title: Python/IPython ImportError: no module named site
body: <p>I had <code>python 2.7.3</code> and <code>ipython 1.2</code> up and running correctly on my <code>Linux</code> system (<code>ubuntu 12.04</code>) but was trying to install an updated version of matplotlab needed for coursework.</p>
  
  <p>After running this code line in the terminal </p>
  
  <pre><code>user$ sudo easy_install -U distribute
  user$ export PYTHONHOME=/usr/lib/python2.7/
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>now every time I try and run <code>python</code> or <code>ipython</code> I get the error message </p>
  
  <pre><code>ImportError: no module named site
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>how do I reverse/fix this problem?? I'm so lost. I looked at other similar issues, but no one else used <code>Linux</code> and I'm not sure what to do. </p>