Icons in System Preferences disabled

Question

Icons in System Preferences disabled

I recently was given a MacBookPro5,1 using OS X 10.5.7 for use at work. My account has administrator privileges.

In System Preferences, MobileMe, Accounts, Parental Controls, and Startup Disk are disabled. More importantly, when I install new software, their configurations in the 'Other' section are also disabled.

When I try and access them via Spotlight, it says: You cannot open "<application>" preferences pane because it is not available to you at this time. You might need to connect a device to your computer to see this preferences pane."

When I hover over an icon, it shows: Your access to this preference has been restricted.

Is this an inherent restriction on the way in which my account was configured, or is there something I can do about this?

Macbook Pro, Mac OS X (10.5)

Posted on Jun 13, 2009 11:54 AM

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Answer 1

V.K.

Level 9

56,192 points

Jun 13, 2009 1:12 PM in response to ArtVandelay23

it's not inherent but sounds like something that was set by your IT people. I suggest you ask them directly about it.

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Answer 2

Jun 14, 2009 5:02 AM in response to ArtVandelay23

Sounds as if your company has disabled these features intentionally. They really aren't software that are needed for your use at work, they're personal apps.

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Answer 3

Jun 14, 2009 12:59 PM in response to ArtVandelay23

Thanks for the responses.

I understand it was configured that way, but it was done inadvertently, and I was hoping someone could tell how to reconfigure it. It is quicker and more efficient if I can fix it myself.

Since they gave me administrator privileges I figure I should be able to do it.

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Answer 4

Jul 9, 2009 8:55 AM in response to ArtVandelay23

These settings come from a directory server, so if they are unintentional the IT staff needs to correct this on the server. I would imagine that it's actually very intentional, but as a local admin you can bypass the server management settings (though this may have other impacts you don't want) by holding down the option key when you click login. That gives you the option to choose to enable or disable the management.

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