My finder is 'not responding' and I need it to job hunt stat, please help me fix it? thanks

I’ve tried several basic ways, they're not working. Everything is updated, i have restarted and a few other basic things, sometimes I could get it to work briefly, like if i had NO other apps open. I can see it when i want to attach a file, but that’s it.

I’m on a 2019 4k with solid state drive and 8 GB ram. I’m paralyzed without finder while I’m job hunting, can’t access portfolio pieces etc to build a badly needed new portfolio site.

Don’t want to risk reloading OS or anything major like that. It started happening around the time I updated to the latest OS about 1 month ago, but can’t be sure.

PS I’m not a techy.

Thanks!

iMac 21.5″

Posted on May 3, 2023 6:51 PM

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Question marked as Best answer

Give this a try: boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and test to see if the problem persists. Reboot normally and test again.


NOTE 1: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3 - 5 minutes as it's doing the following; 

• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed

• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)

• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically

• Disables user-installed fonts 

• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files


NOTE 2: if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode. This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will insure a successful boot into Safe Mode.


Posted on May 4, 2023 10:22 AM

1 reply
10 replies
Question marked as Best answer

May 4, 2023 10:22 AM in response to Wunderbarry

Give this a try: boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and test to see if the problem persists. Reboot normally and test again.


NOTE 1: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3 - 5 minutes as it's doing the following; 

• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed

• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)

• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically

• Disables user-installed fonts 

• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files


NOTE 2: if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode. This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will insure a successful boot into Safe Mode.


May 6, 2023 8:32 PM in response to Old Toad

Hello old Toad, thanks so much for your thoughtful and detailed response, sadly the Safe reboot didn’t work, i tried 3 times. I really don’t want to reload OS, it sounds dangerous, not being a techy, eg, losing info. I didn’t try creating a different account, not 100% sure what that entails, but maybe i should look into that? Any other ideas, kinds sir...er...toad? Thanks either way.

May 7, 2023 9:26 AM in response to Wunderbarry

The one time I had Finder problems I booted into the Recovery volume (boot with the Command + R keys held down  - Intel Macs) or  (How to Boot an M1 Mac into Recovery Mode) and reistalled the system to fix it. It won't affect your user data but, as with good computing practice, make sure you always have a full and current backup before doing any repair/fixing procedures.

May 28, 2023 7:59 PM in response to Old Toad

Hi Mr Toad, very sorry for delay, I was job hunting and finally got one, now I have time. Thank you for your patience. You mentioned that you "booted into the Recovery volume ...and reistalled the system to fix it. I’m unsure what you mean By “reinstalled system”...which system, the entire operating system? Would I have to reload that from somewhere? I have an external drive btw, but unsure how I’d do that from Time machine, if you could describe easily? If not I can hunt around. Thanks either way!

Barry in Toronto

May 28, 2023 8:10 PM in response to Wunderbarry

Wunderbarry wrote:

By “reinstalled system”...which system, the entire operating system? Would I have to reload that from somewhere? I have an external drive btw, but unsure how I’d do that from Time machine, if you could describe easily? If not I can hunt around. Thanks either way!
Barry in Toronto

See this: How to reinstall macOS - Apple Support


As noted in that article: "Reinstalling macOS doesn't remove your personal data."


That said, you should first make good, verified backups of all your data, just in case something untoward happens.


May 29, 2023 8:54 AM in response to Wunderbarry

Wunderbarry wrote:

Hi Mr Toad, very sorry for delay, I was job hunting and finally got one, now I have time. Thank you for your patience. You mentioned that you "booted into the Recovery volume ...and reistalled the system to fix it. I’m unsure what you mean By “reinstalled system”...which system, the entire operating system? Would I have to reload that from somewhere? I have an external drive btw, but unsure how I’d do that from Time machine, if you could describe easily? If not I can hunt around. Thanks either way!
Barry in Toronto


When booting into Recovery volume you'll be presented with these options:



The system will be the one that created the Recovery volume, i.e. the current system that you were using. It will not affect your user data.


The job news is terrific. I'm sure you're feeling much less anxiety.



My finder is 'not responding' and I need it to job hunt stat, please help me fix it? thanks

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