Cannot "LOCK" System Preferences any longer???

OK, this just started, I can no long lock any of the system perf's. When I press the lock the window flashes (say's 'De-authenticating' ) very fast and returns to the unlocked state. Logging in as 'Root' or 'Admin' makes no difference. Everything seems to work fine I just cannot lock anything.... any suggestions???

..."Logging in as 'Root' or 'Admin' makes no difference."...
If you happened to have run "repair permissions" on your 10.5 drive while booted into 10.4 (or while using eg. "DiskWarrior"), that would have resulted in changes to permissions that are incompatible with 10.5. One of the consequences is that some user processes may end up running as "root", which might account for there being no difference between logging in as "root" and "admin". The "root" account is meant to be authorized to make most changes through "System Preferences" without being required to authenticate, so it may not be possible to close the "Lock" when "System Preferences" is running as "root".
If the above describes your situation, unfortunately, the tools currently provided with 10.5 will not fix this problem automatically -- specifically, "repair permissions" in 10.5 doesn't repair the permissions that are causing the problem. If you are an experienced user, you can fix the permissions manually (using the output from a "verify permissions" run conducted while booted in 10.5 as a guide to determine what changes are required).
For most users, an "archive and install" may be the easiest solution. It should be acceptable to preserve user and network settings.
This issue could potentially pose a serious security issue. I think Apple needs to fix this quickly, and at the very least, post a support article describing the specific symptoms and warning of the dangers.

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Changing desktop pictures locks system preferences

Re MacBook Pro laptop (OS 10.7.5)
Problem: Changing desktop pictures locks System Preferences
If I try to open System Preferences, I get windows for the Change Desktop/Background and the whirling beach ball begins until I go to Activities Monitor to Force Quit System Preferences, which informs me that my "System Preferences is no longer responding."
I have no trouble booting my Mac,
checked my Disk Utility informing me that there are no errors,
checked Permissions without errors,
went to Users>"my name">Preferences>found the plist for com.apple.systempreferences, moved it to my desktop, tried the Apple System Preferences option with same result. Returned plist . Hmm, just noticed that I have com.apple.systempreferences with one directly after Library ( i.e., not in any folder), and the other in the Library>Preferences folder. Could that be the foul up? Perhaps one of these plists is misplaced.
Any suggestions?

First follow the instructions in this support article.
If an iPhoto or Aperture library is the source of your desktop pictures, it may need to be rebuilt, or you may need to update the application to the latest version.
Otherwise, continue as below.
Back up all data.
In the Finder, hold down the option key and select
          Go ▹ Library
from the menu bar. From the Library folder, delete the following item, if it exists:
          Caches/com.apple.systempreferences
and move the following items to the Desktop, if they exist:
          Application Support/Dock/desktoppicture.db
          Preferences/com.apple.desktop.plist
Launch System Preferences and test. If you still have the issue, put the items you moved to the Desktop back where they came from and post again. Otherwise, delete the items.

Cant LOCK system preferences

Cant LOCK system preferences: File Sharing, Network, startup disk, date&time, time machine, energy saver, print&fax
I can LOCK : security, accounts login, parental control
no rhyme or reason. any help would be appreciated.

If you are using an Admin account for your daily-Use account, that is a problem.
The Admin can unlock and bypass nearly everything, so these things will not stay locked for your Admin account.
To protect these items from others, you need to create a new Admin account that you will use ONLY for Administration (such as installing software) and use it to demote your daily-use account to a non-Admin account. then things that are locked will stay locked, and others who wander by your computer will not be able to unlock them.
PS. Others in your household should each have their own "User" (not Admin) account. Then you can add additional restrictions with Parental Controls.

After Windows 7 Kernel crash, I cannot start Photoshop CC any longer.

After Windows 7 Kernel crash and Windows Reboot, I cannot start Photoshop CC any longer. After Photoshop start, Photoshop terminates itsself with a general error messages. I tried to reinstall CC, without deleting the application settings, but didn't help. I thing the application settings must be changed or reset ?
Thanks in advance
Best regards.

Still searching for any Launch log on my PC that give me some more details about the launch error....any idea where ?

I just went from OS 10.6 to 10.8. The arrow button is gone from the scrollbar. I do not see the option in "Systems Preference" any more. Am I missing something. If it is gone, is Apple going to bring it back?

