Global Preferences?

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Level 4

1,327 points

Global Preferences?

I have created two accounts on my MBP - both for me. One account is my main account and the other I have created for experimenting. In my main account I have tweaked several of the system preferences such as trackpad settings.

When I startup the laptop I need to select the account. What I have noticed is that my trackpad preferences at this point aren't in effect (as expected).

Is there a way to tweak mouse and trackpad preferences for the system so they are in effect before anyone even logs in?

Thanks,
Rick

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.4.6), 2.0GHz, 1GB RAM

Posted on Apr 16, 2006 11:48 AM

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Answer 1

Jeff Donald

Level 8

45,060 points

Apr 16, 2006 11:53 AM in response to RickMaddy

Not likely without a major tweak to the system files (not supported by Apple). The Preferences are files specific to each User and don't load until the User logs in.

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Answer 2

RickMaddy Author

Level 4

1,327 points

Apr 16, 2006 12:00 PM in response to Jeff Donald

But OSX has default settings for things like the trackpad. Are they hardcoded in the panel or are these defaults kept somewhere that isn't user specific.

Example: The trackpad defaults to not supporting clicks. Is this setting hardcoded or is it in some global system preference file?

Thanks.

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Answer 3

Apr 16, 2006 12:12 PM in response to RickMaddy

Here's a kind of work-around: in System Preferences, Accounts, you can select autologin for one of your accounts.

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Answer 4

Jeff Donald

Level 8

45,060 points

Apr 16, 2006 12:13 PM in response to RickMaddy

Yes there are global preferences that govern the operations of devices like the trackpad. However, Apple does not support their modifications. This means using trial and error on your part. You also risk severely damaging various system files you might be trying to modify. You can use a text editor or program like Pref Setter to edit preference files.

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Answer 5

RickMaddy Author

Level 4

1,327 points

Apr 16, 2006 12:17 PM in response to Jeff Donald

Could you point me to a starting point for the location of these files. I will certainly keep your warnings in mind.

Thanks.

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Answer 6

Apr 16, 2006 1:47 PM in response to RickMaddy

Here's what I would do:
1. Make TWO backups of the folder called "Preferences" in the Library folder of the Hard Disk (not the one in your Home folder)
2. Put one of the backups aside for future use if needed
3. Use the second backup to explore and experiment. The .plist. files are text files and can be read and changed with a text editor.

The next part I'm not sure I would do: it involves actually changing one of these files and putting it back in the HD level's Library to see if it works. I'd feel if I did something like that I was pretty much on my own and would want to have a pretty good idea what I was doing (which I don't).

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