System Preferences always opens at Users & Goups

Hi!
Whenever I open System Preferences it alwasy opens with Users & Groups. How to fix it?
Mavericks 10.9.2

I can't find anything, not I can't find nothing. Boy, I hate typos. Can anyone tell me how to get the preferences to open up in a full size window as they used to?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

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HT2490 My System preferences always opens in a small window now.

Every time I open up system preferences it always opens in a little window. All lf the text and the icons are all scrunched together. I'm actually an IT person and have been doing this for years but for some reason I can find nothing on the internet addressing this issue. I've looked at the view settings, window view settings nothing seems to address the issue.
The green button is missing to even expand it to full size. It is very annoying and I can't seem to find a resolution.

I can't find anything, not I can't find nothing. Boy, I hate typos. Can anyone tell me how to get the preferences to open up in a full size window as they used to?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

HT1338 system preference not open so how guide to sample?

My mac book pro in system preference not open so how guide to sample?

Hello,
First, Safe Boot , (holding Shift key down at bootup), use Disk Utility from there to Repair Permissions, test if things work OK in Safe Mode.
Then move these files to the Desktop for now...
/Users/YourUserName/Library/Preferences/com.apple.finder.plist
/Users/YourUserName/Library/Preferences/com.apple.systempreferences.plist
/Users/YourUserName/Library/Preferences/com.apple.desktop.plist
/Users/YourUserName/Library/Preferences/com.apple.recentitems.plist
Reboot & test.
PS. Safe boot may stay on the gray radian for a long time, let it go, it's trying to repair the Hard Drive.

System Preferences pane opens off-screen

What can I do to have the system preferences panel open in the center of the screen instead of off the screen?
Whether I open it by Apple->System Preferences or open any other module within System Preferences (such as Network Preferences) it opens in the lower left-hand corner with 80% of the window off the screen. Then I have to drag it back to the center to use it.
I used to have dual-monitors, but now only use the laptop screen.

The position you have the System Prefs on your screen when you close it should be stored in the plist file.
/Users/yourname/Library/Preferences/com.apple.systempreferences.plist
Thus, if you trash the plist it really ought to be created with the default position, but even that shouldn't actually be necessary: when you move System Prefs window to where you want and close it the new position should be recorded in the plist and used next time you open it.
The only thing I can think of is perhaps something is funky in the way your account is considering the dispaly. Launch the Displays preferences and try clicking the "Gather Windows" button and the "Detect Displays" button, check that Rotate is Standard, and also check the Arrangement tab to make sure it shows one display with the menu bar.
Francine
Francine
Schwieder

Under APPLE MENU system preferences only opens sporadically, mostly not

Under APPLE MENU system preferences only opens sporadically, mostly not. I booted up with installation disk and ran a check but everything was alright. However, when I tried to click on items using the disk as a startup disk it frequently wouldn't function.

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.
;~)

In System Prefereneces, when I am in Desktop and Screen Saver, I am unable to remove folders. I can click the "-" and the folder appears to be gone, but when I close and then reopen System Preferences, and open Desktop and Screen Saver, the folder reappea

In System Prefereneces, when I am in Desktop and Screen Saver, I am unable to remove folders. I can click the "-" and the folder appears to be gone, but when I close and then reopen System Preferences, and open Desktop and Screen Saver, the folder reappears in the list. I have tried deleting preferences "plist" but I am totally unable to remove the folders.

I've seen one other report like yours, and I think the issue is caused by a bug, but I don't know what triggers it.
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, or by corruption of certain system caches.
Disconnect all wired peripherals except those needed for the test, and remove all aftermarket expansion cards. Boot in safe mode and log in to the account with the problem. Note: If FileVault is enabled, or if a firmware password is set, or if the boot volume is a software RAID, you can’t do this. Ask for further instructions.
Safe mode is much slower to boot and run than normal, and some things won’t work at all, including sound output and Wi-Fi on certain iMacs. The next normal boot may also be somewhat slow.
The login screen appears even if you usually log in 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, reboot as usual (i.e., not in safe mode) and verify that you still have the problem. Post the results of the test.

System Preferences always loads in 32-bit because I used CleanMyMac, XSlimmer!

