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TICKET ARCHIVE -> Finder keeps vanishing
RobinS - Jul 23, 2006 - 11:08 pm
Using latest OS X with updates.
The strangest thing - Finder quits when I try to open a Finder window. Just restarts. When I try again, same thing.
The strangest thing - Finder quits when I try to open a Finder window. Just restarts. When I try again, same thing.
RobinS - Jul 24, 2006 - 1:19 am
Well I restarted the computer and now the Finder seems to be normal. But MSN Messenger which has always worked flawlessly, now starts and vanishes immediately. Same with Yahoo Messenger. MT Newswatcher works fine as do some other programs. Disk Utility seems to be working now, whereas earlier it wasn't. Oops....the verify permissions worked, but the repair permissions gave me the Disk Utility internal error: Disk Utility has lost its connection with the Disk Management Tool and cannot continue. Please quit and relaunch Disk Utility. When I click Quit it tells me:
Operations still in progress. When I click Quit it quites. Tried it again - same thing. Azureus won't start. Bits on Wheels won't start either. Activity Monitor doesn't show anything unusual running.
Operations still in progress. When I click Quit it quites. Tried it again - same thing. Azureus won't start. Bits on Wheels won't start either. Activity Monitor doesn't show anything unusual running.
philippe99 - Jul 24, 2006 - 2:09 am
Hi Robin.
The "Disk Utility has lost its connection with the Disk Management Tool" is a well known issue due to a conflict with an iTunes update and a QT one.
Two known way to solve it:
(1) Just drag ITunes from the Application folder and onto the Desktop, then run Disk Utility to Repair Permissions. It will run perfectly. Then return iTunes back to the Application Folder.
If this not work..
(2) In the root of the OS X boot drive, go to the Library>Receipts folder and delete any iTunes pkg file there except the iTunesX.pkg and iTunesPhoneDriver.pkg files.
Regards
Philippe
The "Disk Utility has lost its connection with the Disk Management Tool" is a well known issue due to a conflict with an iTunes update and a QT one.
Two known way to solve it:
(1) Just drag ITunes from the Application folder and onto the Desktop, then run Disk Utility to Repair Permissions. It will run perfectly. Then return iTunes back to the Application Folder.
If this not work..
(2) In the root of the OS X boot drive, go to the Library>Receipts folder and delete any iTunes pkg file there except the iTunesX.pkg and iTunesPhoneDriver.pkg files.
Regards
Philippe
philippe99 - Jul 24, 2006 - 2:11 am
About Finder issues, the following page gives a detailled explanation of how deleting Finder preferences:
http://www.thexlab.com/faqs/finder.html
Regards
Philippe
http://www.thexlab.com/faqs/finder.html
Regards
Philippe
RobinS - Jul 24, 2006 - 10:25 am
OK - Disk Utility issue is solved.
Trashed those 2 Finder Preference files. So far so good.
Can I delete iTunes completely? I never use it - have never found it better at anything than VLC/Quicktime/WMP/RP. Or is it an important part of OS X?
Trashed those 2 Finder Preference files. So far so good.
Can I delete iTunes completely? I never use it - have never found it better at anything than VLC/Quicktime/WMP/RP. Or is it an important part of OS X?
philippe99 - Jul 24, 2006 - 11:09 am
Well, for using mac for years, I've learn not to delete Mac applications, to avoid to create problems with subsequent updates of the OS
And also, not removing them form the Applications folder
So, no, let iTunes there even if you do not use it
Regards
Philippe
And also, not removing them form the Applications folder
So, no, let iTunes there even if you do not use it
Regards
Philippe
RobinS - Jul 24, 2006 - 11:25 am
Yeah - things are looking that way - when I move things often strange things happen later. Its like Apple is taking out some revenge for expunging one of its dear components.
If its there, I guess I should not ignore the updates too since they might affect other apps?
But things like Bluetooth, Airport, Ipod updates - surely those I can ignore because I don't have them or use them?
If its there, I guess I should not ignore the updates too since they might affect other apps?
But things like Bluetooth, Airport, Ipod updates - surely those I can ignore because I don't have them or use them?
