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

All My Items in System Preferences are deleted For example: the bluetooth , accounts backgrounds and slides

I accidentaly deleted my items In SYSTEM PREFERENCES how do i get them back i have a Mac OS X 3.06 GHz Intel Core i3 Please help me with this

iMac, Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on Oct 18, 2012 4:10 PM

Reply
Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Oct 18, 2012 9:17 PM

Try downloading and reinstalling the Combo 10.6.8 update (if that is what you're on):


http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1399

18 replies

Oct 20, 2012 9:01 AM in response to Sarahdiya

I'd be careful with the link provided above; it is quite outdated and for older systems - so, unless your machine originally came with 10.3 or 10.4, the process is simplified. And, there is no longer an "archive & install". So, that brings us to this question:


What OS version did your computer come with? If it came with 10.5 (Leopard) or 10.6 (Snow Leopard), it came with install disks. If you do not have them any longer, you will need to call Apple and give them your serial number - they will send you your machine specific disks for a nominal charge. You cannot reinstall the OS without the disk and, as you can see, you need it now and will need it again if you sell/gift your machine.


If the installation failed with the Combo update, then I'd suggest a reinstall. It is quite straight forward: insert disk, restart while holding down C key, go to Utilities/Disk Utility and choose repair disk and repair permissions, and then erase disk. The installer will then reinstall after that. Make very sure you have a backup of your stuff beforehand that you can copy back when you're done with the reinstall.

Oct 20, 2012 11:52 AM in response to babowa

but wait without my sytem preferences do i need them or is it ok if i lost them because i have deleted 20,000 things without looking at what i deleted Permenentaly also the Network Preferences after that i started getting problems with WIFI i cant connect my device to wifi is it about the things i deleted or is the WIFI problem Seperate problem

Oct 20, 2012 1:09 PM in response to Sarahdiya

We don't know for sure if your Wifi settings are part of the 20,000 things you deleted, and...


YES, you do need ALL the System Preferences. They are your system settings for all sorts of things.


I won't ask why you would delete things without knowing or looking, but, for the future: Do NOT delete anything except files or pictures that YOU added; other than that, ask first.


So, back to my previous suggestion: you need to reinstall your entire system.

Oct 20, 2012 10:06 PM in response to Sarahdiya

There is no link available. The download links available are only for updates, not the original system. I already mentioned that you need your install disk. Please read my earlier post again. If you don't have them, call Apple, give them your serial number, and they will send you install disks for a nominal charge. You definitely need the install disk - not only for emergencies like this, but for any reinstall, or if you want to sell your Mac.

All My Items in System Preferences are deleted For example: the bluetooth , accounts backgrounds and slides

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.