The string 'com.apple.preference.general' is the pref pane ID, not its name. The pref pane itself is called 'Appearance' (or 'General' in ML). To see this for yourself, open AppleScript Editor, copy the following script in its entry box and hit the 'Run' button:
Code:
tell application "System Preferences"

   set current pane to pane id "com.apple.preference.general"

   activate

end tell

As to the problem itself, it appears that something is missing or corrupted. You might want to (re)run the Mac OS X 10.8.2 Combo Updater and see if that fixes things.


PS, before you do this, try joemikeb's suggestion. It just might lead to a quicker resolution.

Last edited by alternaut; 10/19/12 11:19 PM. Reason: added ML detail
alternaut ◉ moderator