You cannot use the application “System Preferences” with this version OS X

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Level 1

0 points

You cannot use the application “System Preferences” with this version OS X

You cannot use the application “System Preferences” with this version of Mac OS X.
I received this error message when trying to run System Preferences (SP) for the first time after running the 10.5.1 update (from the download, not software update). After the update, I repaired permissions. Did another restart. Same.
I reinstalled 10.5.1 update. Same message. Logged in as another user. No change.
I removed the com.apple.systempreferences.plist from ~/library/preferences. No change, and it did not re-create the .plist file.

Any ideas? No one else seems to be having this problem as far as I can tell.

dkrockville

Dual G5 2.3GHz, Mac OS X (10.5), 10.5.1, 6.5GB ram

Posted on Nov 15, 2007 7:26 PM

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Answer 1

Nov 18, 2007 6:08 AM in response to dkrockville

Hey!

I had same problem! Even Safari didn't work. I found a tip in other thread. Drag application that is causing problem to desktop and then back to Application folder. Now it works!

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Answer 2

tom101

Level 1

5 points

Nov 18, 2007 11:32 AM in response to Alen Salamun

I had the same with iChat and Safari. But it has fixed it, thanks.

Apple have made a big mistake with releasing Leopard with so many bugs, this is the third problem I have had.

Anyway thanks guys

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Answer 3

a brody

Level 10

82,941 points

Nov 18, 2007 12:03 PM in response to dkrockville

The reason this works is because the Desktop and Applications folder typically are different sets of permissions. This is effectively like repairing permissions with Disk Utility, which has been necessary since Disk Utility had that function with 10.2.0 on many updates. A few don't need it, but there is never any documentation that says it doesn't except from user experience.

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Answer 4

SAO

Level 1

18 points

Nov 18, 2007 3:10 PM in response to a brody

Happened to me with several things...safari, mail, system preferences...on my iMac. Turned out my dock was not updated when I installed Leopard. I had to find the correct versions on the HD and update the Dock. No problem now.

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Answer 5

Dec 17, 2007 8:59 AM in response to dkrockville

I have had this problem with many applications after updating to 10.5.1, including
System Preferences, Calculator, Preview. Tried repairing permissions, and other tips from this thread. The strange thing is, the actual Leopard applications seem to have actually vanished? I don't know if this is anything to do with Time Machine; Anyway, My fix was:

Download Pacifist (if you don't already have it), locate the apps that you're having problems with on the Leopard install DVD, and copy them to the Applications Folder (Click on 'Replace Bundle')

Problem Solved for Me!

Hope this Helps!

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