I want to change the picture for my log in but the system prefs won't open. I go to the Dock and click the System Prefs icon and nothing happens. I go to the Apple Menu and click system preferences and nothing happens. I have restarted several times to no avail and likewise, reset the pram (commant_option_P _R) Still nothing.
Please help!
iMac, Mac OS X (10.5.8)
Try booting in Safe Mode (to "Safe Boot")
1. Be sure the computer is shut down.
2. Press the power button.
3. Immediately after you hear the startup tone, press and hold the Shift key.
Tip: The Shift key should be held as soon as possible after the startup tone but not before.
4. Release the Shift key when you see the gray Apple and progress indicator (looks like a spinning gear).
During the startup in Mac OS X 10.2 through 10.3.9, you will see "Safe Boot" on the Mac OS X startup screen.
During the startup in Mac OS X 10.4 or later, you will see "Safe Boot" on the login window, which appears even if you normally log in automatically.
To leave Safe Mode in any version of Mac OS X, restart the computer normally, without holding any keys during startup.
If that doesn't work, boot from your install disc and run
Disk Utility
1. Insert the Mac OS X Install disc that came with your computer, then restart the computer while holding the C key.
2. When your computer finishes starting up from the disc, choose Disk Utility from the Installer menu. (In Mac OS X 10.4 or later, you must select your language first.)
Important: Do not click Continue in the first screen of the Installer. If you do, you must restart from the disc again to access Disk Utility.
3. Click the First Aid tab.
4. Click the disclosure triangle to the left of the hard drive icon to display the names of your hard disk volumes and partitions.
5. Select your Mac OS X volume.
6. Click Repair. Disk Utility checks and repairs the disk.
Let us know how you make out.
I went to my Time Machine and restored the system prefs which was missing. That did the trick.
I am, however, going to use thw two options you suggested just to make sure there is nothing else wrong with my system files.
Thank you very much for your help.
GypsysPapa
Hello,
I found a solution from another Apple support blog about this problem. Go to iCloud.com and sign into your account. Then under "Account Settings" go to "Reset Data and Documents", and follow the prompts. You do not lose any data or documents. And this solved my problem with System Preferences freezing and not opening!
Did yo unotice the question was asked three years ago?
Also, OP cannot use iCloud on a computer running OS 10.5.8.
My System Preferences won't open
