System preferences wont open

so im still kinda new to my macbook and the other day i noticed that my system preferences was gone and i can not find it, and i do not know what i did or what happened. is there anywhere i can download it from or anything like that?

If its icon isn't on the Dock, then open Mac HD/Applications/ and drag the System Preferences.app icon onto the Dock. Assuming that you're new to Macs, but familiar with PC boxes, see these:
Switching from Windows to Mac OS X,
Basic Tutorials on using a Mac,
Mac 101: Mac Essentials,
Mac OS X keyboard shortcuts,
Anatomy of a Mac,
MacTips, and
Switching to the Mac: The Missing Manual, Snow Leopard Edition.
Additionally, *Texas Mac Man* recommends:
Quick Assist,
Welcome to the Switch To A Mac Guides,
Take Control E-books, and
A guide for switching to a Mac.

Similar Messages

  • 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. 

  • System preference wont open

    i have a mac OSX version 10.5.8 under apple and system preference when i try to open it does not respond.  i can not defreg my hard drive howe do i fix this proplem

    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...
    /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.

  • My system preferences wont open

    Tried clicking it from the dock and from the apple toolbar and neither one open

    What OS are you using? The answer might change troubleshooting.
    Does anything happen? Does it bounce in the dock?
    Have you tried control - clicking the application in the dock and selecting open?
    Have you tried opening it in the Applications folder?

  • HT2490 my system preferences wont open. why?

    help me asap

    Hi Cody, not much to go on, but try this...
    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 wont work/open

    Apple Product : MacBook
    Version 10.6.8
    Heres my problem :
    The System Preferences wont open at all. I already tried clicking on " > System Preferences" and that doesn't work. Resetting my computer doesn't seem to work either. I've also tried looking it up in Spotlight, but that didn't work either. The Application disappeared off of my Dock as well. The same thing happend to my Terminal Application. If I try and change something that originally was in the System Preferences (Such as Dock or Display or Parental Controls) it brings up stuff like "prefPane". "_CodeSignature" and "CodeResources" also pop up also. Advice? Suggestions?

    Hi there ThePaintball,
    I would recommend taking a look at the troubleshooting steps found in the article below.
    Mac OS X: How to troubleshoot a software issue
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1199
    If the issue occurs in various applications, or in Mac OS X
    For example, if no applications can be opened.
    Tip: If the issue began right after you performed a Mac OS X re-installation (excluding erase-installation), see Applications don't work after reinstalling Mac OS X.
    The first and easiest test to try is to see if the issue affects a different user account on your Mac. Each user account has customized preferences and other items stored in its home directory. You'll first need to create an additional user if one does not already exist (follow steps a-h below). Then, log out of the current user and test the issue in the new user account. If this resolves the issue, there may be an issue with a file in the home directory of the original user account.
    From the Apple menu, choose System Preferences.
    From the View menu, choose Accounts (or choose Users if using Mac OS X v10.2 or earlier).
    Click "+" (or click New User if using Mac OS X v10.2 or earlier).
    Give the new user a name and short name.
    Mac OS X v10.3 or earlier only: Click the Password tab, and give the user a password
    Mac OS X v10.3 or earlier only: Click Security.
    Select the checkbox for "Allow user to administer this computer". This makes the user account an administrator.
    Click OK, or quit System Preferences.
    Start up in Safe Mode (Mac OS X v10.2 or later only). If the issue does not occur, there may be an issue with a startup item, login item, or kext file. Refer to this article for troubleshooting suggestions.
    If the issue does not appear to be related to preferences, a login item, or a kext file, and still persists in Safe Mode, there may be an issue with a cache file in your home folder:
    From the Finder's Go menu, choose Home.
    Open the Library folder.
    Drag the Caches folder to the desktop.
    Attempt to reproduce the issue.
    If issue is resolved, drag the Caches folder to the Trash.
    If issue persists, from the Finder's Go menu, choose Go To Folder.
    Go to this folder: /Library
    Drag the Caches folder to the desktop.
    Attempt to reproduce the issue.
    If issue is resolved, drag the Caches folder to the Trash.
    If issue persists, go to step 4.
    If the issue persists, there may be an issue with a third-party font file in your home folder.  See this article for information about using Font Book to enable or disable fonts in Mac OS X v10.3 or later.
    -Griff W.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • HT1338 system preference wont start

    system preference wont starrt under the apple icon

    Hello,
    First, Safe Boot , (holding Shift key down at bootup), use Disk Utility from there to Repair Permissions.
    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

  • System Preferences wont quit, constant restarts ***??

    Leopard is seriously causing me annoyance.
    I have just done a fresh install from the dvd on a freshly erased hard disk & already i have had to restart about 10 times in the past day due to various applications crashing. System preferences however just keeps doing it & wont even force quit. Repairing permissions has no effect, Disk first aid says my drive is fine & i have done all software updates.
    Does anyone know where I could start with this, apart from moving to Vista that is....

    Create a new account, name it "test" and see how your apps work in that User acct? (That will tell if your problem is systemwide or limited to your User acct.) This account is just for test, do nothing further with it.
    Open System Preferences >> Accounts >> "+" make it an admin account.
    Let us know and we'll troubleshoot this further.
    -mj
    [email protected]

  • 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.

  • How to get my accounts pane in System Preferences to open.

    The accounts pane of System Preferences won't open it simply loads and then System Preferences quits. I have repaired disk permissions many times but it hasn't helped. I don't have the reinstall disks to fix the computer. What can I do?

    Hi Miss Moo,
    Could it be anything related to this, it can happen spontaneously also?
    Return to default desktop, apparent "loss" of home directory...
    http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=107854
    ChangeShortName 10.4 only...
    http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/16620
    If not...
    Reset OS X Password Without an OS X CD...
    http://theappleblog.com/2008/06/22/reset-os-x-password-without-an-os-x-cd/
    Once you've done that the computer reboots and it's like the first time you used the machine. Your old accounts are all safe. From there you just change all other account passwords in the account preferences!
    applesetupdone...
    http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=6059333&#6059333
    http://www.askdavetaylor.com/howdo_i_reset_my_mac_os_x_admin_rootpassword.html

  • 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.

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