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

AdgPage · Mar 17, 2009

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 · Mar 17, 2009

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

Nethfel · Mar 17, 2009

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 · Mar 17, 2009

AdgPage said:
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 · Jan 4, 2012

I Did that, it didn't recreate itself

lifeisabeach said:
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 · Jan 5, 2012

heckler416 said:
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 · Jan 5, 2012

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

heckler416 · Mar 4, 2012

lifeisabeach said:
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 · Mar 4, 2012

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

heckler416 · Mar 4, 2012

heckler416 said:
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!