Q: Can't restart or shut down mac air (8GB, OSX 10.9.5). Error message: "The Finder can’t quit because some operations are still in progress." Have no idea what these are or how to proceed. Also have 7 files on desktop with same problem. Help please?

Hello mrosen47,

Based on your post it seems you are unable to shut down your Mac due to running processes. I've linked to an article about the Force Quit command which you can use to shut down troublesome apps. If the force quit isn't helpful, I would recommend using the power button to shut down your Mac. Shutting down your Mac via the power button isn't something you should do regularly and I would highly recommend backing up your files first if possible.

OS X: Using the power button - Apple Support

Hold down the power button for 5 seconds to force the computer to turn off.  Important: You may lose unsaved documents if you force the computer to turn off this way. Use this method of turning off your Mac only if it has become unresponsive for an extended period of time. Normally you should shut down the computer by selecting Shut Down from the Apple menu, or from the shut down dialog pictured above.

Force an app to close on your Mac - Apple Support

To close an app normally, choose Quit from the app menu. If an app is unresponsive, you can force it to close using Force Quit:

1. Choose Force Quit from the Apple menu, or press Command-Option-Esc
   (this is similar to pressing Control-Alt-Delete on a PC).
2. Select the unresponsive app in the Force Quit window, then click Force Quit.

 

Learn more

Generally, you shouldn't need to use Force Quit unless you can't close an app normally.

The Finder is an app that your Mac keeps open, so there isn't an option to quit or close this app. If the Finder becomes unresponsive, you can use Force Quit to relaunch it. Select Finder in the Force Quit window, then click Relaunch.

 

OS X Mavericks: Back up your Mac

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Cheers,

Bobby_D