Blank white window?

Question

Since upgrading to Mountain Lion I'm experiencing several weird problems that center on opening folders and windows.
First, frequently when I double-click on a folder to open it the new window is completely blank -as if it were an empty folder. But underneath it shows the correct number of items in the folder -you just can't see or interact with them. Likewise, there is a scroll bar at the side, but it won't move. This happens about one in five times I try to open something, and can happen to any folder (not associated with any specific folders or nests of folders).  My workaround for this is to close the folder and then invoke the Get Info command. Then the folder will open properly.
A related problem comes when I move or copy folders. About half the time the action finishes, but the folder icon retains the new little progress bar and plus sign configuration. I can open the folder and its contents, but the icon won't go to its normal image until I (again) invoke the Get Info command.
The third issue which may or may not be related is that now when I use the back button in Safari I sometimes get a blank white page. At that point the back/forward/refresh commands are useless. I have to use the History Menu to go back, or open an entirely new window.
Is anyone else having these problems?? Any solutions?
Thanks!

Answer 1

Please read this whole message before doing anything.
This procedure is a test, not a solution. Don’t be disappointed when you find that nothing has changed after you complete it.
Step 1
The purpose of this step is to determine whether the problem is localized to your user account.
Enable guest logins* and log in as Guest. For instructions, launch the System Preferences application, select Help from the menu bar, and enter “Set up a guest account” (without the quotes) in the search box. Don't use the Safari-only “Guest User” login created by “Find My Mac.”
While logged in as Guest, you won’t have access to any of your personal files or settings. Applications will behave as if you were running them for the first time. Don’t be alarmed by this; it’s normal. If you need any passwords or other personal data in order to complete the test, memorize, print, or write them down before you begin.
Test while logged in as Guest. Same problem(s)?
After testing, log out of the guest account and, in your own account, disable it if you wish. Any files you created in the guest account will be deleted automatically when you log out of it.
*Note: If you’ve activated “Find My Mac” or FileVault in OS X 10.7 or later, then you can’t enable the Guest account. The “Guest User” login created by “Find My Mac” is not the same. Create a new account in which to test, and delete it, including its home folder, after testing.
Step 2
The purpose of this step is to determine whether the problem is caused by third-party system modifications that load automatically at startup or login.
Disconnect all wired peripherals except those needed for the test, and remove all aftermarket expansion cards. Boot in safe mode* and log in to the account with the problem. The instructions provided by Apple are as follows:
Be sure your Mac is shut down.
Press the power button.
Immediately after you hear the startup tone, hold the Shift key. The Shift key should be held as soon as possible after the startup tone, but not before the tone.
Release the Shift key when you see the gray Apple icon and the progress indicator (looks like a spinning gear).
Safe mode is much slower to boot and run than normal, and some things won’t work at all, including wireless networking on certain Macs.
The login screen appears even if you usually log in 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.
*Note: If FileVault is enabled under OS X 10.7 or later, or if a firmware password is set, you can’t boot in safe mode.
Test while in safe mode. Same problem(s)?
After testing, reboot as usual (i.e., not in safe mode) and verify that you still have the problem. Post the results of steps 1 and 2.