RobinS - Jul 24, 2006 - 11:25 am
Yeah - things are looking that way - when I move things often strange things happen later. Its like Apple is taking out some revenge for expunging one of its dear components.
If its there, I guess I should not ignore the updates too since they might affect other apps?
But things like Bluetooth, Airport, Ipod updates - surely those I can ignore because I don't have them or use them?
If its there, I guess I should not ignore the updates too since they might affect other apps?
But things like Bluetooth, Airport, Ipod updates - surely those I can ignore because I don't have them or use them?
philippe99 - Jul 24, 2006 - 12:05 pm
In my cases, all the automatic update is desactivated
I only apply COMBO update and when I think it is good, i.e after having watching the Web to see if the update is good or if some applications are not destroyed by the update.
For instance, I'm still in 10.4.6
I will not update to 4.7 but wait to jump to 4.8
I've not update my Airport -I use Airport- because I have learn that the new update have problems with certain wireless router
So my principle: I let the other ones rushing, installing ..and when all is ok, I install
If for some reason, Apple has detected errors in the update and has published a patch, I do not install the update at all and wait for the nex Combo update
Windows side reflex !
Philippe
I only apply COMBO update and when I think it is good, i.e after having watching the Web to see if the update is good or if some applications are not destroyed by the update.
For instance, I'm still in 10.4.6
I will not update to 4.7 but wait to jump to 4.8
I've not update my Airport -I use Airport- because I have learn that the new update have problems with certain wireless router
So my principle: I let the other ones rushing, installing ..and when all is ok, I install
If for some reason, Apple has detected errors in the update and has published a patch, I do not install the update at all and wait for the nex Combo update
Windows side reflex !
Philippe
RobinS - Jul 24, 2006 - 3:26 pm
Philippe, you bring up some very interesting points.
How long do you advise waiting before installing an update?
Why do 4.8 and not 4.7? Because of some issues being reported in 4.7? And once you update, can you go back? Or can you reinstall, then only update to a certain level?
So a Combo update is more proven/thought out?
How long do you advise waiting before installing an update?
Why do 4.8 and not 4.7? Because of some issues being reported in 4.7? And once you update, can you go back? Or can you reinstall, then only update to a certain level?
So a Combo update is more proven/thought out?
RobinS - Jul 24, 2006 - 6:43 pm
Things are a mess again. I guess I'll have to reinstall. Several programs start then vanish after 1 second. These programs don't work.
Address Book
Calculator
Chess
Dashboard
iCal
iChat
Internet Connect
Preview
Stickies
System Preferences
These Utilities don't work.
Activity Monitor
AirPort Setup Assistant
Audio MIDI Setup
Bluetooth File Exchange
ColorSync Utility
Console
etc
Its looks like most of the Apple programs don't work and most of the non- Apple programs work.
I hope I hear back from somebody tonight. I'm going out - this is too frustrating.
And I can't even start Disk Utility to do a Permissions Repair. Though I'm going to try one before I leave off the DVD.
Address Book
Calculator
Chess
Dashboard
iCal
iChat
Internet Connect
Preview
Stickies
System Preferences
These Utilities don't work.
Activity Monitor
AirPort Setup Assistant
Audio MIDI Setup
Bluetooth File Exchange
ColorSync Utility
Console
etc
Its looks like most of the Apple programs don't work and most of the non- Apple programs work.
I hope I hear back from somebody tonight. I'm going out - this is too frustrating.
And I can't even start Disk Utility to do a Permissions Repair. Though I'm going to try one before I leave off the DVD.
philippe99 - Jul 25, 2006 - 3:40 am
Well, in general, I stay one or two updates behind the current one !
I never install the first 10.y.1 update because, by experience, I've seen this update can contains holes.
I never install the 10.y.9 update because I know that if there is a problem, it will only be corrected in the next generation of the OS
I pay special attention to updates which include QT or Java fixes; the Java machine of Apple OS is a crappy, awfull machine compared to the official SUN one..or even the Windows one. And QT can create problems with 3rd-party MIDI stuff.
I would not rush at all on iTunes updates because most of the time it is for geek feature like Nike stuff
I would not rush on QT update because, as I encode many videos, my 3rd-party tools may be damaged by the new QT level
I would not install an update related to the Airport system because, reading the forums shows that can leads problems with some ISP connections (installed driver, ..)
