MBP won't 'save settings'

[lamina]

When my friend turns off her MBP, it doesn't save her background, dock, iTunes, etc preferences. What gives?

 

[teacamper]

I'm trying to figure this out myself. I have a MacBook Pro that won't remember any prefs. I had to partition my HD for school, so I get the feeling that somehow that is part of the problem.

Suggestions anyone?