[buckeyemacuser]

I am having problems with some of my programs in System Preferences. Everytime I try to open Desktop/Screensaver, it crashes. Some other programs have crashed in Sys.Pref. also. I used a different user that I created and everything works fine. I was thinking about making the secondary user the administrator and was wondering how to do that and to transfer my files and settings to that user. Is this a bad idea and will I in this process just transfer my problem? I'm a newbie who loves his mac and really needs to get his EX-girlfriend's picture off the background!!!! /forums/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif

[stuartpurple]

You don't need a second administrators account to change the background image of the one you despise. Go into System Preferences and click on the Desktop icon. You can use one of the system images or any image you have on your HD.
Anyway, In the Accounts pane, when you set up a new user, it gives you the option to allow the new user to administer the computer. Set up a new user this way and report back should the problems persist. The ex-girlfriend thing is easily remedied.

[buckeyemacuser]

Please read the problem before giving advice. If the Desktop/screensaver program wouldn't crash everytime it is selected, I would do just that.

[stuartpurple]

In reply to:

---

In the Accounts pane, when you set up a new user, it gives you the option to allow the new user to administer the computer. Set up a new user this way and report back should the problems persist. The ex-girlfriend thing is easily remedied.

---

Please read the full answer before flaming. I stated that you can set up a second user with admin privileges in the second part. Of course, you read that didn't you.

[griffman]

Before you go through the user stuff, try quitting Sys Prefs, and move these files to the desktop:
Users/youruser/Library/Preferences/ByHost/com.apple.screensaver.1234567.plist
(1234567 will be a weird combo of letters and numbers, not literally 1234567)

Users/youruser/Library/Preferences/com.apple.systempreferences.plist
Now re-launch System Prefs. Screensaver still crash? If it does, have you installed any of your own screensaver modules, by chance?
-rob.

[buckeyemacuser]

I'll try that and no I didn't install anything, thanks, and sorry mr.purple for snapping at you, but your answer to my problem wasn't clear to me.

[Philbert]

You might also want to add the file, com.apple.desktop.plist to the list of preferences you move to the desktop. (Username/Library/Preferences) Even if that isn't the cause of your crashes, it'll get rid of your ex-girlfriend desktop photo. If only dumping a real "ex" were as easy! /forums/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
After you move the files, log out/in or restart.

[stuartpurple]

No problem.