Before each update, either would be the OS, Itunes, iLife or even Office suite,
* I make a complete clone of my old system.
* I unplug everything (including Web connection), except KB or mouse
* I boot on the Install CD and repair disk and permissions through the DU of the CD
* after the install, I repair again permissions
* Then I run Macjanitor or Onyx maintenance scripts
Doing this I never face any problem, except one time when jumping from 10.3.0 to 10.3.2; I immediately clone back my old 10.3.0 and wait until 10.3.3 to jump through COMBOs
And, no, there is no way to go back, except an "Erase and Install with the original OS then a jump to the latest update through COMBOs
When I had to install the next generation (for instance Tiger), I would never install it over Panther, even with an Archive & Install: I backup everything, print all details I need; then I make an Erase & Install and reconfigure everything.
yes, that's take time, but I know exactly what I put in this fresh system: I do not trust any automatic Migration Assistant, neither on Mac nor on my Windows Dell
My rule 1: I never let the computer to take decision
My rule 2: I let all the 'geeks' -who rush on the latest update- sponge the problems and when all is finished and solved, I installed
My rule 3: each day, before shutdowing, I repair permissions through DU and run macjanitor/Onyx daily script; each sunday, after repairing permissions, I run all the macjanitor/Onyx maintenance scripts and launch the clone-backup of my internal drive onto a external FW one
Since the first days of Panther, I only face: 1 KernelPanic due to a defective FW cable and a Finder issue which I solved by trahsing its prefs.
I do not know what means "application refuses to start", "application bounces in the dock"
About your programs:could try to repair your startup volume with the fsck command as described here:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106214
Philippe
By the way, Robin, I would say that Carolyn was right when she explained you that there is no selective deletion of items in the Trash, as there is in Windows
world
I never install the first 10.y.1 update because, by experience, I've seen this update can contains holes.
I never install the 10.y.9 update because I know that if there is a problem, it will only be corrected in the next generation of the OS
I pay special attention to updates which include QT or Java fixes; the Java machine of Apple OS is a crappy, awfull machine compared to the official SUN one..or even the Windows one. And QT can create problems with 3rd-party MIDI stuff.
I would not rush at all on iTunes updates because most of the time it is for geek feature like Nike stuff
I would not rush on QT update because, as I encode many videos, my 3rd-party tools may be damaged by the new QT level
I would not install an update related to the Airport system because, reading the forums shows that can leads problems with some ISP connections (installed driver, ..)
Before each update, either would be the OS, Itunes, iLife or even Office suite,
* I make a complete clone of my old system.
* I unplug everything (including Web connection), except KB or mouse
* I boot on the Install CD and repair disk and permissions through the DU of the CD
* after the install, I repair again permissions
* Then I run Macjanitor or Onyx maintenance scripts
Doing this I never face any problem, except one time when jumping from 10.3.0 to 10.3.2; I immediately clone back my old 10.3.0 and wait until 10.3.3 to jump through COMBOs
And, no, there is no way to go back, except an "Erase and Install with the original OS then a jump to the latest update through COMBOs
When I had to install the next generation (for instance Tiger), I would never install it over Panther, even with an Archive & Install: I backup everything, print all details I need; then I make an Erase & Install and reconfigure everything.
yes, that's take time, but I know exactly what I put in this fresh system: I do not trust any automatic Migration Assistant, neither on Mac nor on my Windows Dell
My rule 1: I never let the computer to take decision
My rule 2: I let all the 'geeks' -who rush on the latest update- sponge the problems and when all is finished and solved, I installed
My rule 3: each day, before shutdowing, I repair permissions through DU and run macjanitor/Onyx daily script; each sunday, after repairing permissions, I run all the macjanitor/Onyx maintenance scripts and launch the clone-backup of my internal drive onto a external FW one
Since the first days of Panther, I only face: 1 KernelPanic due to a defective FW cable and a Finder issue which I solved by trahsing its prefs.
