How to Troubleshoot Misbehaving Mac Icons

Most file and application icons have a particular look. What do you do when your icons "go generic" or you get an "Application not found" error message?

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hard Disk Toolkit (FWB Software)
• Norton Utilities For Macintosh (Symantec)

1. Rebuild the desktop file by completing the following:

2. Save your work. Quit all applications.

3. Restart your Mac.

4. Press and hold the Command and Option keys during the restarting process. Command is the key with the apple and cloverleaf on it.

5. Hold these keys until your Mac asks whether you want to rebuild the desktop.

6. Click OK. Once your desktop has been rebuilt, your icons should cease misbehaving.

7. Try a diagnostic application such as Disk First Aid (on your Mac), Norton Utilities (Symantec) or Hard Disk Toolkit (FWB Software) if rebuilding the desktop doesn't work.

Tips & Warnings

• You should rebuild your desktop file every three to four weeks, depending on how much you use your Mac.
• If you use the At Ease application on your Mac, turn it off before rebuilding your desktop file.