Deleted Desktop and Screensaver Section Under Preferences

Somehow, I deleted the Desktop and Screensaver section under preferences. It is no where to be seen nor found. When I try to right click with my mouse and click "Change Desktop Background," it makes that little error sound. Is there some way I can install this section under preferences. I'm trying to look for it on the Apple Install Disk No. 1, but I can't seem to find it. Am I sold out of luck? do I have to recover my system just to get Desktop and Screensavers back?

 

/System/Library/PreferencePanes/DesktopScreenEffectsPref.prefPane

Is it there?

If /System/Library/PreferencePanes/DesktopScreenEffectsPref.prefPane is there:

1. Repair permissions. Check to see if problem is fixed. If not:

2. delete ~/Library/caches/com.apple.preferencepanes.cache
(this should restore your System Preferences window). Restart your computer. Check if problem is fixed. If not:

3. delete ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.desktop.plist
(this will turn your desktop and screensaver back to default settings). Restart your computer. If problem is still not fixed, see below.

If /System/Library/PreferencePanes/DesktopScreenEffectsPref.prefPane is NOT there:

1. Search for DesktopScreenEffectsPref.prefPane. In particular, see if you have a /System/Library/Disabled or a /Library/Disabled folder for some reason. Keep in mind that Spotlight by default will not search in system files.

2. If you can't find it, or you need to replace it, get the DesktopScreenEffectsPref.prefPane file from either your Apple DVD, Time Machine, or get someone to send you theirs.

 

The DesktopScreenEffectsPref.pane is definitely not there. How do I install in through the Apple Restore Disk?

 

Or could someone send me the Preferences Section if they have time?

 

I don't know that there is a way to install just that file from the DVD. I think the only way to fix it is to do an archive and install which will keep all of your data and most all preferences the same, but just replace system files.

**EDIT** You can put your OS X DVD in and browse it through Finder and see if you can find the file you need.

 

Sorry to be so redundant, but I couldn't find the correct file on the disk. Could someone send me the file, or direct me in the right path to find the file on the disk?

 

The filename is actually DesktopScreenEffectsPref. prefPane.

Did you try all of taelrak's suggestions? What version of OS X do you have installed?

I have no idea where this file is located on the Install DVD. If you want to try to find it you will likely need to show Hidden Files in OS X. Or maybe you can use Pacifist to extract the file.

 

I have Mac OS X Tiger, 10.4.10. I tried typing the in the file, but Spotlight and other search options come up with nothing. I did find under library my backgrounds, and there is also a screensaver folder, but there is nothing in there. Basically, it won't let me change backgrounds or screensavers, so I need something to let me do this. I guess that's where the preference panel comes into play.

 

Doh, leave it to me to paste the wrong filename 6 times

As Xander said, it's actually *.prefPane.

Sorry!

 

Quite alright! But alas, I have found the correct file! Thanks for all the replies. I used Pascifist to find the correct file. Thanks again!