Bone12
Level 1 (4 points)
Desktops

Q: How to view program files

I have a memory lapse as to how to view all the program files on my MacBook Pro. I remember there was a way to see all the files listed and them hit a key to expand the files to see or repair a problem with a program but I cannot remember the process for it has been a long time since I have done it.

 

I would appreciate any advice or instructions on how to view all the files in my operating system.

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.1), IMac

Posted on Jun 20, 2016 8:59 AM

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Bone12

Q: How to view program files

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  • by Grant Bennet-Alder,

    Grant Bennet-Alder Grant Bennet-Alder Jun 20, 2016 10:19 AM in response to Bone12
    Level 9 (60,617 points)
    Desktops
    Jun 20, 2016 10:19 AM in response to Bone12

    Your description is so vague it brings nothing at all to mind.

     

    What are you trying to accomplish?

  • by Bone12,

    Bone12 Bone12 Jun 20, 2016 11:59 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Desktops
    Jun 20, 2016 11:59 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

    When there was a problem with a program apple support would have me open a page and there would be a folder titled preferences. Then you would delete a particular file in Preferences and reinstall. It would correct the problem. I do not remember how to get to the file that lists all programs and files that are on my computer so I can see if the program I need to correct is still there in Preferences or nt there.

     

    I hope this helps.

  • by lllaass,

    lllaass lllaass Jun 20, 2016 12:06 PM in response to Bone12
    Level 10 (187,595 points)
    Desktops
    Jun 20, 2016 12:06 PM in response to Bone12

    That does not sound familiar to me at all. I do not even understand why that would work if there was such a folder.

     

    Are yo having a problem with an app or apps? If so describe the problem and the apps involved.

  • by Grant Bennet-Alder,

    Grant Bennet-Alder Grant Bennet-Alder Jun 20, 2016 12:12 PM in response to Bone12
    Level 9 (60,617 points)
    Desktops
    Jun 20, 2016 12:12 PM in response to Bone12

    Where the preferences files are stored varies widely by Application.

     

    After you delete one of these files, the Application typically creates it anew, assuring you that any existing damage to the file is not causing your symptoms, and the file is correctly structured going forward. So if you look EXACTLY where you saw it before, the newly created file will be there.

     

    Its presence or absence is not the cause of problems nor the solution. If it is DAMAGED, as implied by specific symptoms you are seeing with a particular Application, removing it and allowing a new, correct one to be created, sometimes solves specific problems.

     

    Deleting preference files without a specific direction in mind is a good way to bring your Mac to a standstill. So if you want to pursue solving problems (by deleting preference files or any other means) please describe the problems you are having, and the Applications that are giving you these problems.

  • by lllaass,

    lllaass lllaass Jun 20, 2016 12:15 PM in response to Bone12
    Level 10 (187,595 points)
    Desktops
    Jun 20, 2016 12:15 PM in response to Bone12

    Sounds like you mean .plist files:

    https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-4301