Desktop rebuild after AppleWorks 6 Install

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Level 1

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Desktop rebuild after AppleWorks 6 Install

I have a refurbished iBook G3 / 900MHz with OS 9.2.2 & 10.2.4 (dual boot configuration). Awhile back I installed AppleWorks 6.2.3 (while booted to OS 9).

When the computer restarted after the install, it immediately began rebuilding the desktop. I've never had that happen before after installing a program. Is this normal with AppleWorks 6? The real problem was that it took an hour to complete!

Normally I rebuild the desktop with extensions off, and it takes about 5 minutes (on this machine). Any ideas why the desktop rebuild was triggered after the install, and why it took so long to complete?

Thanks.

iMac G3, iBook G3, Mac OS 9.2.x, iMacG3: 400 MHz; 64 MB; 10 GB. iBookG3: 900 MHz; 640 MB; 40 GB

Posted on Jan 12, 2007 9:53 PM

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Answer 1

Niel

Level 10

726,923 points

Jan 12, 2007 10:48 PM in response to motc

If the Finder thinks that there is a problem with the desktop database or if the files have been moved, it will rebuild the desktop the next time it starts up. This can also happen if the File Exchange control panel was disabled the last time the desktop was rebuilt, as this control panel's functionality affects the database.

If you have Mac OS X installed on the system and you rebuild the desktop from Mac OS 9, the process will take a long time because it is checking all of the files Mac OS X uses. This can be avoided by using the Classic pane of System Preferences to rebuild the desktop.

(19117)

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Answer 2

motc Author

Level 1

5 points

Jan 14, 2007 9:16 AM in response to Niel

Thanks Niel.

I did as you suggested and it took about 5 seconds!

So, if I understand you right, when rebuilding the desktop from OS 9 (with a dual boot OS 9/10 configuration), OS X files are also being checked, and this isn't necessary? I guess what I'm asking is, is the rebuild still as thorough as if done while booted to OS 9?

Actually, is there even a need (or a way) to rebuild the desktop in OS X?

Thanks in advance.

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Answer 3

Niel

Level 10

726,923 points

Jan 14, 2007 9:55 AM in response to motc

1. Yes. Most of the Mac OS X files don't contain anything which will be added to the desktop database.

2. If you don't use Mac OS 9 or Classic, there is no reason to rebuild the desktop. Mac OS X does not use the desktop database outside of Classic.

(19155)

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Answer 4

motc Author

Level 1

5 points

Jan 14, 2007 11:18 AM in response to Niel

Thank you for the clarification. I really appreciate having the extra info!

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