Preferences error, could not load Desktop & Screen Saver preference pane.

Close all windows and quit all applications.

Hold the option key down and click the "Go" menu in the Finder menubar.

Select "Library" from the dropdown, then "Preferences" folder.

Look for these three files.

com.apple.screensaver.plist

com.apple.desktop.plist

com.apple.systempreferences.plist

Right click each one of those and select " Move To Trash" from the contextual menu.

Restart the computer.

You have to wait until Apple fixes this issue.

Best.

I don't think this is an issue in Yosemite because this doesn't happen to me...

Try going on to the guest account. Does the Desktop and Screen Saver preferences load?

Thanks

Austin

Hmm... It seems to be a problem with your user account. You could try to reinstall OS X which will not delete any of your data.

Follow these instructions EXACTLY:

OS X Mavericks: Reinstall OS X

I hope this solves your issue.

Austin

Nope, but I can tell you it is a definite problem for some users. I have had the same thing going on since I installed Yosemite. Not a showstopper, but certainly annoying. No change with the new update. It is something in my user settings as if I make a new account then all works fine. Tried every fix I could think of or that I see suggested. Had no replies from other users on what it may be but I'll just have to keep poking around until I find the culprit, will let you know if and when I do.

Cheers

Pete

It happens to me

I tried what you suggested and it didn't work for me.

Any other ideas?