Q: Could not load Users & Groups preference pane.
I'm trying to access "Users & Groups" in my Preferences Pane but am getting an error: "Could not load Users & Groups preference pane."
When I search for a solution to this problem, one common fix is to access the system folder, but I can't for the life of me find it!
I'm using a MacBook Air and Mountain Lion 10.8.
Please help!
Posted on Sep 5, 2012 1:18 PM
You have a corrupt user picture.
Back up all data if you haven’t already done so. Before proceeding, you must be sure you can restore your system to the state it’s in now.
Launch the application
/System/Library/CoreServices/Directory Utility.app
which you can do by selecting the above line in your browser, right-clicking (or control-clicking), and selecting Services ▹ Open from the contextual menu.
In the application window, click the lock icon and authenticate. Select the Directory Editor tool in the toolbar. Select Users from the Viewing menu in the toolbar, if not already selected. Select your user account in the list. On the right is a list of properties and values. Select the property "JPEGPhoto" and delete it by clicking the minus-sign icon below. Then click the Save button in the lower right corner of the window. Quit Directory Utility.
Try again to open Users & Groups. If it still doesn't work, repeat the above steps with any other users you created. Don't change any built-in user accounts. You'll need to reset the user picture(s). Don't use the same ones.
Posted on Sep 5, 2012 7:21 PM