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TICKET ARCHIVE -> log in, log out
talos4 - Feb 8, 2006 - 4:09 pm
I'm using Mac OSX 10.3.9 I downloaded the update about a month ago from Apple. After a while , when I started up I got a log in window requiring my password even though I disabled this step in system preferences. When I log in, instead of getting the full finder I get the simple finder with a blank desktop screen. I then have to choose run full finder from the file menu and type my password again. Also, the Apple Menu no longer appears in the Finder menu and there's no menu options to shut down, restart, etc., like there used to be. I have to choose log out and then choose shut down in the log off screen that comes up. I tried to find a solution at Apple's support site but couldn't. Another new symptom that started at the same time is I keep getting white .ds.store icons and blue network icons popping up on my desktop frequently, whatever that means.
Thunderthud - Feb 8, 2006 - 10:32 pm
It sounds like the account you are using has parental controls on it and is not identifie as the default login account for your system.
As an administrator you can eliminate the parental controls, enable the full Apple menu items and set yourself up as the default login using the Accounts System Preferences item.
It also sounds as though you have the Finder showing invisible files. You don't normally have access to setting this Finder option but you certainly can accomplish it via the Terminal application or other software such as Tinker Tool.
As an administrator you can eliminate the parental controls, enable the full Apple menu items and set yourself up as the default login using the Accounts System Preferences item.
It also sounds as though you have the Finder showing invisible files. You don't normally have access to setting this Finder option but you certainly can accomplish it via the Terminal application or other software such as Tinker Tool.
talos4 - Feb 9, 2006 - 1:35 am
I don't see any controls in Accounts Systems preferences to enable me to do any of those things. The account I'm using is identified as the default login account.
Thunderthud - Feb 9, 2006 - 8:34 am
Parental Controls is the button on the far right of the 4 button bar near the top of the dialog.
The other options are available if you
1) enable changes to the accounts using the lock at the bottom left of the dialog
2) click on the account you want to change
The other options are available if you
1) enable changes to the accounts using the lock at the bottom left of the dialog
2) click on the account you want to change
talos4 - Feb 9, 2006 - 10:24 pm
I did what you advised, the account is unlocked, but there is no button for parental controls in account preferences. The buttons are for security, password, picture and startup items.
Thunderthud - Feb 9, 2006 - 10:30 pm
Check out the Security button.
talos4 - Feb 9, 2006 - 11:03 pm
The only thing in the security pane is an option to turn on something called file vault that encrypts files
Thunderthud - Feb 9, 2006 - 11:06 pm
Have you fixed the other items? How is the functionality now?
talos4 - Feb 9, 2006 - 11:30 pm
No, the only thing that's fixed is my software update problem. But now I have a new problem that's driving me crazy - every time I close an application or window something that I think is called crash reporter generates one screen after another of crash reports over and over again. I'm running a search in the finder to try to find the program so I can delete it. I've run disk utility and tech tool deluxe and I 'm going to run the Apple Hardware test, but I 'm ready to give up and purchase Tiger because I've had nothing but trouble since I installed the OSX 10.3.9 update.
Thunderthud - Feb 10, 2006 - 9:35 am
I'm sorry I haven't been able to help you. I'll reopen this item in case someone else can help you.
Cheryl - Feb 11, 2006 - 10:46 am
Hello,
Are you still having problems? Did you use Disk Utility from the Utilities folder or from the CD? Did you repair permissions using Disk Utility?
Cheryl
Volunteer Tech
Are you still having problems? Did you use Disk Utility from the Utilities folder or from the CD? Did you repair permissions using Disk Utility?
Cheryl
Volunteer Tech
talos4 - Feb 12, 2006 - 9:13 pm
Yes, I ues Disk Utility from the CD and ran both repair and permissions but it didn't help. I also used Tech Tool and that didn't either.
Cheryl - Feb 12, 2006 - 9:51 pm
While this may seem really off the path, go to System Preferences and open Universal Access. Make sure everything is off.
Now go to Accounts and make sure you are set as Admin. Can you create a new user? Give it a try and make sure you set it as Admin. Now log out of your account and log into the new one.
Are you still getting the simple finder?
Cheryl
Now go to Accounts and make sure you are set as Admin. Can you create a new user? Give it a try and make sure you set it as Admin. Now log out of your account and log into the new one.
Are you still getting the simple finder?
Cheryl
talos4 - Feb 12, 2006 - 10:09 pm
Cheryl:
Yes, I tried that and created a new account, which enabled me to log in with a full Finder. But the Safari browser didn't transfer my new bookmarks, of which there a lot, and I couldn't figure out how to transfer them, so I went back to my old account. Unless you have any further suggestions, I was planning to back up my important files, reinstall Mac OSX 10.3.2 using archive and install, and try downloading the 10.3.9 uodate again. I'd update to Tiger except some of the software I use a lot won't run on it and I can't afford to invest in new software at the moment.