I do not know what means "application refuses to start", "application bounces in the dock"
About your programs:could try to repair your startup volume with the fsck command as described here:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106214
Philippe
By the way, Robin, I would say that Carolyn was right when she explained you that there is no selective deletion of items in the Trash, as there is in Windows
world
RobinS - Jul 25, 2006 - 10:50 am
Wow - what a reply! That should be framed and be on the wall of every Mac store. As if that would happen......lol. You are so thorough. I can see the caution brought out by using Windows has helped your Apple experience. You are very pessimistic about updates - and though you may enjoy the updates a little later than the geeks, you have far fewer problems and headaches. A wise choice. I realize I have to get more serious with maintenance. Apple likes to make people believe that its a perfect, almost no-maintenance system. That works to sell the system. But then the work begins!
I don't know how close this website is with Apple, but it sure would be good if the helpers were more pessimistic (or patient) like you - with updates and maintenance. The point needs to be stressed that since almost all updates are not security related, they are not time sensitive. It hardly matters if you install them today or in a month. Let the impatient people take the risks. It won't make Apple look so good initially, but it sure will make a huge difference in the operation of people's machines. When people have very few problems, they recommend the OS to more people. So Apple gains - only a little later. But at least its a more truthful and experienced recommendation.
Have you tried Parallel's software? (If you use an Intel Mac I guess.)
By the way, are you in Canada or Europe?
And wouldn't be great if Apple scheduled regular maintenance as part of the OS? Maybe that will become more used in later verions of the OS. Hope so. Sort of an automatice Repair of Permissions every time something is changed in the system.
I'm using 10.4.7. Are there any advantages of fsck over the Disk Utility tools?
I can't thank you enough for your honesty and time you expended in mentioning all that stuff. I just hope it is all searchable so others can benefit as much as I will. You have gone way beyond the norm.
And have you read the NSA's guide to OS X security? It seems to be getting recommended but I haven't read much about it. Here it is:
http://www.nsa.gov/snac/downloads_macX.cfm
I don't know how close this website is with Apple, but it sure would be good if the helpers were more pessimistic (or patient) like you - with updates and maintenance. The point needs to be stressed that since almost all updates are not security related, they are not time sensitive. It hardly matters if you install them today or in a month. Let the impatient people take the risks. It won't make Apple look so good initially, but it sure will make a huge difference in the operation of people's machines. When people have very few problems, they recommend the OS to more people. So Apple gains - only a little later. But at least its a more truthful and experienced recommendation.
Have you tried Parallel's software? (If you use an Intel Mac I guess.)
By the way, are you in Canada or Europe?
And wouldn't be great if Apple scheduled regular maintenance as part of the OS? Maybe that will become more used in later verions of the OS. Hope so. Sort of an automatice Repair of Permissions every time something is changed in the system.
I'm using 10.4.7. Are there any advantages of fsck over the Disk Utility tools?
I can't thank you enough for your honesty and time you expended in mentioning all that stuff. I just hope it is all searchable so others can benefit as much as I will. You have gone way beyond the norm.
And have you read the NSA's guide to OS X security? It seems to be getting recommended but I haven't read much about it. Here it is:
http://www.nsa.gov/snac/downloads_macX.cfm
philippe99 - Jul 25, 2006 - 1:57 pm
>I can see the caution brought out by using Windows
> has helped your Apple experience.
I'm still using Windows: I'm a Unix developper but I port the softwares I develop (softwares for computing structures) on Win plateform. And I have a Dell machine... for gaming ;-)
> You are very pessimistic about updates - and
> though you may enjoy the updates a little later
> than the geeks, you have far fewer problems
> and headaches.
Same when I buy a fridge or a car: I never buy the latest models, I always take at leat 'one year old' ones
> Apple likes to make people believe that its
> a perfect, almost no-maintenance system.
> That works to sell the system. But then the
> work begins!
But on the contrary to Windows, maintenance rules and/or related software are more easily to understand/run than their Windows equivalents
> I don't know how close this website is with Apple,
> but it sure would be good if the helpers were
> more pessimistic (or patient) like you
If I join macosx.com, it is because I have discover that this site is not so closed to Apple; I've been fired from other helps sites (French ones) because I expose some critics about Apple products or Apple policy: for instance, I think the "one year warranty (or buy Applecare)" is a scandal: Dell has a bigger warranty
I'm a software engineer. If one of my customers have difficulties with a part of my software, I first consider that either my programmation, either the GUI or the doc is incomplete
But I never consider a customer as a zany, nor a 'king' but as a client: I always recognise my mistakes, but I have no fear to demonstrate user's errors. My biggest contracts are with big customers (European Space Agency): for these customers, a good relationship and honesty -in both directions- is a part of the rule.
