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Finder keeps relaunching

My Finder started acting up today. When I try to empty trash, it would just quit and relaunch by itself. Same thing happens when I try to move certain files or open certain folders.

The only thing I can think of that can be the cause is that I updated some software yesterday or so. Some security updates, the new iTunes update, etc. Any advice on what the problem is, or how to troubleshoot?

iBook G4, Mac OS X (10.3.9)

Posted on Mar 18, 2007 6:33 PM

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3 replies

Mar 18, 2007 7:05 PM in response to thecocoon

thecocoon,

Welcome to Apple Discussions.

Before you try anything else, Repair Disk Permissions.

If it is a Finder issue, it may be helpful to find the com.apple.finder.plist file in your Macintosh HD/Users/yourusername/Library/Preferences Folder. Drag it to your Desktop, log out/in or restart and check for normal finder behavior.

If it is a Contextual Menu problem, can you identify any corrupted or incompatible third party files in the following folders:?
Macintosh HD/System/Library/Contextual Menu Items
Macintosh HD/Library/Contextual Menu Items
Macintosh HD/Users/yourusername/Library/Contextual Menu Items

If so, you may be able to uninstall/reinstall the associated application.

Consider temporary sequential manual removal/isolation of the suspect file to verify CM functionality and finder stability.

If it is a trash issue, Solving Trash Problems, by Dr. Smoke may be helpful.

;~)
User uploaded file

Mar 18, 2007 9:04 PM in response to Ferd II

Repaired the disk permissions, but the problem persists. And if I move the com.apple.finder.plist file to the desktop, Finder would quit and relaunch nonstop. I was finally able to put the file back where it belongs after many tries.

About contextual menus...how do I know which 3rd party files are incompatible? The software update I did yesterday was only for Apple security update, and iTunes. What else could have caused this problem?

Mar 19, 2007 10:39 AM in response to thecocoon

thecocoon,

What contextual menu items do you have in those folders?

As I wrote earlier, "Consider temporary sequential manual removal/isolation of the suspect file to verify CM functionality and finder stability." In other words, take all of the non-apple items out of their respective folders (remember/record where they were) and return them one at a time. If the system works after returning the first item, log out/in or restart and go on to the next item.

If that proves unsuccessful, DO A FILE SYSTEM CHECK AND REPAIR DISK.

;~)
User uploaded file

Finder keeps relaunching

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