Locked from System Preferences

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Level 1

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Locked from System Preferences

Hello

I've recently bought a 2nd hand G5 with 10.5 but I'm unable to access system preferences or install new software.

I could open the preferences screen but everything was blank.

As it was asking for a user password I didn't have I re-set the account from cmd S at start-up that looked like it was straight after a new install (name, address etc).

After this system preferences in the dock turned into a '?' and it no longer responded at all.

I have now totally reinstalled the OS (back a few updates to 10.5.1) and back with the same problem.

Any help would be great!

PowerMac, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.1)

Posted on Jan 15, 2014 1:07 PM

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Answer 1

BDAqua

Level 10

239,213 points

Jan 16, 2014 10:14 AM in response to Korsrol

Look under the Apple icon at top left, does System Preferences open from there?

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Answer 2

Korsrol Author

Level 1

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Jan 19, 2014 11:23 AM in response to BDAqua

Hi

This is what happes when I open SP from the apple icon or dock...

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Answer 3

BDAqua

Level 10

239,213 points

Jan 19, 2014 12:28 PM in response to Korsrol

Hmmm, have you applied the big 10.5.8 update?

Repair Permissions afterwords, reboot.

1058 Combo Update, 10.5.8...

http://support.apple.com/downloads/Mac_OS_X_10_5_8_Combo_Update

Do Finder windows open?

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Answer 4

Jan 19, 2014 2:33 PM in response to Korsrol

Did you install the OS from a DVD?

If you have one it is the safest way to install.

Best to erase the disk first.

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Answer 5

Korsrol Author

Level 1

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Jan 19, 2014 4:20 PM in response to Neville Hillyer

Hi

When I first re-installed it was from a DVD.

I have now done the combo update and Repair Permissions both with restarts, same problem.

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Answer 6

Jan 20, 2014 3:56 AM in response to Korsrol

Use the install DVD to erase the disk and install again.

Keep using Software Update until it can't find any more updates.

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Answer 7

BDAqua

Level 10

239,213 points

Jan 20, 2014 10:06 AM in response to Korsrol

In Finder see this folder...

/System/Library/PreferencePanes/

Does it contain...

Accounts.prefPane

Appearance.prefPane

Bluetooth.prefPane

DateAndTime.prefPane

DesktopScreenEffectsPref.prefPane

DigiHubDiscs.prefPane

Displays.prefPane

Dock.prefPane

EnergySaver.prefPane

Expose.prefPane

FibreChannel.prefPane

Ink.prefPane

Internet.prefPane

Keyboard.prefPane

Localization.prefPane

Mac.prefPane

Network.prefPane

ParentalControls.prefPane

PrintAndFax.prefPane

QuickTime.prefPane

ScreenSaver.prefPane

Security.prefPane

SharingPref.prefPane

SoftwareUpdate.prefPane

Sound.prefPane

Speech.prefPane

Spotlight.prefPane

StartupDisk.prefPane

TimeMachine.prefPane

Trackpad.prefPane

UniversalAccessPref.prefPane

Does this file exist?

/Users/YourUserName/Library/Preferences/com.apple.systempreferences.plist

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Answer 8

Korsrol Author

Level 1

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Jan 29, 2014 4:03 AM in response to BDAqua

Hi

All the above files are there.

I've also noticed that if I click around in the blank preferences screen the size will change like i've selected an option but still nothing there.

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Answer 9

Jan 29, 2014 8:13 AM in response to Korsrol

I don't understand your reluctance to do as I advised.

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Answer 10

Korsrol Author

Level 1

0 points

Jan 29, 2014 9:30 AM in response to Neville Hillyer

Hi Neville

When I first re-installed it was with the option to erase the disk.

I'm unable to update the software other than with the link posted above as the machine is not connected to the net; I downloaded the above onto my laptop and moved over.

I have a wireless USB installed but cant go through System Preferences or the Wireless Utility (which doesn't open either...)

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Answer 11

Jan 29, 2014 10:42 AM in response to Korsrol

It could be a strange hardware fault but it may be best to try and install again from the DVD.

Select Disk Utility from the top menu after language selection and erase the disk.

Do not attempt to import anything during the install process.

Download the combo updatedirect from the internet as soon as you have it connected.

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