[xubuntu-users] can't get past login

[lefty]

18.10  / and /HOME are separate on a SSD

Could not start a safe session.... whether installed version OR fresh OS 
install, with existing or just created user. Got rid of this issue and 
now I get to graphic log in, put in pw, then it takes me right back to 
graphic login.

I've done a lot of searching and playing about.
Most of it seems to revolve around purging and reinstalling DMs, playing 
with permissions, deleting hidden files in HOME. Also reinstalled xfce4 
and installed a few others. Same result. Can't get past the prompt. All 
passwords are accurate - no problems at CLI. Both of these are common 
issues, but none of the solutions worked for me.

Booted into Rescue and startxfce4 brought up a ROOT gui.


Ctl-Alt-F1 to CLI

.xsession-errors stops with this error:
/bin/sh: 0: Can't open /etc/xda/xfce4/initrc

[the file is ROOT:ROOT, 744 if that matters]






Suggestions greatly appreciated.