Network System Preferences Problem (Recent)

If anyone has any idea of how to fix this problem I would be grateful.
When I choose Network in System Preferences, a small window pops up in front of the main window saying "Your network settings have been changed by another application." I click OK and the same window pops up, over and over. It is stuck in a loop; I can't get past it. The main window (Network System Preferences) behind the small window looks right, with the normal messages. The only way I can get out of the loop is to force System Preferences to quit. My network connection is working (so I can post this), but I can't get into Network System Preferences. So, I can't change any settings, or even see what they are.
I discovered this last night, when (apparently) something went bananas at my ISP and I lost the connection. The ISP was back on the air this morning, but this situation is unchanged. Previously I used Network System Preferences in setting up the connection (changing something after a previous ISP problem, over a year ago), as well as telling the system how long to keep the connection up before asking me if I want to remain online. I looked at System Preferences.app in the Applications folder, and no part of the package contents has changed in at least 1.5 years.
Possibly some data file has gotten corrupted, but this behavior is clearly a bug, I would say. I have a DSL connection with EarthLink (if it matters), and the connection seems to be working normally now.

Thanks for the suggestion. I found another approach (rather than trashing the files mentioned) by BDAqua) that seems to have worked. It is:
Go to System Preferences: Security. Check the box next to "Require password to unlock each secure system preference." Then lock Security.
I can now get to the Network panel without the annoying message loop, and so far I haven't seen any adverse effects. Does anybody know of a reason why this might cause a (new) problem?
Also, someone (it's hard to keep track of the various discussion forums) suggested that, after going to the Network panel once, it's OK to go back to Security and uncheck the box. Apparently the problem will have solved itself. Does anyone have any comments about this?

Similar Messages

Unable to open AirPort options sheet in Network System Preference

Hi there,
There are several posts (and a Radar bug number, 4273111) reporting a certain difficulty with systems that have been upgraded to Tiger. For some reason: When viewing the AirPort network interface in the Network system preference, certain installations do not allow one to open the "Options" sheet.
To reproduce:
1. Open System Preferences.
2. Click on the Network system preference.
3. Show -> AirPort.
4. Click the "Options" button.
Normally, this should open an options sheet. However, on three separate systems I've encountered that have been upgraded to 10.4.x from earlier versions of Mac OS X (Jaguar to Panther to Tiger), the sheet does not open at all. Console reports the following when the button is clicked:
2006-11-07 09:55:22.206 System Preferences[379] * Assertion failure in -[PreferencesApp _commonBeginModalSessionForWindow:relativeToWindow:modalDelegate:didEndSelector :contextInfo:], AppKit.subproj/NSApplication.m:3057
2006-11-07 09:55:22.229 System Preferences[379] Modal session requires modal window
I've tried replacing the following items (then repairing permissions after each attempt) with a known-good copy from another 10.4.x system (same OS version/build in each case—as of this post, tested through 10.4.8), without effect:
/Applications/System Preferences.app
/Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/
/System/Library/PreferencePanes/Network.prefPane
/System/Library/Frameworks/Preferences.framework
I've seen references to a similar error in Safari that was able to be fixed with a reinstall of Safari—apparently, something corrupted in WebKit.framework. I'm presuming something similar would work here (and it's been reported that an Archive and Install will fix the problem, but that's certainly overkill to correct such an issue).
I've got clients that are not happy about this and the problem has apparently been documented for well over a year now. The following Discussions threads cover it as well:
"can't open airport options"
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=1125018
"Network system preferences stuck"
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=1123291
"Airport Preferred Networks"
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=722797
I'm happy to lend whatever troubleshooting assistance I can, so if anyone else out there can similarly recommend files I might try replacing that I've not already mentioned here, or any other information that could be helpful, I'd certainly appreciate it!
Thanks much,
MBJ
PowerBook G4 Mac OS X (10.4.8) 1.0 GHz, 1 GB RAM, AirPort

I'd also try trashing...
/Users/nnnn/Library/Preferences/com.apple.internetconnect.plist
/Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/NetworkInterfaces.plist
/Library/Preferences/com.apple.sharing.firewall.plist

Unable to open Network System Preferences

When I want to open Network System Preferences I get the message "Your network settings have been changed by another application". When I click "OK" the message keeps reappearing. The only way out is a Force Quit of System Preferences. What does this message mean and what can be done about it?
Maybe it's worth mentioning that I had to reinstall Mac OS a few days ago due to a screwed up security update. Could it have something to do with that? Apart from this my iBook works fine and I have no networking problems.
Thanks for any helpful advice.
Paul

