Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Level 1

12 points

why does Launchpad constantly re-order my apps?

I installed Lion several days ago but only last night took the time to configure my applications in Launchpad. I set up some folders and moved things around to be organized. To be honest, this feature is heaven for me! 🙂

But over the past 24 hours, I've encountered a strange problem. Everytime I reboot my iMac, the set order I organized all of my apps to apear in keep re-ordering and mixing up on me. I don't know how or why this is happening but it has to be a bug of sorts.

I have 24 apps/folders on my first Launchpad page, which is all of my primary apps and folders that I use regularly. The other two pages are folders and apps that I probably won't ever need to launch from there. I set all of my web browsers and internet related apps on the bottom row. Design apps on the next row up. Music and audio editing apps the next row up from there and my regularly used system utilities, calculator, app store, etc. on the top row.

Well, all of my apps maintain what row they're set to - but the bottom two rows are always re-ordering when I reboot my machine. I haven't changed, updated or added any new applications, yet by doing an experiment a moment ago, I set my apps the way I wanted to, did nothing else, rebooted my machine and went back to Launchpad. It still re-orders itself. I did this 4 times in a row and it's the same result each time. And the same way the apps are re-rdered too. It's not setting them alphabetically either so I don't have a clue as to what is happening.

Anybody else experiencing this? I guess it's not a huge deal since all of the apps are still there - but I'm a little OCD and when I set my apps to where the 8 most commonly used apps are in the center 2 rows and suddenly they're mixed up, it kind of makes this new feature almost pointless. Would rather just double click a folder on my desktop to have it open the apps/aliases I want.

iMac 27, Mac OS X (10.7)

Posted on Jul 26, 2011 12:03 PM

55 replies

Bubbelz

Level 1

19 points

Feb 3, 2012 7:02 AM in response to mello2198

My suggestion is to delete all trackpad settngs that open Launchpad and stop using Launchpad whatsoever.

It ***** without bugs as well. OS X 11 might be something between iOS and OS X, but until it's done correctly by Apple I don't bother using crappy products.

Feb 3, 2012 10:37 AM in response to geneosis

Looks like the solution posted be geneosis works for me. Thanks!

Feb 3, 2012 12:23 PM in response to geneosis

1. Go to: User directory > Library > Application Support > Dock > there, you might have a file with a strange name finishing by .db

2. Put this file into the trash, but don't empty the trash, just in case.

3. Just restart the Mac. The Launchpad must be reinitialize, that's mean you have to remake the arrangement of all your apps, the same way at your first Lion's installation. Voilà!

(the system have normally remake a .db file, you can empty the trash)

I have tried this SO many times in the past. It takes nearly an hour to reconstruct everything. Why would 10.7.3 make any difference? If it's a problem with one of my apps, doing this will not solve the problem.

I really don't want to go through this again and have it not work.

Oh, well, here goes....

geneosis

Level 1

5 points

Feb 3, 2012 2:21 PM in response to santranyc

after 6 restarts, my Launchpad is still in order. So it's just work, at least in my case and SupahCoolX's case. If you try this solution and that is not working for you, maybe try again... it is possible after 10.7.3 it will be ok...

mello2198 Author

Level 1

12 points

Feb 3, 2012 4:41 PM in response to geneosis

This worked for me and after several restarts over the past day and even changing the app order around, it worked!! 🙂

Yes, it took a little time to put it all back together the way I wanted them but it has been maintaining its order since this adjustment.

Thank you so much!

Sparcus

Level 1

0 points

Feb 4, 2012 6:05 AM in response to geneosis

It worked!

Thanks. :)

geneosis

Level 1

5 points

Feb 4, 2012 12:50 PM in response to geneosis

I'm sorry but some of my apps have changes of order... Just 2 or 3. I update one of my apps this day, it change something in the Launchpad. %`ù¨**!!!! BUG!!! Apple dodn't even know how make something so simple????

So my solution have a relativized efficiency...

Sorry all.

geneosis

Level 1

5 points

Feb 5, 2012 9:07 AM in response to geneosis

It's seems the order changing when one app is updated. This replace the app file in the application folder and the launchpad change a little the app position, but globally, the order is keeped. This is not mess. It's better than it was some days ago.

Boring...

Rileyx2

Level 1

0 points

Feb 5, 2012 1:06 PM in response to geneosis

Has anyone else noticed their arrangements change when they connect to another display? I have noticed small changes when updating apps and after restarts, which is annoying, but the largest changes occur after I use another display and disconnect from it. I only have two "screens" in Launchpad and the bottom two rows in the first/main "screen" get jumbled up on a fairly regular basis after using another display.

mallchin

Level 1

8 points

Feb 7, 2012 9:35 AM in response to mello2198

Doesn't work for me. After installing some new apps, they now no longer stay in order 😟

rapid10

Level 1

0 points

Feb 15, 2012 10:41 AM in response to mallchin

Found this video and cnet post:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lO1CgB-WKg0

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13727_7-20087145-263/how-to-reset-and-manage-the-os -x-10.7-launchpad-interface/

Help these solve your problems.

rapid10

Level 1

0 points

Feb 16, 2012 12:10 PM in response to rapid10

Help these solve your problems.

*Hope…

rdub76

Level 1

9 points

Feb 17, 2012 9:31 AM in response to mello2198

I really think Apple is fully aware of this issue and is holding off on it because, as usual, it will be fixed in Mountain Lion and they expect you to leave Lion and buy the new OS when it's released. I'm getting sick and tired of Apples tactics to sell more products. I had issues with the clickwheel on my iPod classic that were never addressed. They expect all of their customers to immediately move on to the next new thing. Why fix a legacy device or software? All you have to do is buy an Apple product then wait at least 6 months...now you have a legacy item. If you want it fixed, just buy the new one! Am I right?

mallchin

Level 1

8 points

Feb 17, 2012 10:49 AM in response to rdub76

I shouldn't think Apple expect people to upgrade to the next version of OS X for this issue to be resolved.

In fact, given the limitations of the iPhone, and the subsequent firmware updates, I think Apple are pretty good at addressing issues.

On another note, the fix may entail deleting Launchpad's preferences and starting afresh. Perhaps that's why they're holding off.

Message was edited by: mallchin

rdub76

Level 1

9 points

Feb 17, 2012 2:30 PM in response to mallchin

The fact remains that Apple has been silent about the subject and

the issue is still unaddressed while they're getting ready to launch the next OS. I would like for Apple to concentrate on fixing ongoing issues with an OS before releasing a new one. Maybe they are working on it, but I bet you it won't be resolved until after the release of ML.

why does Launchpad constantly re-order my apps?