I just went from OS 10.6 to 10.8. The arrow button is gone from the scrollbar. I do not see the option in "Systems Preference" any more. Am I missing something. If it is gone, is Apple going to bring it back?

John R M wrote:
Thank you. I believe Apple shoud give you the option as to whether or not you may want to use the arrows.
Apple give users what they want?
Good luck there, the head of iOS Scott Forstall was canned, I suspect this was his favorite picture.
However I bring salvation and sanity, the option to go back to the wonderous Snow Kitty.
How to revert your Mac to Snow Leopard
How to erase and install Snow Leopard 10.6
Be sure to vent to Apple for the stupid changes here
https://www.apple.com/feedback/macosx.html

Syncing locked system preferences

I have 3 computers that sync everything (including perferences) via MobileMe. That works fine except that I'd like the energy saver and security settings to be different. If I make those two system preferences different for each computer, and LOCK them, will they keep their independent preferences upon syncing?
I could experiment but computers are at different sites right now.
thanks
roger

the answer is yes i figured it out myself, locking system preferences prevents them from being synced.
rr

Macbook a1181 cannot access System Preference or any apps such as Safari, iPhoto, etc. How can I fix this?

Hi, I recently purchased a used MacBook a1181 and cannot access anything. I am new to Apple computers/laptops so I don't know if there is a simple solution or if it's maybe a HD problem? I tried to go into System Preferences and nothing happens. The dock (?) at the bottom also has a bunch of question marks. When I scroll over the question marks, I can see apps like Safari, iPhoto, etc. but I cannot open anything. I also tried to go to About this Mac and can't get anywhere either. Any ideas what could be wrong?

" The dock (?) at the bottom also has a bunch of question marks"
So usually that means that the applications are missing. It's like in a PC where the "Short Cut" link is broken.
"When I scroll over the question marks, I can see apps like Safari, iPhoto, etc. but I cannot open anything."
So just like when shortcuts are broken and for the same reason: applications are moved, renamed etc.
and with this:
"I also tried to go to About this Mac and can't get anywhere either. "
Probably a bad install.
"When I tried to re-install the OS, the disc would spin and then eject. I tried several different installation CDs and even an external DVD player and each time the CD ejected out without installing. "
What disks are you using? The originals would be Tiger and gray, 10.4.8 (Not the retail installer which would be 10.4.0.), Leopard, Snow Leopard. So 10.4.8 to 10.6.8 compatible.

Cannot Lock the Preferences in Time Machine

In System Preferences -> Time Machine I cannot lock the the system to prevent further changes. Every time I click on the golden lock in the lower left corner of the widow it locks, but then when I open the window again later, the lock is again unlocked. Any idea why this is happening and how could I keep the settings locked? Thanks.

That sounds like the preferences file might be corrupt.
Try a "full reset" per #A4 in Time Machine - Troubleshooting (or use the link in *User Tips* at the top of this forum).

System Preferences no longer stick after 10.10.1 update

I've upgraded from OS X 10.10 to 10.10.1 today.
The upgrade caused various system preferences to change, and now I cannot change them back.
While System Preferences.app seems to accept my changes, they are reverted after I quit and restart System Preferences.
For example:
Language & Region:
- I used to have various languages in the list of my preferred languages. Since the update, only German remains in the list. Adding other languages does not stick.
- My Region is set to Germany - English, which causes german text but english number formats to be used. Changing the number format to german does not stick.
General:
- When I click the scroll bar, this now causes the document to move by one page. I used to have the other setting (move to that location), but cannot reenable that.
- Windows are now closed upon quitting applications. I don't want this, but removing the check box does not stick.
Does anybody have an idea what the root cause may be and how to fix this?
With kind regards
Piers Walter

