"unable to set maximum number of files to be opened"

[MFA Productions]

I just installed Adobe CS4 Master Collection on a MacBook (4 GB RAM, 250 GB HD, 10.6.2). Everything runs except Adobe Illustrator CS4, which crashes with the error "unable to set maximum number of files to be opened."

I have no idea what this means or how to fix it. There's nothing on Google or the forums about it - I found one other person who had this error but no solution was posted.

Already I've:

1.) Uninstalled AI CS4 using the uninstaller.

2.) Reinstalled.

3.) Uninstalled entire CS4 Master Collection.

4.) Reinstalled.

5.) Copied the AI folder from a working install of CS4.

6.) Used a USB hard drive with an OS X partition and Adobe CS4 to test if the machine a had problem. AI worked on the USB drive, but not on the hard drive.

7.) Searched the MacBook's hard drive for all files named "Adobe" including System and Library and Users/~/Library.

I'm out of ideas. Is this a conflict with some other software?

[susana79463157]

I have the same experience - can't open Illutrator on only one of my computers

[njones1946]

I was experiencing the same problem. Our IT director contacted the Smartboard people and they sent the following fix:

1.    Open a Terminal window.
2.    Type the following command in the Terminal window:
Sudo rm /etc/launchd.conf      <press Return, you will be prompted to enter your administrator password>
3.    Reboot

It worked...and was considerably less trouble. I haven't re-installed the drivers for the smartboard just yet but was assured that both products will now work.

[Wade_Zimmerman1]

The previous post would be a good one to mark as helpful as well.

Thanks.

[marjorina]

I had this same problem appear the day I installed SMART software. Tried the Terminal solution and it worked like a charm. Thanks to Larry Schneider for pointing towards this thread!

[anthonys74789390]

Hi.

I could not find the "launchd.conf" file.

1. I tried both ways - Go Menu < Go to folder < type "/etc" (no quotes) and press he flashing "Go" button

2. Open Terminal Window < Type Sudo rm /etc/launchd.conf      <press Return, you will be prompted to enter your administrator password>

Through both ways I could not locate the file. It was not there...

What do I do now?

[Doulster]

Wow! Thank you all!

sudo rm /etc/launchd.conf

This worked!

I installed SMART Notebook software recently. After install, Adobe Illustrator wouldn't open. Worse yet, OS X Software update failed over and over again.

After running the code above to remove the launchd.conf file, AI and OS X software update both worked!

I am running OS X 10.6.4 on a Mac Pro.

Way to go!