I was connected to a windows server and removed the server from the network.

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Level 1

11 points

I was connected to a windows server and removed the server from the network.

After I removed the server from the network, I am still getting a message saying "There was a problem connecting to the server “servername”. The server may not exist or it is unavailable at this time. Check the server name or IP address, check your network connection, and then try again." How can I stop this message from appearing? The server is gone and will not be used anymore. Also, (and it may be related) I had a screen saver that used photos in a folder on this server. Now I cannot choose a new folder for the screen saver. I assume that it is still looking at that server path and won't allow me to choose a different path. How do I clear this old setting so I can select a new path for the folder to use?

iMac, OS X Mavericks (10.9.2)

Posted on Mar 3, 2014 11:31 AM

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Answer 1

Mar 3, 2014 11:43 AM in response to Gerald22

Will it not allow you to change the screen saver in system preferences/screensaver?

If not try moving the plist file to the desk top and and re log in to your account, not sure you may have to restart your computer, the plist will be recreated.

User Account/Library/Preferences/com.apple.screensaver.plist

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Answer 2

Gerald22 Author

Level 1

11 points

Mar 3, 2014 12:13 PM in response to rack0 tack0

I am not finding the Library under the User account. I am finding it in the root of the hard drive as /Library/Preferences. I found the file name that you referenced and deleted it. After emptying the trash I restarted the system, but I still have the same problem. When I go to the screen saver preferences to select a new folder the drop down says "Loading..." and after a few minutes I get the error about the server not being found. I am never able to select even a default picture set to use as the screen saver let alone a customer folder to use.

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Answer 3

Mar 3, 2014 12:21 PM in response to Gerald22

The Library you need is in the your user area, normally hidden.

In the Finder Menu under GO, Select "Go to folder" and enter in the box ~/Library/Preferences

The tilde means your home directory, you will find the file in there.

If that does not cure the problem than I do not know.

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Answer 4

Mar 3, 2014 12:33 PM in response to Gerald22

First Gerald22 Welcome to the Discussions After deleting the screen/savser/plstGo up to the Airport icon

Right click the icon and choose the Network you are suppose to be on, remembering that if the network you choose is a secure network you will need the username and the password as well to join it.

When you choose the Network it will put a small checkmark to the left of the network you choose. Then restart your computer and wait until it boots up completely and you should be good to go.

Cheers

Don

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Answer 5

Gerald22 Author

Level 1

11 points

Mar 3, 2014 12:39 PM in response to rack0 tack0

I did as you described, but the behavior is still the same.

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Answer 6

Gerald22 Author

Level 1

11 points

Mar 3, 2014 12:41 PM in response to Donald Morgan

I am not having any trouble connecting to the network. I am connected fine. But the server that used to hold the folder I was using for the screen saver has been removed from the network. Now, since it is no longer there, the screen saver is trying to load that folder but can't find it. Unfortunately I have tried the previous advice but it hasn't solved the issue or me not being able to choose a new folder for the screen saver and I still keep getting the pop up message about not finding the server.

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Answer 7

Mar 3, 2014 12:42 PM in response to Gerald22

Suggest you try Donalds suggestion, sorry not sure what else to try now.

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Answer 8

Mar 3, 2014 12:47 PM in response to Gerald22

Make a new user account in System Preference/User and groups and see if the new user as the same problem.

If not the problem is in your profile somewhere, if the new account is the same then it is a system wide problem.

I will have a look in my profile and see if I can find a possible cure.

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Answer 9

Gerald22 Author

Level 1

11 points

Mar 3, 2014 12:50 PM in response to rack0 tack0

I do have a second user account on the machine and that user does NOT have the same problem. So, I guess it is not system wide and it is specific to my profile. Not being that familiar with the Mac OC I am completely puzzled on how to fix this. Thanks for the advice so far. I hope I can identify the source of the problem.

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Answer 10

Mar 3, 2014 12:57 PM in response to Gerald22

The screen savers for the user are stored in User Account/Library/Screen Savers

~/user/Library/Screen Savers

I have nothing in that directory, if you have a link or file in there that points to the windows server that may be the problem.

Don't just delete the file, move it, if it is not the problem and it gives other trouble you can always move it back.

edit. if you move a file you may need to log out and back again.

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Answer 11

Mar 3, 2014 1:09 PM in response to rack0 tack0

Just wondering if you fnd a link in that directory whether you will need to remove the plist file again.

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Answer 12

Mar 3, 2014 1:20 PM in response to Gerald22

Also in the user/Library/Preferences is a directory named ByHost

This also has a screensaver.plist file. Check if there is one for that points to te windows server.

You could try and move this if you have no luck with the other items

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Answer 13

Gerald22 Author

Level 1

11 points

Mar 3, 2014 1:41 PM in response to rack0 tack0

This made some progress...when I deleted these files (there were 4 of them) and when I go to the screen savers now a default screen saver is selected. Thus, I no longer get the error. However, as soon as i select one of the screen savers that use photos, the error returns. But I can now select a new folder. The problem is, it still trys to load the old pictures on the now non-existant server and never loads the pictures in the newly selected folder. So I had to go back and re-delete the files (3 new ones were created) and for now I am leaving it like this with a generic screen saver until I can find the offending file that is still holding the reference to the old server.

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Answer 14

Mar 3, 2014 1:50 PM in response to Gerald22

Try starting the machine in Safe Boot Mode, this will do some housekeeping on the system and also run Disk utilty to repair pemissions.

It will take a while to start in Safe Boot but there is a progress bar on the screen while it starts. Hold the shift key down when starting.

Another night perhaps but you are most of the way there now.

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Answer 15

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,739 points

Mar 3, 2014 1:58 PM in response to Gerald22

Try rebuilding the iPhoto library.

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