Finder Strange behaviour: folder and file icons not showing, then they disa

Question

Yesterday I was trying to install the postgresql package from (http://web.mac.com/dru_satori/iWeb/PostgreSQLforMac/Welcome.html). Actually I had an older version of their package, i uninstalled it, tried installing the new package, but kept receiving errors that the installation was not correct.
Now the point of this question, as I was doing the above, i started to notice that some files (either on my desktop or in a folder window) are not showing the icon. Only the label is showing! when I click on such a file, the file disappear (i mean even the label is gone).
I have completed permission repairs, disk repairs. I also noticed that this is only happening in my account, but not that of other accounts on this computer, which indicates that this is a problem in my home directory. I have also re-lunched the finder using the force quit window. I have also trashed the com.apple.finder.plist and logged out and then logged in again. I have just noticed that (pages) is asking for the serial number! I have this program installed months ago! It seems that some other files are also getting damaged!
Is there something that I am missing? Is this a bug? is there any solution, because this is very annoying and it might indicate a bigger problem that I am not aware of.
thank you for your help
PowerMac G5 Dual   Mac OS X (10.4.4)   4.5 GB RAM

Answer 1

I also noticed that this is only happening in my account, but not that of other accounts on this computer, which indicates that this is a problem in my home directory.
Good first troubleshooting step!
Now log back into your normal user account: (In your case I would try preferences first)
1. Navigate to ~(yourhome/library/fonts - drag this folder to the desktop.
• Restart and test your applications.
• If they work start adding the fonts back few at a time.
( Likely suspects are Times RO & Helvetica Fractions, also if you do not use Classic you can trash the classic fonts.)
2. Check Preferences Thoroughly;
• Navigate to ~(yourhome/library/preferences drag this folder to the desktop.
• Restart and test your applications.
• If this works, save the old preferences folder somewhere else or on disk, name it "old prefs" .
** Note: A very important file is the "com.apple.Mail.plist" preference file located in the Preferences folder which contains all email account settings and general mail preferences (hold this one and replace if your problem is not with Mail).
You'll have to go through some of your System Preferences and apps to set the preferences back to how you like them. (Or if you have the time and inclination, "cherry pick" through until you find the problem one or two.)
3. Check Permissions Inside Home Folder
   • Navigate to yourhome/library.
   • Get Info (Command - i) on folders for apps you are having problems with.
   • Open the "Ownership & permissions" disclosure triangle.
   • Make sure you are the owner, with "read and write" access.
• Click on "apply to all"
   • If this is correct, open the "Applications Support" folder and do the same procedure (Command+I) for the folders with the names of the applications you are having trouble with.
Note:
The reason to check this is because repairing permissions with Disk Utility doesn't touch permissions inside your home folder.
If the issue persists navigate to yourhome/library/caches and drag this folder to the trash, then log out and back or restart. There is no need to replace this folder.
-mj
[email protected]