Hi John
That didn't work but thanks anyway.
In the meantime I found another topic under "Mac OS X Tiger" that I had overlooked before dealing with this problem. It obviously has to do with the latest security update.
Paul

Network system preference

When I open the Network system preference panel, immediately a box opens up telling me that another application changed my settings. When i klick OK, the box always returns immediately. I'd like to know what application changed the settings and how to stop that box from coming up.
This is on my G4 iBook running the latest Tiger OS (10.4.11).
Thanks in advance for any help.
Hans

Yes, It most likely a recent Security update that did it.
Limnos' link should solve it for you.

Apple USB Modem not seen in Network System Preference

I am trying to set up my father's Mac Mini to send and receive faxes using the Apple USB Modem. The base problem I am having is that the Mini does not even show the device. It is not in the Network System Preference, or even in the "About this Mac" system information. I don't know if the dongle is even working.
In the "Print and Fax" area of the System Preferences, I have no luck either. When I hit the add button ( + ) to add a device, the "fax" button at the top only shows the word "Bluetooth" and it is listed as a Fax. Any suggestions would be wonderful.

Gee,
You've gotten no response for over two weeks, I see. So, maybe you're resolved your issue.
If not, I'll just say that I have an Apple USB modem on my 2009 Mini, though I connect to the Internet via WiFi most of the time, and the modem has been pretty effortless to use. It's recognized in Network Preferences, even when not in use.
Maybe your issue is electro-mechanical, i.e., is it wrongly plugged into the Ethernet port?
Or, is your USB modem plugged directly into your Mini, instead of a powered or un-powered USB hub?
Anyway, please let us all hear if you've resolved your issue and what it was.
Peace to you,
C. Livingstone

Resizing Network System Preferences?

Is there any way to resize the Network System Preferences view. It feels rather cramped with all my interfaced being of the form 'Built-...hernet'.

Hi drmoque!
I'm not familiar with Tiger, so I can't really help you with the differences in Network Preferences, but they are probably changes made between Panther 10.3.x and Tiger 10.4.x.
You wrote "Lastly he says he has no option to upgrade to 10.4 when checks for software updates."
That I can shed some light on.
Mac OS X Versions 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, and 10.4, are complete system upgrades that must be purchased.
The point upgrades, such as 10.1.x to 10.1.5 (Final) 10.2.x to 10.2.8 (Final), 10.3.x to 10.3.9 (Final), and 10.4.x to 10.4.8 (Pending), can be downloaded for free.
Tiger is available for purchase at The Apple Store (US).
A Full Retail Version of the Tiger Install DVD, can be purchased rather inexpensively, at some online Apple retailers, Amazon, eBay, AppleRescue, etc.
Be sure not to purchase grey, upgrade or machine specific CDs or DVDs.
Jaguar and Panther are only on CDs, not DVDs.
Additional info in these links.
Using OS X Install CDs/DVDs On Multiple Macs
What's A Computer Specific Mac OS X Release
Software Update, Upgrade: What's The Difference?
Once Tiger 10.4.x is installed, you can use the PPC 10.4.8 Combo Update, to update to the most up-to-date version.
Tiger System Requirements
Mac Model Compatibility & Requirements For OS X
Additionally,
"Tiger ships on a DVD, but if your Mac doesn’t have a built-in DVD-ROM player, you’ll need CD media. When you buy Mac OS X Tiger, you qualify to purchase Tiger CDs for only $9.95."
Download The Order Form Here. Media Exchange Program
Shop Carefully, Examine All Documentation, And Good Luck!
ali b

Please Help - Network System Preferences/Advanced Airport Not Working

Hi all.....I posted here before and got no replies but I'll try again.....nothing happens when I click the advanced button in Network System preferences but only in Airport - which is my primary connection....I have reinstalled the 10.5.6 update and have been trying to resolve for weeks......any help is most, most appreciated!
Thanks

Thanks...I did and twice the cpu just froze........no kidding......I was able to set up a new location after reinstalling 10.5.6 but still the advanced button in sys prefs/network, only in airport, does not do a thing.
Here's the console message after clicking the advanced button:
4/26/09 11:49:55 AM System Preferences[17974] Error: Could not load AirPortOptionsTabView.nib
4/26/09 11:49:55 AM System Preferences[17974] * Assertion failure in -[NSTextFieldCell _objectValue:forString:errorDescription:], /SourceCache/AppKit/AppKit-949.43/AppKit.subproj/NSCell.m:1338
4/26/09 11:49:55 AM System Preferences[17974] Invalid parameter not satisfying: aString != nil
Thanks for any help.....I'm dying to change my DNS Settings using airport and can't.........plus this just doesn't seem "right."

