This is because "-3" is parsed as an option to the command. You can use "--" to signify the end of the options and pass "-3" properly like so:
gconftool-2 -t int -s /app/myvalue -- -3 ** Package changed: gconf2 (Ubuntu) => gconf (Ubuntu) ** Changed in: gconf (Ubuntu) Status: New => Invalid -- You received this bug notification because you are a member of Ubuntu Desktop Bugs, which is subscribed to gconf in Ubuntu. https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/1263671 Title: gconftool-2 does not accept negative values with --set To manage notifications about this bug go to: https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/gconf/+bug/1263671/+subscriptions -- desktop-bugs mailing list desktop-bugs@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/desktop-bugs