Rebuild the desktop database
The desktop database is a pair of invisible files in "Mac OS Classic" that contain the location information of all of the files on your computer's disk drives. These files are called "Desktop DB" and "Desktop DF."
Rebuilding the desktop database is also sometimes referred to as simply "rebuilding the desktop."
Why should I rebuild the desktop database?
Because these files contain the location information of all of your files, if either of these files get corrupted or if the files grow too large, several problems can begin to arise.
What are the symptoms of a corrupt desktop database?
- Document and application icons look like generic gray sheets of paper or have a hand with a pen and a diamond shape in the background rather than having characteristic -- usually application specific -- document and application icons.
- Repeated errors saying that the "Application that created the file cannot be found" even though you are sure that an appropriate application is installed.
What are the symptoms of a desktop database file that has become too large?
The most characteristic symptom of a large desktop database file is if it takes the system an uncharacteristically long time to do common Finder activities like opening folders and accessing files.
When should I rebuild the desktop database?
Rebuilding the desktop database is a troubleshooting step that can be done to alleviate any of the problems listed above.
The process of rebuilding the desktop replaces the two database files with newer, more-optimized files that contain a more accurate and streamlined set of information so that the Finder can access files quickly and efficiently.
Generally speaking, as a preventative maintenance step, it is advised to rebuild your database approximately once a month.
How do I rebuild my system's desktop database?
- Shut down your Macintosh.
- Restart the computer.
- Press the Command (Apple) and Option keys and hold them through the duration of the startup process, after you hear the startup tone or see the "happy Mac" icon on your screen.
- Once the computer has finished starting up, it will ask you "Are you sure you want to rebuild the Desktop file" file your startup disk?
- Release the Command and Option keys and click the "OK" button in the dialog box.
The computer will then create and replace the old "Desktop DB" and "Desktop DF" files with the updated, optimized versions.
If this does not resolve the problems you are experiencing, please contact us.
