop files in its sandboxed environment. Check the following directory:\n\n```\nbash\nCopy code\nfind ~/.local/share/flatpak/app -name \"*.desktop\"\n\n```\nFor a system-wide Flatpak installation, check:\n\n```\nbash\nCopy code\nfind /var/lib/flatpak/app -name \"*.desktop\"\n\n```\nIf you find a Signal-related .desktop file, remove it. For example:\n\n```\nbash\nCopy code\nrm ~/.local/share/flatpak/app/org.signal.Signal/current/active/export/share/applications/org.signal.Signal.desktop\n\n```\n### Step 2: Verify Snap Cleanup\n\nSnap stores its .desktop files under:\n\n```\nbash\nCopy code\n/var/lib/snapd/desktop/applications/\n\n```\nCheck for Signal-related entries:\n\n```\nbash\nCopy code\nls /var/lib/snapd/desktop/applications/ | grep signal\n\n```\nIf any exist, remove them:\n\n```\nbash\nCopy code\nsudo rm /var/lib/snapd/desktop/applications/signal-desktop*.desktop\n\n```\n### Step 3: Refresh Application Menu\n\nAfter removing any additional .desktop files, refresh the application menu:\n\n```\nbash\nCopy code\nupdate-desktop-database /usr/share/applications\nupdate-desktop-database ~/.local/share/applications\n\n```\n### Step 4: Double-Check with GNOME\n\nIf Signal still appears in the menu:\n\nClear the GNOME cache manually:\n\n```\nbash\nCopy code\nrm -rf ~/.cache/gnome-shell\n\n```\nRestart GNOME Shell (press Alt+F2, type r, and hit Enter).\n\nLet me know if Signal still appears in the application menu, and we can dig deeper!\n\n4o"
    },
    {
      "r": "user",
      "t": "looks like i had to click the broken one for it to disappear.\n\nsignal is launching on my glibc 2.17 system after only thirty minutes. thank you."
    },
    {
      "r": "assistant",
      "t": "You're very welcome���well done getting Signal up and running so quickly! ���� It's great to hear that the broken entry cleared itself after interacting with it, as GNOME sometimes needs a nudge to refresh.\n\nIf you run into any other quirks or need assistance with anything else, don���t hesitate to ask. Enjoy using Signal on your system! ����\n\n4o"
    }
  ]
}