Thanks for listening.

I just downloaded and installed linuxcnc-stretch-uspace-amd64-r5.iso from www.linuxcnc.org/testing-stretch-amd64-rtpreempt
And it worked liked a charm, I didn't get the option to set a root password, saving my previous confusion.
I did forget to set a root password until I needed it but that is my stupidity.

It is still too bloated for my liking and I still need to add repositories to obtain my preferred apps, not an issue, just a pain.
Thing I need to remember is once I have done this don't update because it breaks uspace.

Getting there and thanks again for the link and trouble you are taking.

Before anyone questions "Thing I need to remember is once I have done this don't update because it breaks uspace"

it installs linuxcnc-uspace (1:2.8.0~pre1.3215.gf53ece1) over (1:2.7.9.23.gd3715ed2f).
Then I get this.



Yep I forgot and upgraded, unfortunately some of the stuff I use means I need to

Is there a particular reason for choosing the xfce desktop?
It would be good to have a choice when installing as with the normal net install.
A personal preference only, for no other reason.