when attempting to change screen lock time in Ventura 13.4 I get com.apple.extensionKit.errorDomain error 15

I booked call back from Apple support. Steve had me use System Restore to wipe my disk, re-load Ventura and then create a new account to check if lock screen settings could be changed before I recovered my old data from Time Machine. I did this and it worked. The time zone was set correctly as I created the new User and I was able to adjust the 'system settings > lock screen' time as that new User. However, I didn't change my User Photo/avatar as I didn't have any user photos loaded...

Then I restored from Time Machine my old User, but NOT Applications, Settings or 'other files'. It asked me if 'replace current Admin User' with the 'time machine user' which I opted to do. When that completed I tried changing 'system settings > lock screen' time again and I could (WooHoo!). Since I had my photos back I tried changing the User photo/avatar, but that failed (Doh). Same error as before 'com.apple.extensionKit.errorDomain error 15'. However, this not a big deal. I am concerned that other settings, which I haven't yet tried to change, may also still be locked up.

I then went into Time Machine and restored my Apps. Worked fine, Apps work, and I'm still able to edit my 'system settings > lock screen' time. So that's a win.

Now my Mac seems to be useable, but there's still an 'com.apple.extensionKit.errorDomain error 15' lurking in the background of my system settings. My biggest worry at the moment is that this error will follow me to any future Mac I transfer my data too...

OK, so I tried re-installing Ventura a few times. No change. So I went to an Apple store for help. They reloaded the firmware andVentura, so as if a new Mac. I then I recovered my Mac from Time Machine. I was careful to not recover system settings since that is where the problem may lie. I only recovered my data under my username. Anyway my mac now insists its in California and will not let me change the location nor the time. When I do try, it gives the same error as above"com.apple.extensionKit.errorDomain error 15". Not sure what my next step is...

First I should say I got my OS version a little wrong at the top, it's actually Ventura 13.4.1 that's caused this problem. My next step was to try Chat support. They pointed me to using recovery and disk utility to use first Aid.. Ive done that, but nothing has changed my Mac still insists Im in California and its still refuses to change 'require a password after screen saver', both throw the same error com.apple.extensionKit.errorDomain error 15.

One thing I have noticed is that after restoring Ventura, when I attempt to change the delay to require a password it does challenge me to re enter my password, which is fine, but it has an old userID, not the current admin user.

Thanks for your reply. I tried safe mode as you suggested. I got exactly the same behaviour and result. Problem remains when I return to normal login.

It seems my User picture has gone too. When I try replacing it, yes the exact same error is reported.