MacBook - deleted files from the folder called "com.apple.dock.plist"

AdgPage · AdgPage #1 (**permalink**)

03-17-2009, 11:58 AM

so, I screwed up majorly and deleted files from the folder called "com.apple.dock.plist" and now my dock is screwed up. They files I need are stuck in the trash can, but I can't get to my trash can, because all I can see are applications that are opened which I opened with spotlight.
How do I reset my dock?
ps
terminal killall Dock doesn't work

D3v1L80Y · D3v1L80Y #2 (**permalink**)

03-17-2009, 12:07 PM

NOTE: Not an Apple Notebook Hardware issue.
Moved to software forums.

Nethfel · Nethfel #3 (**permalink**)

03-17-2009, 01:57 PM

I don't have my mac in front of me atm (at work) but can't you get to the trash with the finder, which (at least on my mac) seemed to always be available...? There is a reset function on the dock tho - I remember reading it in OSX Leopard The Missing Manual book - I'm not 100% sure, but I think it was in settings, under dock, there is an option to reset it to factory default.

lifeisabeach · lifeisabeach #4 (**permalink**)

03-17-2009, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AdgPage

so, I screwed up majorly and deleted files from the folder called "com.apple.dock.plist" and now my dock is screwed up. They files I need are stuck in the trash can, but I can't get to my trash can, because all I can see are applications that are opened which I opened with spotlight.
How do I reset my dock?
ps
terminal killall Dock doesn't work

There is not a "folder" named com.apple.dock.plist. There is a "file" named com.apple.dock.plist. Deleting that file will simply result in the Dock preferences being reset to the defaults and the OS will recreate a fresh copy of com.apple.dock.plist.

That said, deleting the FILE com.apple.dock.plist shouldn't be causing the problems you are having. You also seem to be under the impression you deleted a folder full of files, or multiple files. I can't guess what it is you REALLY deleted. You also didn't indicate if com.apple.dock.plist was deleted from your user Library, the root Library, or the System Library. You really need to be a bit more certain and specific on what it is you deleted.

heckler416 · heckler416 #5 (**permalink**)

01-04-2012, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lifeisabeach

There is not a "folder" named com.apple.dock.plist. There is a "file" named com.apple.dock.plist. Deleting that file will simply result in the Dock preferences being reset to the defaults and the OS will recreate a fresh copy of com.apple.dock.plist.

That said, deleting the FILE com.apple.dock.plist shouldn't be causing the problems you are having. You also seem to be under the impression you deleted a folder full of files, or multiple files. I can't guess what it is you REALLY deleted. You also didn't indicate if com.apple.dock.plist was deleted from your user Library, the root Library, or the System Library. You really need to be a bit more certain and specific on what it is you deleted.

I was also told to delete that file, I did and it didn't recreate itself after restarting, major, PLEASE HELP ME DOCK ISNT THERE background isn't there, I can't minimize either, who knows what else, please please please help me

lifeisabeach · lifeisabeach #6 (**permalink**)

01-05-2012, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by heckler416

I was also told to delete that file, I did and it didn't recreate itself after restarting, major, PLEASE HELP ME DOCK ISNT THERE background isn't there, I can't minimize either, who knows what else, please please please help me

Slow down there, hoss. That file should have been recreated on restart. But let's back up here a minute. Who told you to delete that and why? Were you having all these problems before you deleted it? Deleting the preference list for the Dock would have zero impact on your desktop wallpaper or the ability to minimize. Also advise us of what Mac you have and what version of OS X you are running. And how much drive space is used/free.

toMACsh · toMACsh #7 (**permalink**)

01-05-2012, 01:21 PM

And you still need to specify where the file was that you deleted.

heckler416 · heckler416 #8 (**permalink**)

03-04-2012, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lifeisabeach

Slow down there, hoss. That file should have been recreated on restart. But let's back up here a minute. Who told you to delete that and why? Were you having all these problems before you deleted it? Deleting the preference list for the Dock would have zero impact on your desktop wallpaper or the ability to minimize. Also advise us of what Mac you have and what version of OS X you are running. And how much drive space is used/free.

Thank you a lot, but luckily when i messaged you i was in a bit of a panic. Luckily my dad is a IT guy took it to work one day and fixed it. He doesn't know why it didnt recreate itself or the desktop, well idk i didnt bother to ask. thanks for everything though!

heckler416 · heckler416 #9 (**permalink**)

03-04-2012, 11:31 PM

oh and sorry for not replying, and taking your time when i really could not have.
best of wishes!

heckler416 · heckler416 #10 (**permalink**)

03-04-2012, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by heckler416

I was also told to delete that file, I did and it didn't recreate itself after restarting, major, PLEASE HELP ME DOCK ISNT THERE background isn't there, I can't minimize either, who knows what else, please please please help me

oh and sorry for not replying, and taking your time when i really could not have.
best of wishes!

D3v1L80Y #2 (permalink)
Member Since: Feb 02, 2004 Location: PA Posts: 12,455 Mac Specs: MacBook	03-17-2009, 12:07 PM NOTE: Not an Apple Notebook Hardware issue. Moved to software forums. __________________________________________________ Posting and YOU\|Forum Community Guidelines\|The Apple Product Cycle\|Forum Courtesy mac: a waterproof raincoat made of rubberized fabric MAC: a data communication protocol sub-layer, also known as the Media Access Control Mac: a brand name which covers several lines of personal computers designed, developed, and marketed by Apple Inc.
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MacBook - deleted files from the folder called "com.apple.dock.plist"

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AdgPage #1 (permalink)
Member Since: Mar 17, 2009 Posts: 1	03-17-2009, 11:58 AM so, I screwed up majorly and deleted files from the folder called "com.apple.dock.plist" and now my dock is screwed up. They files I need are stuck in the trash can, but I can't get to my trash can, because all I can see are applications that are opened which I opened with spotlight. How do I reset my dock? ps terminal killall Dock doesn't work
	QUOTE Thanks

toMACsh #7 (permalink)
Member Since: Jul 30, 2009 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 4,801 Mac Specs: Mac Mini Core 2 Duo	01-05-2012, 01:21 PM And you still need to specify where the file was that you deleted.
	QUOTE Thanks

heckler416 #9 (permalink)
Member Since: Jan 04, 2012 Posts: 4	03-04-2012, 11:31 PM oh and sorry for not replying, and taking your time when i really could not have. best of wishes!
	QUOTE Thanks

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