Can I delete the files in ~/Library/Preferences and have all preferences reset to factory default?

I have this folder inside my /Library folder called Preferences. I was wondering if I could delete all of the files inside this folder and have all of my preferences reset to the factory default?

First, why would you want to do this? I ask because all of the applications installed also have preference files. Some of the preference files store things like serial numbers. Some programs that use plugins that use serial numbers also store the serial numbers in the host program's preference file. RapidWeaver is an example of this.
So, If you deleted all of the files in your preference folder, you could have some major headaches for a while afterward.
If you are curious, there is a program called AppleJack that only runs in Single User mode. It can check preference files for you. There are several others available that cost money. AppleJack is a free open source application.
Hope this helps,
Craig

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your advice worked for me and saved me what ever evil lurked behind my thought to just delete the backup and get back my very lmited space on my 250GB Mackbook Pro using daisydisk pro https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/daisydisk/id411643860?mt=12
Why DaisyDisk?
DaisyDisk remains the tool of choice for film makers (including companies like Pixar), digital artists, IT professionals and hundreds of thousands of Mac users worldwide when it comes to disk space management. Constantly improving since its initial introduction, the app easily blows away competition in terms of speed, efficiency and user experience.
@wjostenMar 27, 2012 4:03 AM Re: Can I delete the files/folders in 'Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup'?
Re: Can I delete the files/folders in 'Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup'?in response to nickcrowney
Delete iOS backups this way: iTunes>Preferences>Devices...select the backup/backups...hit delete. Do not mess with your backup folder.

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Message was edited by: BigDealCam123

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Message was edited by: georgebrobinson
Message was edited by: georgebrobinson

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I have disk space problem on my database server , 98% of my partition disk is used...checking the files I see that in my udump diectory there is a new 3GB trace file created by Oracle ...my questiions are :
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Oracle Database 10g Enterprise Edition Release 10.2.0.1.0 - 64bit Production
With the Partitioning, OLAP and Data Mining options
ORACLE_HOME = /u01/app/oracle/oracle/product/10.2.0/aed01
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*** 2009-11-13 00:05:54.880
*** ACTION NAME:() 2009-11-13 00:05:54.490
*** MODULE NAME:(SQL*Plus) 2009-11-13 00:05:54.490
*** SERVICE NAME:(SYS$USERS) 2009-11-13 00:05:54.490
*** SESSION ID:(913.14607) 2009-11-13 00:05:54.478
*********START PLSQL RUNTIME DUMP************
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FUNCTION FREE_CLIENT.DB_FUNC_SEARCH_PARENT:
library unit=b9776680 line=1 opcode=84 static link=2aabac7768e8 scope=0
FP=2aabac776b88 PC=cea6769a Page=0 AP=2aabac776b88 ST=2aabac776cd8
DL0=2aaaacccd6a0 GF=2aaaacccd708 DL1=2aaaacccd6c8 DPF=2aaaacccd6f8 DS=cea67740
DON library unit variable list instantiation
0 b9776680 2aaaacccd708 2aaaaca4b3b8
1
2
3
4
scope frame
2 0
1 2aabac776b88
package variable address size
0 2aaaacccd710 328
version=43123476 instantiation size=432
exception id error DON offset begin end DID
0 1403 0 0 72 20 71
1 0 0 1 114 14 109
aed01_ora_11397.trc
Edited by: OracleJavaLinux on Nov 13, 2009 2:18 AM

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Can I delete the files in ~/Library/Preferences and have all preferences reset to factory default?

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