DesktopRebuilderX 1.0.3

F.A.Q.

How do I run this thing?

This thing is an application, so you just double click on it to run it.

How much is it?

Totally free.

What does it do?

This script will attempt to rebuild your desktop the Mac OS X way simply by deleting 6 ugly files: LSApplications, LSClaimedTypes, LSSchemes and .LSApplications_Backup, .LSClaimedTypes_Backup, .LSSchemes_Backup (the last 3 are invisible). Mac OS X keeps track of desktop-type information in these 3 files. They reside in the Preferences folder of your home directory's Library folder.

OK, but why?

If your icons start looking like white paper or applications don't launch or they look like a folder, you need to run this script. After you do so (and restarting your computer) your icons should now be correct, and your applications should behave normally. About.com recommends you do this every 2 weeks (a bit exaggerated in my opinion).

Is it safe?

Pretty much. After you delete the files and restart your computer, these files will be recreated. The script was tested under 10.1.3. While I can't assure you it will run smoothly in earlier versions of Mac OS X, it should go fine, nonetheless.

Can I contribute to it?

Sure! This script is "open source," meaning you can drop its icon to Script Editor and see the code (all that weird stuff you aren't supposed to see). You can send me your modifications to my email address below.

Known Problems

-After you run this script and restart your computer, some icons on the Desktop will look generic. This seems to be an issue with the Mac OS X Finder right now. To fix this, open Process Viewer (inside /Applications/Utilities) and double click on the Finder and click Quit. Your icons on the Desktop should look fine now.

History

April 7, 2002 -- (1.0.3)
-Fixed problem with users having spaces in their home's directory name (thanks Peter Ammon).
-Now it checks files have been removed/backed up, alerting the user otherwise.

April 5, 2002 -- (1.0.2)
-Now it works on user directories that aren't in the boot disk (thanks James J. Sorenson).

April 4, 2002 -- (1.0.1)
-Added extra security by replacing wild cards for the files's full path (thanks Kristofer Widholm).
-Code cleanup.

April 3, 2002 -- (1.0)
-First release.

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CV Productions.
cantusvetustus@mac.com

--I won't be held responsible if this script messes up your computer. Please use at your own risk.--