Deleting Preference Files for Dummies *
How to delete an application preferences file in four simple steps
Table of contents
*Dummies really is meant benign - you better should not see me trying to dance waltz or never let me repair my Vespa on my own :-)
In case of a problem with an application often it is very useful to delete the 'Preferences File' associated with that application.
PLEASE NOTICE!
A Preferences File has nothing to do with the System Preferences where you change the Desktop Wallpaper or your Network Settings :-)
Content of a Preferences File
Almost any application has it's own Preferences File.
A Preferences File stores information about the associated application and the settings you may have applied or changed.
Sometimes a broken or corrupted Preferences File can cause problems or even cause a crash. When having problems with an application often the first step/try to fix them - is to delete the applications Preferences File.
PLEASE NOTICE!
Often you have to change your applied settings (like fonts/colors/user credentials/passwords) again - because deleting the Preferences File 'resets' the application to it's factory defaults. That's why you may have to register the application again…
In order to delete a Preferences File, you will need the Finder.
(IMPORTANT!)
Of course you have to first quit the application whose Preferences File you are going to delete now!
- Open a new Finder window
- Select your User Account (probably your name)
- Select the Library folder
- Open the Library folder
- Select the Preferences folder
- Open the Preferences folder
- Select Search and search for Preferences File
- (IMPORTANT!) Search scope is of course: Preferences
PLEASE NOTICE!
All Preferences Files have the same formatting:
· the Preferences File of my Writings is named: com.createlivelove.myWritings
· the Preferences File of Mail.app is named: com.apple.Mail
- the pattern is: com.developer.Name_of_App
Of course you can also simply search for the applications name…
(IMPORTANT!) Search scope is of course: Preferences
- Trash the Preferences File - and you're done!
Of course you need to know how to trash a file!
Well - if not firm with context-menus or shortcuts - simply drag it onto the Trash-bin in your Dock :-)
Now you can restart the app and hopefully your problems are gone…