Back up all data before proceeding.
This procedure will unlock all your user files (not system files) and reset their ownership, permissions, and access controls to the default. If you've intentionally set special values for those attributes on any of your files, they will be reverted. In that case, either stop here, or be prepared to recreate the settings if necessary. Do so only after verifying that those settings didn't cause the problem. If none of this is meaningful to you, you don't need to worry about it, but you do need to follow the instructions below.
Step 1
If you have more than one user, and the one in question is not an administrator, then go to Step 2.
Triple-click anywhere in the following line on this page to select it:
sudo find ~ $TMPDIR.. -exec chflags -h nouchg,nouappnd,noschg,nosappnd {} + -exec chown -h $UID {} + -exec chmod +rw {} + -exec chmod -h -N {} + -type d -exec chmod -h +x {} + 2>&-
Copy the selected text to the Clipboard by pressing the key combination command-C.
Launch the built-in Terminal application in any of the following ways:
☞ Enter the first few letters of its name into a Spotlight search. Select it in the results (it should be at the top.)
☞ In the Finder, select Go ▹ Utilities from the menu bar, or press the key combination shift-command-U. The application is in the folder that opens.
☞ Open LaunchPad. Click Utilities, then Terminal in the icon grid.
Paste into the Terminal window by pressing command-V. I've tested these instructions only with the Safari web browser. If you use another browser, you may have to press the return key after pasting.
You'll be prompted for your login password, which won't be displayed when you type it. Type carefully and then press return. You may get a one-time warning to be careful. If you don’t have a login password, you’ll need to set one before you can run the command. If you see a message that your username "is not in the sudoers file," then you're not logged in as an administrator.
The command may take several minutes to run, depending on how many files you have. Wait for a new line ending in a dollar sign ($) to appear, then quit Terminal.
Step 2 (optional)
Take this step only if you have trouble with Step 1, if you prefer not to take it, or if it doesn't solve the problem.
Start up in Recovery mode. When the OS X Utilities screen appears, select
Utilities ▹ Terminal
from the menu bar. A Terminal window will open. In that window, type this:
res
Press the tab key. The partial command you typed will automatically be completed to this:
resetpassword
Press return. A Reset Password window will open. You’re not going to reset a password.
Select your startup volume ("Macintosh HD," unless you gave it a different name) if not already selected.
Select your username from the menu labeled Select the user account if not already selected.
Under Reset Home Directory Permissions and ACLs, click the Reset button.
Select
 ▹ Restart
from the menu bar.

Cannot open system preferences on G4 running 10.10, console shows multiple icloud errors

