Mac OS X 10.5.3: mach_kernel.ctfsys suddenly visible

mach_kernel.ctfsys suddenly visible Some users have reported an issue in which the file mach_kernel.ctfsys, a system component that is usually invisible, suddenly appears in the Dock or at the root level of the startup drive. In order to resolve this issue, simply make the file invisible again by launching the Terminal (located in /Applications/Utilities and enter the following command:

• sudo chflags hidden /mach_kernel.ctfsys

then press return.

If the file is appearing in your Dock, issue the Terminal command:

• killall Dock

then press return.

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

Previous coverage:

• Mac OS X 10.5.3: FireWire drives not mounting; hang at sleep; Parallels problems; more
• Mac OS X 10.5.3: Time machine drive gets changed to read-only
• Mac OS X 10.5.3: Fix for some network dropouts -- turn off IPv6; alternative for Mail.app Hotmail access; more
• Mac OS X 10.5.3: another fix for iMovie launch problems; AirPort persistently scanning; more
• Mac OS X 10.5.3: systems not shutting off; DNS issues solved; misc. third-party application problems
• iMovie problems under Mac OS X 10.5.3 linked to color system
• Mac OS X 10.5.3: Photoshop/Adobe CS3 file corruption when saving remotely
• Safe boot doesn't work -- check default boot partition
• Mac OS X 10.5.3 (#3): serious proxy .pac problems; random application crashes; login window loop; more
• Mac OS X 10.5.3 (#2): system refuses to boot
• Mac OS X 10.5.3 fixes iPhone-iCal sync issues
• Troubleshooting Mac OS X 10.5.3: iTunes crashes; Update fails; Time Machine
• Mac OS X 10.5.3 released; squashes slew of 10.5.2 bugs

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