System Preferences Problem - Network Pane Inaccesible.

I am having a problem with iTunes on an iMac G3SE running 10.4.11. One idea to deal with the problem involves checking the network settings/proxies, etc. Great... easy to get at... But that is not my *Real Problem*!
That is that I'm having difficulties getting into the Network Pane (and only THAT pane) of System Preferences. I open Sys Prefs... no problem. I open Network... no problem. Then, a second or so later a sheet descends saying "Your network settings have been changed by another application". I click "OK" The sheet ascends... and just as I am moving my mouse to the required button, down comes the sheet again. Click OK... ascends... descends... ... ... and so on. At that point it has also become impossible to close Sys Prefs... the sheet blocks me out from that level of the display, so I have to "Force Quit" Sys Prefs (which, luckily, works... I wouldn't want to have to keep hitting the power button to effect a restart!!).
Anyone ever had a problem like this... how do I resolve... I can't think of anything that's installed on the G3 that could be interfering with the settings... and why does the sheet keep descending, rather than going away completely when I acknowledge its presence by hitting "OK".
I've tried deleting the Sys Prefs plists, in case it is a preferences issue... but that doesn't explain the suggested existence of some program that I don't recognise as interfering with the network settings.

To stop the pop-up, Go to System Preferences: Security. Check the box next to "Require password to unlock each secure system preference." Then lock Security.
Try this cure for Security update...
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1730909&tstart=0
Then... Try putting these numbers in Network>TCP/IP>DNS Servers, for the Airport Interface...
208.67.222.222
208.67.220.220
Then Apply

Macbook pro os x v. 10.7.5 system preferences problem

Recently, i just downloaded and installed the os x lion package. Since then, it seems that every time i go to open up my system preferences it doesn't/can't respond. I hook my laptop to my tv through the use of the mini dvi port to hdmi, so i need to be able to configure screen size adjustments that can only be found in system preferences. I have re-re-re intalled the os x lion because people have informed me that may very well be the problem. When system preferences freezes it needs to be force quit for me to be able to close the window.
can anyone help me?
thanks,
Tyler

Hi there,
I have the same problem on my MacBookPro running OSX 10.7.5. System Preferences just freezes whenever I open it (either in Display or in Printers.. or anything else).
Has anyone found a solution?
Thanks,
Eugenie

What is the process for connecting ethernet. Have ethernet cable connected to stereo received for internet radio and Blue Ray. However Network System Preferences indicates ethernet not connected and has red dot to left. Note Airport wireless is working.

What is the process for connecting airport extreme ethernet? I have ethernet cables connected to stereo receiver for internet radio and another to blue ray player. The system preference network indicates "ethernet not connected" with red dot to left of this message. The airport wireless works and has green dot to left of it. The stereo receiver and blue ray player do not respond and give message not connect to internet. Thank you. / cfpirate

It worked for me finally. I took out the DNS numbers in airport admin utility, and restarted the airport express. I do not remember putting the DNS numbers in, I wonder from where the airport express got those numbers.
After restarting, it worked.
Thanks!

Why is the security "lock" always open in (Network) System Preferences?

(+This may not be the correct forum, but here it goes anyway+)
I have a "1st Gen" iMac G5 (so, a PowerPC), running Tiger, 10.4.11
On the rare occasions that I open the Network options in the "System Preferences", I see that the "lock" at the bottom left is always (?) open.
Here is a screenshot of the "network preferences" with the open lock, just as it was when I opened the Preferences a little while ago tonight:
(Language is Dutch, my native language)
http://nl.tinypic.com/a/1ln35/3
Why is that "lock" (always) open? I am ab-so-lu-te-ly certain that I close the "lock" (on the rare occasions that I need to change something).
Is this a security risk?
How do I get this "lock" to stay closed?