Updated to 10.10 a week ago. Grateful for any help. Cannot access or change system preferences and mac is also unstable. Can you help identify problem and fix for it?
After multiple disk utilities permissions verifications and repairs, removal of com.apple.systempreferences.plist (I still have it) ran the console while trying to open System Preferences and got following messages (hope this is not too much)
11/28/14 5:13:23.458 PM com.apple.InputMethodKit.UserDictionary[314]: CoreData: iCloud: Error: failed to receive initial sync notification call back in 90 seconds
11/28/14 5:13:38.214 PM cloudd[219]: Couldn't create url from dataclass properties (null)
11/28/14 5:13:38.214 PM cloudd[219]: Couldn't pull url from backing account <CKDBackingOSXAccount: 0x7ffb99d359d0> or context <CKDClientContext: 0x7ffb9b0579c0; applicationBundleID=com.apple.Safari containerID=<CKContainerID: 0x7ffb9b04bfa0; containerIdentifier=com.apple.SafariShared.WBSCloudHistoryStore, containerEnvironment="Production">>
11/28/14 5:13:38.215 PM cloudd[219]: Couldn't determine base URL for server type 2 partition type 1 off account info provider <CKDAccount 0x7ffb9b05b980> ("[email protected]" Account ID: 31C8845D-1256-4EBA-A654-963394862CAB)
11/28/14 5:13:38.215 PM cloudd[219]: <CKDTokenRegistrationURLRequest: 0x7ffb9b057db0> Request does not have a URL. Failing.
11/28/14 5:13:38.215 PM cloudd[219]: <CKDGetRecordZonesURLRequest: 0x7ffb99c62520> Failed to get push token, soldiering on.
11/28/14 5:13:38.216 PM cloudd[219]: Couldn't create url from dataclass properties (null)
11/28/14 5:13:38.216 PM cloudd[219]: Couldn't pull url from backing account <CKDBackingOSXAccount: 0x7ffb99d359d0> or context <CKDClientContext: 0x7ffb9b0579c0; applicationBundleID=com.apple.Safari containerID=<CKContainerID: 0x7ffb9b04bfa0; containerIdentifier=com.apple.SafariShared.WBSCloudHistoryStore, containerEnvironment="Production">>
11/28/14 5:13:38.216 PM cloudd[219]: Couldn't determine base URL for server type 0 partition type 1 off account info provider <CKDAccount 0x7ffb9b05b980> ("[email protected]" Account ID: 31C8845D-1256-4EBA-A654-963394862CAB)
11/28/14 5:13:38.217 PM cloudd[219]: <CKDGetRecordZonesURLRequest: 0x7ffb99c62520> Request does not have a URL. Failing.
11/28/14 5:13:38.238 PM cloudd[219]: Couldn't create url from dataclass properties (null)
11/28/14 5:13:38.239 PM cloudd[219]: Couldn't pull url from backing account <CKDBackingOSXAccount: 0x7ffb99d359d0> or context <CKDClientContext: 0x7ffb9b0579c0; applicationBundleID=com.apple.Safari containerID=<CKContainerID: 0x7ffb9b04bfa0; containerIdentifier=com.apple.SafariShared.WBSCloudHistoryStore, containerEnvironment="Production">>
11/28/14 5:13:38.239 PM cloudd[219]: Couldn't determine base URL for server type 2 partition type 1 off account info provider <CKDAccount 0x7ffb9b05b980> ("[email protected]" Account ID: 31C8845D-1256-4EBA-A654-963394862CAB)
11/28/14 5:13:38.240 PM cloudd[219]: <CKDTokenRegistrationURLRequest: 0x7ffb99d45c40> Request does not have a URL. Failing.
11/28/14 5:13:38.240 PM cloudd[219]: <CKDGetRecordZonesURLRequest: 0x7ffb9b26afa0> Failed to get push token, soldiering on.
11/28/14 5:13:38.240 PM cloudd[219]: Couldn't create url from dataclass properties (null)
11/28/14 5:13:38.240 PM cloudd[219]: Couldn't pull url from backing account <CKDBackingOSXAccount: 0x7ffb99d359d0> or context <CKDClientContext: 0x7ffb9b0579c0; applicationBundleID=com.apple.Safari containerID=<CKContainerID: 0x7ffb9b04bfa0; containerIdentifier=com.apple.SafariShared.WBSCloudHistoryStore, containerEnvironment="Production">>
11/28/14 5:13:38.240 PM cloudd[219]: Couldn't determine base URL for server type 0 partition type 1 off account info provider <CKDAccount 0x7ffb9b05b980> ("[email protected]" Account ID: 31C8845D-1256-4EBA-A654-963394862CAB)
11/28/14 5:13:38.240 PM cloudd[219]: <CKDGetRecordZonesURLRequest: 0x7ffb9b26afa0> Request does not have a URL. Failing.
11/28/14 5:13:41.605 PM CoreServicesUIAgent[298]: unexpected message <OS_xpc_error: <error: 0x7fff7824ec60> { count = 1, contents =
"XPCErrorDescription" => <string: 0x7fff7824ef70> { length = 18, contents = "Connection invalid" }
}>
11/28/14 5:14:08.161 PM mds[32]: (Volume.Normal:166) vsd:0x7fe62e837000 DisabledStore recycle:6 context:{
DisabledRecycleCount = 6;
11/28/14 5:14:08.200 PM mds[32]: (Volume.Error:577) vsd:0x7fe62e8e0400 Open failed. failureCount:6 {
DisabledRecycleCount = 6;

Please read this whole message before doing anything.
This procedure is a diagnostic test. It’s unlikely to solve your problem. Don’t be disappointed when you find that nothing has changed after you complete it.
The purpose of the test is to determine whether the problem is caused by third-party software that loads automatically at startup or login, by a peripheral device, by a font conflict, or by corruption of the file system or of certain system caches.
Disconnect all wired peripherals except those needed for the test, and remove all aftermarket expansion cards, if applicable. Start up in safe mode and log in to the account with the problem. You must hold down the shift key twice: once when you turn on the computer, and again when you log in.
Note: If FileVault is enabled in OS X 10.9 or earlier, or if a firmware password is set, or if the startup volume is a software RAID, you can’t do this. Ask for further instructions.
Safe mode is much slower to start up and run than normal, with limited graphics performance, and some things won’t work at all, including sound output and Wi-Fi on certain models. The next normal startup may also be somewhat slow.
The login screen appears even if you usually login automatically. You must know your login password in order to log in. If you’ve forgotten the password, you will need to reset it before you begin.
Test while in safe mode. Same problem?
After testing, restart as usual (not in safe mode) and verify that you still have the problem. Post the results of the test.

