green2ac
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: When I try to change the desktop background of my MacBook Pro, the system preferences freezes and I cannot quit the program unless I force quit. How do I fix this?

If I even open the Desktops & Backgrounds link in system preferences, the whole application freezes and I can't operate anything within system preferences unless I force quit.

MacBook Pro, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.5)

Posted on Mar 4, 2014 12:28 PM

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green2ac

Q: When I try to change the desktop background of my MacBook Pro, the system preferences freezes and I cannot quit the program unless ... more

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  • by Linc Davis,

    Linc Davis Linc Davis Mar 4, 2014 2:03 PM in response to green2ac
    Level 10 (208,037 points)
    Applications
    Mar 4, 2014 2:03 PM in response to green2ac

    First follow the instructions in this support article.

    If an iPhoto or Aperture library is the source of your desktop pictures, it may need to be rebuilt, or you may need to update the application to the latest version.

    Otherwise, continue as below.

      

    Back up all data.

       

    In the Finder, hold down the option key and select

      

    Go ▹ Library

      

    from the menu bar. From the Library folder, delete the following item, if it exists: 

     

    • Caches/com.apple.systempreferences

     

    and move the following items to the Desktop, if they exist:

     

    • Application Support/Dock/desktoppicture.db
    • Preferences/com.apple.desktop.plist
    Launch System Preferences and test. If you still have the issue, put the items you moved to the Desktop back where they came from and post again. Otherwise, delete the items.

  • by SonnyGB,

    SonnyGB SonnyGB Mar 23, 2014 1:18 PM in response to Linc Davis
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 23, 2014 1:18 PM in response to Linc Davis

    Hi,

     

    I have a similar problem where System Preferences only stops responding (I then have to force quit) when I try to select a screensaver type that requires access to my pics.

     

    I noticed when the screensaver was set to random and everytime it was meant to go on pics it hanged.

     

    I have tried all three options mentioned by Linc but no luck, can anyone help please?