OSX10.4.11 Lost all the preferences.

Hi, I have recently downloaded an exe. file while in Parallels. I am not sure it happened when I ran the file or if I ignored or did not comprehend a question and proceeded with running the program. Yes....I have broken all the rules. What has happened is I have lost all my preferences - desktop, mail accounts and it seems for every application. We haven't lost any data, just preferences and account info. Any ideas?

Mikki

I would think the first thing is to rid yourself of any malware that your .exe file may have left behind. Do you have any anti-virus software? This is one: Anti-virus for Mac - Sophos
A free trial is offered.

Another one:
ClamXav (free download)

Have you lost your preferences in your windows OS or in OS X?

If it is in OS X did you rename your Home folder at any point?

Steer clear of AV software:-

Mac OS X anti-virus software: More trouble than it's worth? | MacFixIt - CNET Reviews

Harry, that article is from 2006 and covers some AV software that's no longer available. It gives a guarded endorsement of ClamXav. If the OP's computer is infected with a Windows virus, it needs to be expunged.

I will ask the same question as louishen. Did you rename your home (User) folder by chance? If you did, that is exactly what will happen.

If you did please let us know and we can help you.