Remote lock system preferences

Sometimes our techs forget to click the lock icon on a clients system preferences after they are finished making changes. Is there a terminal command that I can send to all the client machines to "lock" the system preferences so the end user cant get in and make any changes.
thanks

I don't have the syntax for you, but if you go to the Unix forum (hidden in OSX Tech) you may get a faster response.

Apple Menu System Preferences no longer works

When I click on the System Preferenes item under the Apple Menu, nothing happens, but when I click on the System Preferences icon in the Dock, the System Preferences pane opens normally. How can I reactivate the System Preferences item in the Apple Menu?
PowerMac 1.25DP MDD Mac OS X (10.3.9)

George,
Thanks for asking that question.
I offered this solution based upon similar successful advice which was given to another poster who solved this problem:Long story short I ended up reinstalling Mac OS X using Archive and Install. When I first used the computer following reinstalling Mac OS X, I was able to access the System Preferences by selecting them under the Apple in the menu bar. However, I have now updated my software using Software Update, and now I can't access System Preferences when I click on them under the Apple in the menu. The computer just acts like I never selected System Preferences.
Where have System Preferences gone??? provides another example of Previous Systems folder interfering with System Preferences.
Applications don't work after reinstalling Mac OS X explains a different problem with a Previous Systems folder: Example 1: You downgrade by performing an Archive and Install installation, but do not update to a later version of Mac OS X. The Previous Systems folder contains later versions of applications that may contribute to this issue.If you have proper backups, I recommend trashing the Previous Systems folder as soon as you can determine that the new system is functioning properly. The Previous Systems folders will either take up too much space or contribute to unexplained system problems.
;~)

Cannot change filename extensions any longer

Hi,
this morning I encountered a strange problem:
In Finder, I cannot change the file name extensions any longer. When I hit enter and change e.g. Example.txt to Example.taskpapertheme, it will automatically be renamed to Example.taskpapertheme.txt as soon as I hit enter. I _can_ rename it via the Get Info-pane, on the other hand. I tried it in the Applications folder too, and it will always add the "correct" extension to the one I chose instead of just asking me whether I really want to do this.
Then again, I just renamed an .taskpapertheme file to .txt, and it worked. I could even reverse this, so the problem seems to be limited to some files.
I have no idea what to do, so I'd really appreciate your help!
Kind regards,
krml

Thank you, but unfortunately that didn't help.
I know about extensions and file types, but normally OS X will let me change it if I really want to do it, even if it's stupid like renaming .app to .txt.
The problem is, that OS X doesn't ask me any longer, but automatically adds the previous externsion to the filename after the extension I need to make some program recognize it. In my example, the theme files for TaskPaper are plain text files, but only load if they are named .taskpapertheme - unfortunately I cannot rename it in Finder as it will always add .txt when I finish editing the filename.

G3 Mac 10.4.11 iTunes v8.2.1 cannot access iTunes Store any longer.

My brother-in-law writes:
I am running a G3 Mac and a 10.4.11 operating system. My iTunes v8.2.1is the most recent for G3s and I cannot, I repeat, I cannot run a version any higher. I have been running the 8.2.1 version successfully for many months since downloading 8.2.1. Now all of a sudden I cannot access your store.
When I click on iTunes Store on the left side of my iTunes window, I get a full page ad for downloading iTunes 10 and nothing else.
Can anyone help me with this one?

Searching within System Preferences no longer works

Hi all, the search box in system preferences used to highlight relevant icons to my search. now however it dims as if about to show a spotlight but it never appears, it undims when i delete the search term. have tried obvious searches such as "volume", "keyboard" etc... to verify.
have a feeling its been a while as have had some fruitless searches over some time but just assumed it was me searching for the wrong thing...
any ideas? does yours work? cheers

hmm i set up a new user account and it works fine in this, disk utility repaired some permissions (although it showed several which "would not be fixed"!)
any suggestions? back in main account and system preferences search isnt working

Cannot "LOCK" System Preferences any longer???

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