Hi everyone,
I come to you today feeling very foolish. In a stupid attempt to remove unneeded files etc from my new macbook air I downloaded both cleanmymac and xslimmer (monolingual too). However, now I notice that system preferences always loads as 32-bit because in the title bar it says 'System Preferences (32-Bit mode). I cannot get it out of this. When I click cmnd + info the 32-bit box is not checked. I fear one of these programs may have stripped the 64-bit architecture needed! Does anyone have any advice or solutions? Preferebley without re-installing Lion because this laptop is new this week and I haven't yet made a back-up! I know I am an idiot! But any help from you amazing people out there would, as always, be greatly appreciated!
iJomo

Hi Lex,
Thank you very much for your reply. I did what you said and I got the following reponse;
joeair:~ Joe$ sudo defaults write /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/com.apple.Boot 'Kernel Flags' 'arch=x86_64
> sudo defaults write /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/com.apple.Boot 'Kernel Flags' 'arch=x86_64
Password:
2011-10-25 11:51:20.453 defaults[321:707] Unexpected argument Flags arch=x86_64; leaving defaults unchanged.
joeair:~ Joe$
Needless to say, System Preferences is still 32-bit mode.
Thanks for trying, any idea where to go from here?
iJomo

My system preferences wont open anymore, whats up

my system preferences wont open anymore, whats up

Hi xronjonesx,
To make sure that we are on the same page, you cannot open System Preferences. Have you tried opening it from the Apple Drop down menu? If you are still unsuccessful, then the next step would be to reinstall OS X Snow Leopard as that app is part of the operating system and the reinstallation with all the software updates afterwards will resolve the issue.
Mac OS X 10.6: Reinstalling Mac OS X
https://support.apple.com/kb/PH6606
Take it easy,
-Norm G.

Systeme Preference Corruption for All Users!

In one of my user account, I can't get the scroll bars to show!!!
I want in preference-general and select ''Always'' under Show Scroll Bars, but I can't see them in Safari, Mail...
When I close Preference, my ''Always'' selection is gone and it return to '' Automatically based on input device''
Also, issue with Screen Saver. I can select any Apple default screen saver. My iMac always play my iPhoto Library.
I'm suspecting Systeme Preference Corruption in all my users.
In previous post, Frank recommended to boot from recovery disk, go to terminal, rset paasword window and slect ''Reset Home Folder Permissions and ACLs''
This is what I did, exept, it was running after 24 hrs of waiting and I decide to quit. It did the same with all users...
Do you have a solution to this issue?
NOTE: Lions was reinstalled and HD erase. Repair Disk Permission done, Safe boot done.
What do I got left?

Repairing the permissions of a home folder in Lion is a complicated procedure. I don’t know of a simpler one that always works.
Launch the 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 page that opens.
Drag or copy – do not type – the following line into the Terminal window, then press return:
chmod -R -N ~
The command will take a noticeable amount of time to run. When a new line ending in a dollar sign ($) appears below what you entered, it’s done. You may see a few error messages about an “invalid argument” while the command is running. You can ignore those. If you get an error message with the words “Permission denied,” enter this:
sudo !!
You'll be prompted for your login password, which won't be displayed when you type it. You may get a one-time warning not to screw up.
Next, boot from your recovery partition by holding down the key combination command-R at startup. Release the keys when you see a gray screen with a spinning dial.
When the recovery desktop appears, select Utilities ▹ Terminal from the menu bar.
In the Terminal window, enter “resetpassword” (without the quotes) and press return. A Reset Password window opens.
Select your boot volume 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.

System preference lock opens

when i power up i notice that the lock in system preference opens in the network section, and when i check in the certification window theres a invalid certificate with permission to login. i think that file opens the lock i'm not sure if to delete the file or not. can someone help me?

I, too, am having such issues.
Running Leopard, MBP 2.33.
Since updating to Leopard, I cannot seem to lock my padlock... EVER!
e.g., I "get info" for some folder, and unlock the small padlock at the bottom right to modify the preferences. After entering admin password and unlocking the lock, I cannot "re-lock" the padlock.
Moreover, my System Preferences folder is ALWAYS UNLOCKED! I cannot change it.
In fact, if I switch to a "standard" user account, they are still unlocked!
Funny enought, I happen to be listening to music at the same time, and it continued to play while in the standard account.
Seriously wacky stuff going on with permissions.
Any help? Anyone?

I am trying to activate root account on my MAC. The directions I've seen do not match what is in System Preference for Accounts or Users

I am trying to activate the root account on my new Mac Book Pro. The instructions that I have found do not match what I have in System Preferences. What is the process when using Users and Groups. When I click on Join the Network Account Server- Open Directory Utility I don't see a option to activate root user as the instructions say at http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1528
OS X Lion
From the Apple menu choose System Preferences....
From the View menu choose Users & Groups.
Click the lock and authenticate as an administrator account.
Click Login Options....
Click the "Edit..." or "Join..." button at the bottom right.
Click the "Open Directory Utility..." button.
Click the lock in the Directory Utility window.
Enter an administrator account name and password, then click OK.
Choose Enable Root User from the Edit menu.
Enter the root password you wish to use in both the Password and Verify fields, then click OK.

