Q: preferences error - could not load displays preference pane
My screen resolution changed during game play. Now that the game is off, I cant change it back. This is what the error message says "Preferences Error - Could not load Displays preference pane."
iMac, Mac OS X (10.6.8)
Posted on Dec 10, 2014 5:34 PM
That's a bit vague, but I'll assume that you couldn't open the preference pane while logged in as guest. In that case, see below.
If you don't already have a current backup, back up all data, then reinstall the OS.* You don't need to erase the startup volume, and you won't need the backup unless something goes wrong. If the system was upgraded from an older version of OS X, you may need the Apple ID and password you used.
If you use FileVault 2, then before running the Installer you must launch Disk Utility and select the icon of the FileVault startup volume ("Macintosh HD," unless you gave it a different name.) It will be nested below another icon with the same name. Click the Unlock button in the toolbar and enter your login password when prompted. Then quit Disk Utility to be returned to the main Recovery screen.
There are ways to back up a computer that isn't fully functional. Ask if you need guidance.
If you installed the Java runtime distributed by Apple and still need it, you'll have to reinstall it. The same goes for Xcode. All other data will be preserved.
*The linked support article refers to OS X 10.10 ("Yosemite"), but the procedure is the same for OS X 10.7 ("Lion") and later.
Posted on Dec 18, 2014 3:37 PM