I installed unity, used for a while. Then i installed gnome-shell, used it for a while. Now decided to switch back to standard. Gnome is not working the way it use to be. I am using T61 with nvidia-latest drivers. Following issues...

1. Window borders are not showing. Installed compiz settings, and re-check window decorations option.
2. I had to re-install nvidia driver, as when I tried to apply normal visual effects, it said no display driver found.
3. Gnome panel is not coming, and mouse pointer is a "cross" than a "arrow". I then opened a terminal and enter gnome-panel. Panel came and window borders came back.
4. Nothing is showing on desktop, and the right click is also not populating the menu.
5. When i loging, an error message saying, docky did not start and it requires compiz to work. After starting gnome-panel from terminal, i went to system>preferences>Appearance. And selected normal visual effects. It activated, i selected keep the settings.

Now when i restart or re-login, everything is gone. I have to run gnome-panel manually, and then re-enable visual setting. Ofcourse i can add gnome-panel in startup applications, but i want to know what has installing unity/gnome-shell has done, that these setting are messed up.

I manually removed mutter, as Appearance application was showing mutter installed, cant enable effects. What shall i do to get back a standard gnome-desktop back.