Preferences_old file

[Johanbgoot]

In Library there is a "preferences" file (dated today 7.55 am) and a "preferences_old" file date 8/18/2005 containg 2.9 gigabits.  I am using 10.3.9, can I throw this file out?

Thanks,

Johan

[weldiger]

I would try throwing out, but not emptying the trash.  That has worked for me, if it worked without the file in place, I would empty. If not, I would put it back.
With earlier systems, I threw out almost all the preferences in my once a month cleaning proceedure which RHP developed.
The old system tended to get corrupted preference files pretty easily, but if I am not mistaken, OS X bulds new pref file every time you re-start???

HTH

[kelly]

Yeah. Try what weldiger says.  

Wonder if some utility created that.

Did you ever do an Archive and Install?

[Johanbgoot]

I did have to reinstall 10.3.5 last year but I cannot remember if it was an archive and install.  There are 146 items in the preferences_old file and 219 items in the preferences file.  It would appear that there are the same files in each file.  Should I place each of the 146 files individually in the trash and see what happens or just put the complete file in the trash and see what happens?  I hope this is clear.

[kelly]

IMO put the whole Folder in the Trash jb.

They can't be affecting anything.

And if you needed one you'd have missed it by now.

I say throw them away entirely.

[Johanbgoot]

Thanks Weldiger and Kelly,

I did as you suggested Kelly, I threw out the file, used the computer for a while, no change.  Restarted and everything is still just as smooth as ever.

Johan