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What is DashboardClient?

I am trying to download an application, but it will not download because it says DashboardClient is open. I just want to find it and close it.

Posted on Jan 3, 2009 3:31 PM

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10 replies

Jan 3, 2009 4:04 PM in response to reidbeme

Hi Reid,

What are you trying to download? How, like ftp or http? Do you have any Dashboard widgets that handle downloading?

If all else fails, might try this...

To turn Dashboard off:

defaults write com.apple.dashboard mcx-disabled -boolean YES

To turn Dashboard on:

defaults write com.apple.dashboard mcx-disabled -boolean NO

*You have to restart the Dock after making either change for it to take effect:

Jan 12, 2009 4:12 PM in response to dukeswalker

Dashboard is essentially a pared-down web browser. Adobe Flash installers usually look for open web browsers before installing and recommend they be shut down prior to install. So, try going into Dashboard and then move your mouse over any open widgets and then hold the option (or alt) key down and a small (x) should appear on the top left hand corner of the widget. Click that to close the widget. Repeat that for all the open widgets and then retry the Flash installer.

Jul 22, 2009 8:46 AM in response to BDAqua

Apple/Adobe Users:

This solution worked for me with the latest version of Adobe Flash and MacOS 10.5.7 (latest software updates installed). However, I am going to clarify a bit more what I did.

Step 1 - Open Terminal (You can find it under /Applications/Utilities/)

Step 2 - To turn Dashboard off:

Type this into Terminal and press enter:

defaults write com.apple.dashboard mcx-disabled -boolean YES

Step 3 - find the Dock process id:

Type this into Terminal and press enter:

ps -ef | grep 'Dock' | grep -v 'ashboard' | grep -v 'grep'

The SECOND number from the left is the process id for the Dock.

Step 4 - Kill the Dock:

Type this into terminal and press enter (replacing '<processid>' with the number you found above, second from the left):

kill -9 <processid>

Step 5 - Install Flash Player per Adobe's installer

Step 6 - To turn Dashboard on:

Type this into Terminal and press enter:

defaults write com.apple.dashboard mcx-disabled -boolean NO

Step 7 - find the Dock process id:

Type this into Terminal and press enter:

ps -ef | grep 'Dock' | grep -v 'ashboard' | grep -v 'grep'

The SECOND number from the left is the process id for the Dock.

Step 8 - Kill the Dock:

Type this into terminal and press enter (replacing '<processid>' with the number you found above, second from the left):

kill -9 <processid>

Step 9 - Press "F12" or whatever function key brings up Dashboard to assure it is functioning again now.



Very Respectfully Submitted,

Stuart B. Tener, N3GWG

What is DashboardClient?

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