Desktop & Screen Saver

First off, this thread is NOT about whether or not to shut down the computer frequently or just put it to sleep. Just thought I'd get that out of the way because sometimes the Subject line is not enough of a clue...

I'm finding that checking the box to change the Desktop picture daily is not working. It's probably the reboot that knocks it out. Yes, I reboot almost daily. So, here's what I'm wondering: If I trash my System Preferences plist file, will I lose everything I've set up? For instance, will my apps still be assigned to the Spaces I've indicated? (Snow Leopard, you know) Will the Pictures that I'm using for the Desktop background still be available for that? Will third party preferences remain intact, such as Time Machine Scheduler, TechTool Protection, and Flash Player?

I don't want to mess things up, so I suppose I could just keep the current plist file around in case I want to go back to it. Is this a proper strategy for the problem, or is there something else to try?

If you trash your system preferences plist any changes you have made will revert to default settings.The preference file com.apple.Desktop.plist might be corrupt. Look for it in your /Users/you/Library/Preferences folder, and trash it only. Then go back to System Preferences and set it up again how you want. See if it works then. This way you will not lose any other settings. It has been my experience that if you reboot in Snow Leopard the desktop picture will change anyway if set to daily. If you leave it on it should change at midnight.

Thanks. That's a safe first shot at it. Didn't think of that one. Will give it a try soon.

Almost 10 days on, seems to have worked. Thanks!