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TICKET ARCHIVE -> Desktop Folders Not Opening.

Heywoodphoto - Oct 6, 2005 - 11:53 am

Hello,

I am using a Powerbook G4 with OS X 10.3.9 and I am now finding that when I start my computer I can access all of the programs in the dock and use them properly, however, I cannot open folders on the desktop. When I double click a folder a blank rectangular window opens up and the beach ball just spins.

I can also connect my computer via fire-wire to my G5 tower and access the files just fine.

Any ideas?

Thanks,

Mike Heywood

pierino84 - Oct 6, 2005 - 2:54 pm

You may have some problems with the system privileges. Try to repair them with Disk Utility.
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Riccardo -- Mac Lover
Please always provide a system profile through HELP app!! That can help us solve your problem!

Heywoodphoto - Oct 6, 2005 - 3:08 pm

I ran verify through disc utility and there was an error which was fixed. I verified disc permissions without an error.

The problem still occurs.

Everything looks normal and programs still open through the dock but when I double click on any folder on the desktop the computer freezes. (JPG files on the desktop launch preview without a problem)

I pressed Command+option+escape and the force quit interface said that the finder was not responding. If I relaunch the finder I can go back to the desktop but the problem is not fixed.

Mike

pierino84 - Oct 6, 2005 - 3:42 pm

Do you remember if you installed or modified anything, before the problem started to occour? Let's try to restart in safe mode :

To start up into Safe Mode (to "Safe Boot"), do this:

Be sure the computer is shut down.
Press the power button.
Immediately after you hear the startup tone, press and hold the Shift key.
Tip: The Shift key should be held as soon as possible after the startup tone but not before.
Release the Shift key when you see the gray Apple and progress indicator (looks like a spinning gear).
During the startup in Mac OS X 10.2 through 10.3.9, you will see "Safe Boot" on the Mac OS X startup screen.

During the startup in Mac OS X 10.4 or later, you will see "Safe Boot" on the login window, which appears even if you normally log in automatically.

To leave Safe Mode in any version of Mac OS X, restart the computer normally, without holding any keys during startup.

Check if you have the same problem, if not, you have some third parties app that is screwing your finder. Did you use the mac os x install CD to verify/repair your disk?
--------
Riccardo -- Mac Lover
Please always provide a system profile through HELP app!! That can help us solve your problem!

Heywoodphoto - Oct 10, 2005 - 6:24 pm

Hello again,

I tried the safeboot and the finder seems to work just fine that way.

Yes I did use the OS X install disk to verify and repair but the problem still remains.

Any ideas on how to discover what is causing the problem? Or is there a way to rebuild the desktop like there was with OS9?

Mike

pierino84 - Oct 10, 2005 - 8:53 pm

Hey!
The OS X desktop cannot be rebuilt as in OS 9, because the structure is totally different.
You have to check everything you can have installed in the system preferences, any haxies, custom pref panes, that could cause conflicts with Finder.
Those could be for example: StuffIt system utilities (integrated in the OS), Contexual menu items, Startup Items (you can see them in the Account pane --> startup items)..... the list is long... Probably what's giving you that error is something inside the "Library" folder.
Just try to remember what you installed before the problem started, and make sure you have the latest update of the software you're using most. Unfortunately I can't tell you from here which the specific program that's causing your troubles is.
Let me know the news! Bye!
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Riccardo -- Mac Lover
Proud owner of a Mac Plus, Color Classic, IIsi, lc475, G4 Sawtooth, iBook G3 and some mooooore....
Please always provide a system profile through HELP app!! That can help us