Yes, I tried that and created a new account, which enabled me to log in with a full Finder. But the Safari browser didn't transfer my new bookmarks, of which there a lot, and I couldn't figure out how to transfer them, so I went back to my old account. Unless you have any further suggestions, I was planning to back up my important files, reinstall Mac OSX 10.3.2 using archive and install, and try downloading the 10.3.9 uodate again. I'd update to Tiger except some of the software I use a lot won't run on it and I can't afford to invest in new software at the moment.
Cheryl - Feb 12, 2006 - 10:38 pm
You can use the new account and transfer over the files from your home folder into the new home folder.
As long as the new account is Admin, log in with the new account. Now go to System Preferences>Accounts.
If some settings are dimmed, click the lock icon and type an administrator name and password.
Select the user account you want to delete, then click Delete (-).
Click OK to save the user's files on the computer, or click Delete Immediately to remove the user account and all the user's files.
The saved the user's files are stored in a disk image in the Deleted Users folder, which is in the Users folder.
To see the saved files, double-click the disk image in the Deleted Users folder.
Now you can transfer the items from each folder into your new account home folder. Just put the Deleted User window on one side of your screen and open a new finder window and place it on the other side. Just drag and drop the files to the new user home folder where you want it. Remember to check the Library folder to transfer preferences, mail, and bookmarks.
This is much easier than reinstalling the OS.
Cheryl
As long as the new account is Admin, log in with the new account. Now go to System Preferences>Accounts.
If some settings are dimmed, click the lock icon and type an administrator name and password.
Select the user account you want to delete, then click Delete (-).
Click OK to save the user's files on the computer, or click Delete Immediately to remove the user account and all the user's files.
The saved the user's files are stored in a disk image in the Deleted Users folder, which is in the Users folder.
To see the saved files, double-click the disk image in the Deleted Users folder.
Now you can transfer the items from each folder into your new account home folder. Just put the Deleted User window on one side of your screen and open a new finder window and place it on the other side. Just drag and drop the files to the new user home folder where you want it. Remember to check the Library folder to transfer preferences, mail, and bookmarks.
This is much easier than reinstalling the OS.
Cheryl
talos4 - Feb 12, 2006 - 10:47 pm
Ok I'll give that a try.
talos4 - Feb 13, 2006 - 12:28 am
Cheryl:
I tried what you suggested and it seemed to work. The only things (minor) is that even though I transferred my old desktop to the new account it stays in a folder and the files don't appear on the actual desktop. It won't let me move the folders because I get a message saying the desktop can't be modified even though I have privledges to it. Also the apps keep asking me to replace all keychains (I transferred the keychain folder). Otherwise Safari and Mail were all transferred successfully. Thanks very much - you saved me another $50.00 call to Apple Support.
I tried what you suggested and it seemed to work. The only things (minor) is that even though I transferred my old desktop to the new account it stays in a folder and the files don't appear on the actual desktop. It won't let me move the folders because I get a message saying the desktop can't be modified even though I have privledges to it. Also the apps keep asking me to replace all keychains (I transferred the keychain folder). Otherwise Safari and Mail were all transferred successfully. Thanks very much - you saved me another $50.00 call to Apple Support.
talos4 - Feb 13, 2006 - 2:39 am
I have to amend my last message. I'm having the same problem with the finder menu in the new account - I guess because I transferred the preferences? This is very frustrating.
Cheryl - Feb 13, 2006 - 8:25 am
I was hoping that this would work. Yes, there is a preference in your home folder that is causing this.
Go to Home>Library>Preferences. Now go to the View Menu and select by list. This will put everything in alpha order. Scroll down to locate the following files and drag them to the trash.
com.apple.finder.plist
com.apple.systempreferences.plist
com.apple.systemuiserver.plist
Restart the computer, then empty the trash.
Does the problem go away?
Cheryl
Go to Home>Library>Preferences. Now go to the View Menu and select by list. This will put everything in alpha order. Scroll down to locate the following files and drag them to the trash.
com.apple.finder.plist
com.apple.systempreferences.plist
com.apple.systemuiserver.plist
Restart the computer, then empty the trash.
Does the problem go away?
Cheryl
talos4 - Feb 13, 2006 - 11:51 pm
Cheryl: Yes it worked ! I have the full finder and I don't have to log in, and my desktop items are now on my desktop. Thanks again for your expertise - I 'm a freelance journalist so I depend on my computer for internet research, word processing and other apps on a daily basis. It's great to have a website where you can get good advice that's free of charge, especially when money is tight between jobs. I can't tell you how much time I wasted on the Apple support site trying in vain to find a topic that matched my problems.
Cheryl - Feb 14, 2006 - 5:05 pm
While it did take me a while to figure out if it was the system or just a preference file, I am glad everything is back to normal.
Cheryl
Cheryl
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