How to Reset Ubuntu/Gnome Settings to Defaults without Re-installing

Playing around with Ubuntu/Gnome, trying different themes, different engines, different window managersand other settings could mess up your Gnome settings. Here's how to reset the GNOME settings to it's default state.

1. Switch to a terminal (TTY1-TTY6) by pressing Alt+Ctrl+F#.
2. Login with your username and password
3. Run the following command:

killall gconfd-2
rm -r ~/.gconf/apps/panel
killall gnome-panel

4. Switch back to TTY7 by pressing Alt+Ctrl+F7

Done!