That bug has been opened on https://launchpad.net/distros/ubuntu/+source/gnome-session/+bug/56457

"Trying to run a script at startup with the gnome-session-properties was not possible. It has to do with spaces in my directory names.

I have added it to the gnome-session-properties program in 'start program' tab (System > Preferences > Sessions > Startup Programs), but my script is not executed.

This will work: My script 'startup.sh' in my home directory, and adding "sh /home/jdo/startup.sh" to the list.

However, If I add this to the list: "sh /home/jdo/Scripts and Settings/Bash Scripts/startup.sh", the script is never executed.

I tried everything with double quotes, and backslashes before the spaces. Using the brows button, or typing it directly. There seems to be some kind of translation of the text after I click Ok. The result however never works.

Ubuntu: Dapper of 15 august 2006 with updates, upgraded from Breezy.
gnome-session or gnome-session2 ? : version 2.14.3-0ubuntu1
Kernel: K7

jdo
...


Workaround

The workaround is simple. Edit the file ~/.config/autostart/nice.desktop directly (the file might be called different when viewed with nautilus, like "No name").

Now everything is like normal and next lines with both work:
        sh "/home/jdo/Scripts and Settings/Bash Scripts/startup.sh"
        sh /home/jdo/Scripts\ and\ Settings/Bash\ Scripts/startup.sh

But I have to remember not to press the 'edit'-button on that line in the 'start program'-tab of the gnome-session-properties. The gnome-session-properties do indeed translate the text: all double and single quotes and backslashes are removed. And that is the problem.

jdo"