> Have you tried Parallel's software?
No I have a iMac G5 PPC
>By the way, are you in Canada or Europe?
Belgium, french speaking Wallonia state (south of Brussels)
> And wouldn't be great if Apple scheduled
> regular maintenance as part of the OS?
They have it. Your OS, if still power on between 02 am and 05 am runs the basics scripts macjanitor or Onyx can run
> Sort of an automatice Repair of Permissions
> every time something is changed in the system.
In the early days of Panther, i've already suggested to Apple guys:
* before each install, the standalone installer must perform a repair
* after the install, after the machine is rebooted, the installer must finish by a new repair
This is a two lines script to install within the so-called 'crontab' daemon in the machine. And a two lines cripts to kill this procedure at the end
> Are there any advantages of fsck over the
> Disk Utility tools?
fsck is a deep level Unix procedure -so available on mac Osx, Linux or ther Sun machines; this is the sole procedure which can detect deep corruption in the system
>I can't thank you enough for your honesty and time
> you expended in mentioning all that stuff.
Well, I was helped in the past when I start using macs.
So it is my way to give a return of this free help
So keep me aware about your software problems
Regards
Philippe
> has helped your Apple experience.
I'm still using Windows: I'm a Unix developper but I port the softwares I develop (softwares for computing structures) on Win plateform. And I have a Dell machine... for gaming ;-)
> You are very pessimistic about updates - and
> though you may enjoy the updates a little later
> than the geeks, you have far fewer problems
> and headaches.
Same when I buy a fridge or a car: I never buy the latest models, I always take at leat 'one year old' ones
> Apple likes to make people believe that its
> a perfect, almost no-maintenance system.
> That works to sell the system. But then the
> work begins!
But on the contrary to Windows, maintenance rules and/or related software are more easily to understand/run than their Windows equivalents
> I don't know how close this website is with Apple,
> but it sure would be good if the helpers were
> more pessimistic (or patient) like you
If I join macosx.com, it is because I have discover that this site is not so closed to Apple; I've been fired from other helps sites (French ones) because I expose some critics about Apple products or Apple policy: for instance, I think the "one year warranty (or buy Applecare)" is a scandal: Dell has a bigger warranty
I'm a software engineer. If one of my customers have difficulties with a part of my software, I first consider that either my programmation, either the GUI or the doc is incomplete
But I never consider a customer as a zany, nor a 'king' but as a client: I always recognise my mistakes, but I have no fear to demonstrate user's errors. My biggest contracts are with big customers (European Space Agency): for these customers, a good relationship and honesty -in both directions- is a part of the rule.
> Have you tried Parallel's software?
No I have a iMac G5 PPC
>By the way, are you in Canada or Europe?
Belgium, french speaking Wallonia state (south of Brussels)
> And wouldn't be great if Apple scheduled
> regular maintenance as part of the OS?
They have it. Your OS, if still power on between 02 am and 05 am runs the basics scripts macjanitor or Onyx can run
> Sort of an automatice Repair of Permissions
> every time something is changed in the system.
In the early days of Panther, i've already suggested to Apple guys:
* before each install, the standalone installer must perform a repair
* after the install, after the machine is rebooted, the installer must finish by a new repair
This is a two lines script to install within the so-called 'crontab' daemon in the machine. And a two lines cripts to kill this procedure at the end
> Are there any advantages of fsck over the
> Disk Utility tools?
fsck is a deep level Unix procedure -so available on mac Osx, Linux or ther Sun machines; this is the sole procedure which can detect deep corruption in the system
>I can't thank you enough for your honesty and time
> you expended in mentioning all that stuff.
Well, I was helped in the past when I start using macs.
So it is my way to give a return of this free help
So keep me aware about your software problems
Regards
Philippe
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