Bug 506770

Summary: In Tools>Start root mode krusader, it asks for a password, then displays error: Conversation with su failed
Product: [Applications] krusader Reporter: muh2lintech
Component: generalAssignee: Krusader Bugs Distribution List <krusader-bugs-null>
Status: REPORTED ---    
Severity: normal CC: krusader-bugs-null
Priority: NOR    
Version First Reported In: 2.8.1   
Target Milestone: ---   
Platform: Mint (Ubuntu based)   
OS: Linux   
Latest Commit: Version Fixed/Implemented In:
Sentry Crash Report:
Attachments: error window

Description muh2lintech 2025-07-08 18:15:16 UTC
Created attachment 183062 [details]
error window

1) When I am running regular usermode krusader, and I click Tools>Start root mode krusader, it asks for a password. I enter it, then krusader displays an error: 

Conversation with su failed.

 (see attachment)

2) If I click Ignore, the error window disappears.
3) If I click OK, nothing happens. The error window stays visible. If I keep hitting OK, the error window eventually disappears.
4) Then, I tried again. This time, strangely, when I hit OK, the root mode krusader started up. This is rare. Usually the first result takes place. 
5) I conducted a further experiment. In root mode krusader, I clicked Tools>Start root mode krusader. A window appeared with a warning about how improper operations in root mode can damage your operating system, etc. with Cancel and Continue buttons. I clicked Continue, and another root mode krusader window appeared, as expected.
6) I'm surprised that the warning did not appear after step 4.

I have noticed that krusader uses kdesu instead of sudo. I have encountered this exact problem before, with another app that uses kdesu. I just wish I could remember which one it is.

I created a workaround with useractions. The command is ssh-askpass | sudo -S krusader -qwindowtitle. I put an icon for this in the toolbar. However, I would like to correct the original problem in the first place, because, using my workaround, when I invoke the root mode krusader, the root mode window's panels don't reflect the panels in the usermode window that invoked it, which sucks because I then have to set that up manually every time. 

Is it possible to modify krusader in such a way as to switch from kdesu to sudo internally?

I am running:
  Kernel: 6.8.0-63-generic arch: x86_64 bits: 64 compiler: gcc v: 13.3.0 clocksource: tsc
  Desktop: Cinnamon v: 6.4.8 tk: GTK v: 3.24.41 wm: Muffin v: 6.4.1 vt: 7 dm: LightDM v: 1.30.0
    Distro: Linux Mint 22.1 Xia base: Ubuntu 24.04 noble

krusader 2.8.1