lots of hermes-3 messages getting dropped.
i did this with real chatgpt, i forgot i could try telling another model to
pretend to be chatgpt
chatgpt make signal work right now
https://chatgpt.com/share/675a7629-fe7c-800e-8791-8814cffcb28e
{
"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 âElectron glibc 2.17â 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": "Letâs walk through the Flatpak Debugging and Downgrade approach
since itâs likely the fastest way to get Signal running again without
rebuilding Electron.\n\n### Step 1: Debug the Current Flatpak\n\nWeâll
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, youâll 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 doesnât 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 wonât 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 doesnât 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. Letâs 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 Signalâs 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 Signalâs 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 youâve 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 Signalâs files are meant to be
performed inside the Flatpak shell, as thatâs where youâre troubleshooting
the environment Signal is running in.\n\nHereâs 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 sandboxâs 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 wonât 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
youâre debugging the sandbox or inspecting the host setup. If youâre
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 itâs stable, youâre 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 itâs 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 youâd like
to dive deeper into the root cause! ð\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. Letâs figure out whatâs
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. Hereâs 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 welcomeâwell done getting Signal up and running so
quickly! ð 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, donât hesitate
to ask. Enjoy using Signal on your system! ð\n\n4o"
}
]
}
