Mac OS X 10.3.6 (#16): AppleScript for faster startup

AppleScript for faster startup We've previously covered a number of methods for reducing Mac OS X 10.3.6 startup time, which has increased dramatically for some users after applying the update. The startup process, for afflicted users, seems to stall right after login. If automatic login is enabled, the stall occurs at the point right after the Mac OS X desktop appears, but before any icons or menubar items appear.

Previously noted solutions for decreasing startup time include removal of extraneous fonts, disabling of network automounts, and cache cleaning.

Now Yvan Koenig, a poster to Apple's Discussion Boards, has submitted an AppleScript that deletes several files implicated in increased startup time. The script has been successful for a number of users, and is as follows:

property systemList : {¬
"com.apple.ATS.System.fcache", ¬
"com.apple.ATSServer.FODB_System", ¬
"fontTablesAnnex"}
property localList : {¬
"501:Classic.fcache", ¬
"501:Local.fcache", ¬
"User.fcache", ¬
"Classic.fodb", ¬
"Local.fodb", ¬
"User.fodb", ¬
"FondResourceCache"}
tell application "Finder"
set versionFinder to version as text
end tell
if versionFinder starts with "10.3" then
set localCaches to (":Library:Caches:com.apple.ATS:" as alias) as text
set systemCaches to ((path to "boot") as text) & "System:Library:Caches:"
tell application "Finder"
repeat with name in localList
try
delete file (localCaches & name)
end try
end repeat
repeat with name in systemList
try
delete file (systemCaches & name)
end try
end repeat
end tell
end if

In order to run this script, simply open the application Script Editor (located in Applications/AppleScript on a standard installation), create a new file, paste the above script, click "Compile" then click "Run." You will be asked for your administrator password several times.

It is important that you immediately restart Mac OS X after running this script.

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

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