Reset Network settings to default

Question

Level 1

11 points

Reset Network settings to default

I want to reset my network settings to the way they were when the computer was new. I think all this involves is deleting a .plst file? I am not sure. Can anyone provide me with step by step directions.

IMAC, Mac OS X (10.5.6)

Posted on Mar 19, 2009 7:59 PM

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Answer 1

Kappy

Level 10

361,995 points

Mar 19, 2009 8:07 PM in response to Mark Mester

Navigate to the /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/ folder and delete:

com.apple.airport.preferences.plist
preferences.plist

In /Home/Library/Preferences/ByHost delete:

com.apple.preference.internet.xxxxxxxxxx.plist

Restart the computer.

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Answer 2

Mark Mester Author

Level 1

11 points

Mar 19, 2009 10:28 PM in response to Kappy

It did not work. I tried deleting com.apple.NetworkUtility.plist and I am still connecting to the internet. Then I tried com.apple.airportutility.plist (I could not find the one that you said airport.preferences) and then I tried com.apple.preference.internet.xxxxxxxxxx.plist. None of this worked. I am still connected to the internet with my old configuration. Any ideas as to what I am doing wrong?

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Answer 3

Mark Mester Author

Level 1

11 points

Mar 21, 2009 8:46 AM in response to baltwo

The reason I want to reset it is because I think I accidentally deleted the automatic option in the locations area. What I would like to do is just go into edit locations and choose automatic but that option is not there. I just have one location in the edit locations box and I can't delete one location. At least it does not give me the option to delete the one location. Would resetting it bring back the Automatic option or because I deleted that does that mean I can't get that back?

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Answer 4

baltwo

Level 9

62,386 points

Mar 19, 2009 8:05 PM in response to Mark Mester

Delete com.apple.NetworkUtility.plist and then System Preferences->Network->Assist Me and follow the steps to reset the network.

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Answer 5

baltwo

Level 9

62,386 points

Mar 19, 2009 8:13 PM in response to Kappy

Thanks for jumping in. I don't do wireless, so always forget about that stuff.

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Answer 6

Kappy

Level 10

361,995 points

Mar 19, 2009 8:18 PM in response to baltwo

These must not be present in Leopard, at least they don't appear on my machine. I assume they are specific to Tiger?

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Answer 7

baltwo

Level 9

62,386 points

Mar 19, 2009 8:23 PM in response to Kappy

This is from my Leopard installation: com.apple.NetworkUtility.plist and the Network prefPane has quite a few options.

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Answer 8

Kappy

Level 10

361,995 points

Mar 19, 2009 8:28 PM in response to baltwo

Aha, I forgot I'm running beta here. Guess it's disappeared.

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Answer 9

baltwo

Level 9

62,386 points

Mar 19, 2009 11:25 PM in response to Mark Mester

Did you shutdown? Restart? Disconnect manually and delete the plists and run the Network Utility? Many things to do.

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Answer 10

baltwo

Level 9

62,386 points

Mar 21, 2009 12:58 PM in response to Mark Mester

Then, go and reinstate the Automatic location, using the + button while in the Network utility. That should be doable, al least it appears so on my machine—I didn't delete it, so this is a SWAG.

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Answer 11

Mark Mester Author

Level 1

11 points

Mar 21, 2009 1:06 PM in response to baltwo

I am not going to try and reset my settings anymore. It seems to be working ok. My question is I deleted that NetworkUtility.plst file. Is that ok or will the system need that file?

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Answer 12

baltwo

Level 9

62,386 points

Mar 21, 2009 1:13 PM in response to Mark Mester

I have no idea, but if it's now working, then it shouldn't be a problem.

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