Do you mean you cannot select "Enable Root User" from the "Edit" menu as shown below?
Why do you think you need to enable the root user? I've never needed it in the history of OS X.

Mail, Skype, Safari and some system preferences not opening

I wonder if anyone else has had this problem....my mac starts up but seems to skip loading things at the loading screen when it boots - When it gets to the desktop, Skype, mail (mac default program), and Safari do not open when clicked - I tried to go to user accounts in system preferences and that fails to open also - AIM, Fireofx and Transmit (FTP program) all work fine and are able to connect to the interent - It has done this before (months ago) and I ended up having to do a system restore to go back to factory settings - Yesterday it started this again and after 1/2 hour mail just popped open and all was well - It has been on for 4 hours so far and none of those programs are working - Has anyone else had issues like this ? any suggestions? I am using a Power Mac G5 cpu 1.8ghz and 1.25 gb of ram and 10.3.9 for system version - Any help is greatly appreciated
thanks

Have you done the basics? Repaired permissions, cleared caches, run cron jobs, booted from DVD and run disk repair etc.?
It seems that when you did a restore, which I presume is an archive and install, it cleared up then over time whatever you do is corrupting things or the drive is on its last legs. Add a new drive (cheap) , clone the boot drive to it with Super Duper (free) and boot from that for a while.

System Preferences always starts when logging in....

I'm doing some general maintenace on my parent's computer (macmini ppc 10.4.8). There seems to be a handfull of odd issues happening. One of them is that System Prefs always starts when logging in after a reboot. The login items for the user account has nothing checked on, and it's only his user account that has this issue.
Does anyone have any ideas?
thanks

I'm a complete douche. I looked in Login Items for the 10th time and this time my brain kicked in and saw "System Preferences". I feel so stupid. I looked in there multiple times and must have thought... well, I don't know what I thought. The sad thing is I've been working with unix for several years. I think it's time for a new career.
Thanks!

Using Automator to change System Preference when opening an app

Hello everyone,
I have been using a Mac for a good 8 years now and I'm a happy user. I recently found out about Automator ('hey what is this little robot for?') and what it can do, yet I lack the knowledge of finding out what I must do to make a script to perform the following thing:
When I launch an app (FL Studio), I want the box checked next to 'Use F1 and F2 as standard function keys' in the Keyboard preferences pane in the System Preferences app.
When I close the same app (FL Studio), I want the box unchecked next to 'Use F1 and F2 as standard function keys' in the Keyboard preference pane in the System Preferences app.
I have found several other topics about this subject, however, those were about scripts when logging in to your computer, and not upon opening/closing an app. Please note that I am seeking for the setting to be changed when the app is opened and closed.
I hope you can help,
Sander

This kind of question comes up a lot - how to run a script when an application launches/quits.
The short answer is that it's not easy to do directly, unless the application itself supports launching scripts on startup/quit (hint: few do).
Fortunately, a little difference in thinking can give you the same effect.
Rather than trying to have your script trigger AFTER the app launches, rethink your process to a script that FIRST changes the preference, THEN launches the app. You get the same result but about 14 billion times easier to implement.
In this case, write a script to set the function key preference, then launch FL Studio. The script can then hang around to wait for the app to quit and reset the pref.
Furthermore, don't try to do this the human way (open System preferences, select Keyboard, check the box). You can set the preference directly via the defaults command line utility:
on run
do shell script "defaults write .GlobalPreferences com.apple.keyboard.fnState 1"
tell application "FL Studio" to activate
end run
Resetting the preference is a little trickier since you need to detect when FL Studio has quit. You can do this with an idle() handler in your script that hangs around, periodically checking if the app is still running and then taking action:
on idle
tell application "System Events"
if (name of every application process) contains "FL Studio" then
-- app is still running, so come back and check later:
return 10
else
do shell script "defaults write .GlobalPreferences com.apple.keyboard.fnState 0"
tell me to quit
end if
end tell
end idle
Putting these together in a Stay Open script should do much of what you want.

Using system preferences as an additional user

I have just created a new user account for my sons to use. However, depsite giving the account administrator priviledges, it is not possible to access system preferences when logged in as them. The icon appears in the doc as a dimmed ?, and it will not open from the apple menu.
I want to be able to set up desktop and dock preferences for them....HOW???!!!

it wasn't in the applications folder at all, but your suggestion then made me realise it had been moved to a different folder, hence the new account couldn't find it.
I've now restored it to the app folder in my own account, and the new account has now found it.
Thank you so much

System Preferences always opens at Users & Goups

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