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finder won't open?

Hi I'm using macbook air mid 2011 11inch and os x 10.10.1. My finder will not open no matter what i do, i just can't access it. I've tried terminal commands, repairing disk permissions, safe boot.. I've tried relaunching it from command+alt+esc but ut keeps saying not responding and there's always the spinning beachball of death showing up non stop. Also, most of my other apps aren't working too, i just use them for a while and then it says not responding, like for safari web content. Help would be appreciated, thanks in advance.

MacBook Air, OS X Yosemite (10.10.1)

Posted on May 22, 2015 9:02 AM

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Question marked as Best reply

Posted on May 22, 2015 9:05 AM

Try opening the Go menu with the Option (Alt) key pressed - Library - Preferences and locate the file called ‘com.apple.finder.plist’. Move it to the trash and restart your computer. This should help.

Follow these Apple instructions:

How to Reset NVRAM on your Mac - Apple Support


Hope this helps!

7 replies

May 22, 2015 9:45 AM in response to ohgodywh123

Please read this whole message before doing anything.

This procedure is a diagnostic test. It’s unlikely to solve your problem. Don’t be disappointed when you find that nothing has changed after you complete it.

The purpose of the test is to determine whether the problem is caused by third-party software that loads automatically at startup or login, by a peripheral device, by a font conflict, or by corruption of the file system or of certain system caches.

Disconnect all wired peripherals except those needed for the test, and remove all aftermarket expansion cards, if applicable. Start up in safe mode and log in to the account with the problem.

Note: If FileVault is enabled in OS X 10.9 or earlier, or if a firmware password is set, or if the startup volume is a software RAID, you can’t do this. Ask for further instructions.

Safe mode is much slower to start up and run than normal, with limited graphics performance, and some things won’t work at all, including sound output and Wi-Fi on certain models. The next normal startup may also be somewhat slow.

The login screen appears even if you usually login automatically. You must know your login password in order to log in. If you’ve forgotten the password, you will need to reset it before you begin.

Test while in safe mode. Same problem?

After testing, restart as usual (not in safe mode) and verify that you still have the problem. Post the results of the test.

May 24, 2015 6:47 AM in response to ohgodywh123

Make a "Genius" appointment at an Apple Store, or go to another authorized service provider. You may have to leave the machine there for several days.

Back up all data on the internal drive(s) before you hand over your computer to anyone. There are ways to back up a computer that isn't fully functional—ask if you need guidance.

If privacy is a concern, erase the data partition(s) with the option to write zeros* (do this only if you have at least two complete, independent backups, and you know how to restore to an empty drive from any of them.) Don’t erase the recovery partition, if present.

Keeping your confidential data secure during hardware repair

Apple also recommends that you deauthorize a device in the iTunes Store before having it serviced.

*An SSD doesn't need to be zeroed.

finder won't open?

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