Ah...
Does the answer lay here?
http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=10314181
(...Go to System Preferences: Security. Check the box next to "Require password to unlock each secure system preference." Then lock Security.)
That option was not checked... I did so now and will see what happens.
(I found this just now, while reading another topic on this forum. Is it ok, if I leave my question & postings here?)
Message was edited by: Kris Dee

System Preference Problems

Every time I try to open the Desktop and Screen Saver page in System Preferences, the window freezes then quits. The other preferences work fine. Has anyone else had a problem similar to this and if so, how did you fix it? I have yet to find any information this subject.

The closest thing I could find that is similar to my situation is the following article.
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106983

Network system preferences

After changing certain system preferences for Network, the control panel quits. I'm able to switch from wifi to ethernet in the main screen but, if I attempt to change something 'advanced' it can't handle it. Is it possible to reload system preferences? I am running OS 10.7.5 on a MBP 2.1 with 2 Gb of Ram.

Hi drmoque!
I'm not familiar with Tiger, so I can't really help you with the differences in Network Preferences, but they are probably changes made between Panther 10.3.x and Tiger 10.4.x.
You wrote "Lastly he says he has no option to upgrade to 10.4 when checks for software updates."
That I can shed some light on.
Mac OS X Versions 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, and 10.4, are complete system upgrades that must be purchased.
The point upgrades, such as 10.1.x to 10.1.5 (Final) 10.2.x to 10.2.8 (Final), 10.3.x to 10.3.9 (Final), and 10.4.x to 10.4.8 (Pending), can be downloaded for free.
Tiger is available for purchase at The Apple Store (US).
A Full Retail Version of the Tiger Install DVD, can be purchased rather inexpensively, at some online Apple retailers, Amazon, eBay, AppleRescue, etc.
Be sure not to purchase grey, upgrade or machine specific CDs or DVDs.
Jaguar and Panther are only on CDs, not DVDs.
Additional info in these links.
Using OS X Install CDs/DVDs On Multiple Macs
What's A Computer Specific Mac OS X Release
Software Update, Upgrade: What's The Difference?
Once Tiger 10.4.x is installed, you can use the PPC 10.4.8 Combo Update, to update to the most up-to-date version.
Tiger System Requirements
Mac Model Compatibility & Requirements For OS X
Additionally,
"Tiger ships on a DVD, but if your Mac doesn’t have a built-in DVD-ROM player, you’ll need CD media. When you buy Mac OS X Tiger, you qualify to purchase Tiger CDs for only $9.95."
Download The Order Form Here. Media Exchange Program
Shop Carefully, Examine All Documentation, And Good Luck!
ali b

Need Help with error message on the Network Systems Preferences, Please

In Systems Preference, > Network, I get the error message "Your network settings been changed by another application," with an active OK button. However, when I click the OK button, it persists and does not allow me to access the screen. The only way to end this is to force quit Systems Preferences.
Do you have any idea what is causing this freeze? I have a TimeWarner Internet connection (which I want to change to Verizon as soon as I resolve this). For a while I had Earthlink DSL which didn't work well at all. Could it be something with the not-used Earthlink or the current TimeWarner?
Any ideas about the cause and, more importantly, the solution?
Thanks,
Jeanie

My computers have not been networked, intentionally. I like having them autonomous. So I have a separate Internet connection for each. And maybe that's what I need to maintain.
In the house is a Mac Mini and the house phone with new Verizon modem. In the separate office, I have my G5 tower, which is really my main computer.
Was just on phone with Verizon Tech who did say that they do not support Mac. They made a decision not to because there are fewer of us. However, I can purchase a premium support which appears to cover such support.
I've not seen the Verizon commercials, but I expect that they are filled with hype. The one I laugh at the most on the FIOS cable video is that they call their cable user interface "intuitive."

Network system preferences hangs

hi, when ever i want to change something in the system preferences area, such as adding a wireless network to my list. when i clcik apply, it just hangs, i get the lollypop, and i have to force quit it after a while. it always has been doing that for a while actually.
any ideas
Josh

Have you used Disk Utility to Repair Disk & Permissions yet?
Do you have any 3rd party Pref Panes?
Have you tried Safe booting by holding down the Shift key while booting?
Is your machine capable of running Applejack?
http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/19596
If so, D/L it, install it, reboot holdimg the CMD+s keys down, when the prompt comes up... type "applejack auto", without the quotes, let it do all 5 things.
We've got more once we get to this pont.

Network System Preferences Problem (Recent)

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for