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Level 1

65 points

'Your network settings have been changed by another app' - THE SOLUTION

This currently reported problem, which manifests after applying Security Update 2008-06, can be fixed permanently by removing the following preferences files:

Go to Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration and delete the following (suggest make copies to the desktop first if in doubt):

com.apple.airport.preferences.plist
NetworkInterfaces.plist
preferences.plist
com.apple.nat.plist

All these files will regenerate as necessary when the associated system features are accessed. If you're using Airport or Internet Sharing you'll have to reestablish the appropriate settings, because these will have been lost when the preferences files are removed. Small price to pay, however for a permanent, and very simple solution to this irritating problem.

MacBook Pro 2.16 GHz, 2GB RAM, 100 GB Seagate 7200rpm drive., Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on Sep 28, 2008 8:30 AM

169 replies

BDAqua

Level 10

239,249 points

Jun 7, 2010 10:58 AM in response to wplewis

Hi there, While you may get help or a solution here, it's not likely in such a long thread, It's quite acceptable to start a new topic of your own, certainly feel free to start a new topic to attract more helpers to your particular situation, here's a link if as is often the case, it's hard to find out where to do it...

http://discussions.apple.com/post!default.jspa?forumID=755

BDAqua

Level 10

239,249 points

Jun 7, 2010 11:01 AM in response to Higs

Jul 17, 2010 1:55 PM in response to Jona

Before I tried this solution I called Apple Tech Support and tried for a half hour to eliminate that little drop down window on my Network Preferences. When I went into the System Configuration folder I double clicked on the preferences.plist and it opened an application called "OmniOutliner". I wondered if that was the "application" that had changed my network preferences.

Anyway, after applying your solution, I also opened the Security setting in System Preferences and checked "Require password". All of this temporarily eliminated the drop down window, which came back as soon as I rebooted and attempted open Network preferences. Once that little drop down window drops, you have to use Force Quit to get your computer back.

I am little fuzzy on what is going to lost from my Network preferences once I delete these items from the System Configuration folder. The computer connects to the internet via Airport, but there are many other network preferences, including DNS Servers. Will EVERYTHING be lost in Network Preferences?

Thanks.

BDAqua

Level 10

239,249 points

Jul 17, 2010 2:14 PM in response to johninencino

Hi John,

I wondered if that was the "application" that had changed my network preferences.

Nope, it has to do with an old erroneous way of storing Passwords and a Security update is what changed the behavior.

Will EVERYTHING be lost in Network Preferences?

Yes, but easy enough to put back.

It's quite acceptable to start a new topic of your own, feel free to start a new topic to attract more helpers to your particular situation, as not many helpers look at Solved/Answered Topics for people needing help, here's a link if as is often the case, it's hard to find out where to do it...

http://discussions.apple.com/post!default.jspa?forumID=752

Or Getting online & networking...

http://discussions.apple.com/post!default.jspa?forumID=755

PS. It takes about 5 minutes for this Topic to load on my Dial-up connection.

'Your network settings have been changed by another app' - THE SOLUTION