Macbook app. Finder is frozen?

[emando16]

I'm really not computer smart and pretty new to a Mac. Right now my desktop is frozen, as is Finder, but all my other applications are working fine. I have no idea whats causing this, and no idea what else I need to tell you for you to help me better. This has happened a few times over the last few days, usually after i download something. It unfreezes eventually... but it doesn't seem good.

[eric2006]

What version of OS X are you using? Try downloading and installing the 10.4.8 combo updater.

[bobw]

Try trashing the Finder preference;

com.apple.finder.plist

Located in User/Library/Preferences

Restart

Then use Disk Utility in your Utility folder to Repair Permissions.

[emando16]

Okay I want to trash that thing you said, but i can't open up my main folder because its on my desktop and my desktop is frozen. I'm on the newest version of macosx i THINK... i cant check because my little apple icon on the top left is frozen. I tried to open up the trashcan, because from there i can navigate to other folders, but that appears to be frozen too :O

Should i still download that thing if i have the latest version of osx?

[bobw]

Boot while holding the Shift Key down, then see if you can open your drive.

If not, then download the Combo Update and run it.

[bobw]

You could also try getting into the Preference folder using the Go Menu (Top of Screen)

HardDriveName/Users/YourUsername/Library/Preferences/

[emando16]

i tried rebooting with shift held down and my computer never turned on. it got stuck loading on the screen that is pretty much blank, but has the apple sign and a little loading asterisk thing. What does it mean if it never turned on?

Is the Go menu the one on the very top left with the apple sign? I had thought that was frozen until just now... apparently when i'm in an application other than finder it works. Where do i go from there?

[bobw]

The Go Menu is at the top of your screen;

Finder File Edfit View Go

If that doesn't work, boot from the Tiger disc by holding the C key down.

After going past the Language screen, go up to the Utility Menu and open Terminal and use this command;

sudo rm ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.finder.plist