Deleted some (root) files & now finder won't start...

I have an eMAc 10.2.8 and was re-installing the system X and classic 9.2 software with all security updates etc, when I accidentally wiped some of the quicktime (root) files and extensions.
When it rebooted, Finder would not load - I can see everything on the dock but there is no top menu bar and nothing on the screen. Although some of the software (safari, explorer etc) will open and the top menu shows the normal file, edit etc.
I tried using the MacOSX Install Disc (pressing C while restarting) to reinstall the missing quicktime files, but it simply logs in as normal and doesn't recognise the disk or show anything on the screen. The same thing happens with the eMac Restore Software discs (Mac OS X & Mac OS 9).
I then switched my startup volume via System to Classic 9.2 and restarted the computer. All looked good, but once it has finished loading, there is nothing on the screen but grey lines running vertically down and no dock or top menu bar and the disk eject doesn't work. And again, rebooting with the disks while holding C doesn't seem to work.
Help someone....I can't get back to OSX and I know that everything is still on the HD because I checked it using Disk Utility prior to switching operating systems.
I even tried Firmware (holding the on button for a few minutes) to reboot directly from the OSX disc, but am not entirely sure what to do. Have I completely stuffed it?

I'm not sure what you expected to acomplish trying the eMac Firmware Update via the power button when there's no firmwar eupdate to install. You may have been thinking og resetting Open Firmware, but that's unlikely to help if the System and System Folders are corrupted. The procedures in Mac OS X: "Broken folder" icon, prohibitory sign, or kernel panic when computer starts should help, especially the Archive and Install Feature. Note that you have to hold the 'c' key down until you see the grey background / Apple logo / spinning wheel, and this can take longer than you'd expect; alternately, with the OS X Install disc in the eMac, you can use Startup Manager to select the CD.

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Deleted some (root) files & now finder won't start...now stuck in Classic 9

I have an eMAc 10.2.8 and was re-installing the system X and classic 9.2 software with all security updates etc, when I accidentally wiped some of the quicktime (root) files and extensions.
When it rebooted, Finder would not load - I can see everything on the dock but there is no top menu bar and nothing on the screen. Although some of the software (safari, explorer etc) will open and the top menu shows the normal file, edit etc.
I tried using the MacOSX Install Disc (pressing C while restarting) to reinstall the missing quicktime files, but it simply logs in as normal and doesn't recognise the disk or show anything on the screen. The same thing happens with the eMac Restore Software discs (Mac OS X & Mac OS 9).
I then switched my startup volume via System to Classic 9.2 and restarted the computer. All looked good, but once it has finished loading, there is nothing on the screen but grey lines running vertically down and no dock or top menu bar and the disk eject doesn't work. And again, rebooting with the disks while holding C doesn't seem to work.
Help someone....I can't get back to OSX and I know that everything is still on the HD because I checked it using Disk Utility prior to switching operating systems.
I even tried Firmware (holding the on button for a few minutes) to reboot directly from the OSX disc, but am not entirely sure what to do. Have I completely stuffed it?

I don't know why but your Mac is ignoring the "C" key and insisting on trying to start from the normal, damaged X... One explanation might be any keyboard - including an Apple wireless keyboard - that needs drivers or utilities; then the keyboard wouldn't be read until after the "C" key was too late…
Please rememeber there will never by any Mac that can start in Classic mode. That might not matter when things are going smoothly and in trobules like this, the same confusion that led to that description might be helping to helix the system.
This is still clearly an X, not a Classic problem and you will still get better help more quickly in the X pages, here

Messed with System/Library files now computer won't start

Ok, I wanted to go about fixing a Photoshop issue I had with 10.4.6. So I replace the following files with the files from 10.4.5...
/System/Library/Filesystems/AppleShare
/System/Library/Frameworks/AppleShareClientCore.framework
/System/Library/Frameworks/AppleshareClient.framework
My network drive went all haywire and I tried to replace the files with the original 10.4.6 files. After that did not solve the problem, I downloaded and used Pacifist to retreive the files from Mac OS X 10.4.6 for PPC downloaded from Apple. After replacing the /System/Library/ from this file, my computer went completely haywire and would not shutdown, start any aps or do anything. Now it won't work at all.
Am I completely screwed? I don't want to have to wipe everything (I have Quark on there that I no longer have a disk for) but I think I may have to.
Please if you have any suggestions for this stupid idiot, who should not have messed with their computer, they would be so welcomed!
Thanks!

HI, c.i.
See my "General advice on performing an Archive and Install" FAQ. Perform the steps therein in the specified order.
Good luck!
Dr. Smoke
Author: Troubleshooting Mac® OS X
Note: The information provided in the link(s) above is freely available. However, because I own The X Lab™, a commercial Web site to which some of these links point, the Apple Discussions Terms of Use require I include the following disclosure statement with this post:
I may receive some form of compensation, financial or otherwise, from my recommendation or link.

I deleted some Apple software, now iTunes won't recognize my iPod

So earlier today I removed Bonjour, and the Apple Mobile Device from my computer. Now all of a sudden iTunes won't recognize my iPod, but windows does. Could this issue be related to removing the software from my computer?

Take a look at this web page and see if it helps:
iPod missing in "My Computer" or in iTunes on Windows
Good luck.

Won't boot from install discs after deleting some system files

I've been looking through the forum and haven't found an answer to my problem - maybe someone can help me out.
I have an aluminum Powerbook G4, 1.67, 1.5 RAM, 10.4.11. I was experiencing the problem with FCE capturing video for about 5 minutes and then freezing, and I read some threads here about how this can be fixed by returning to Quicktime 7.2 and installing it with Pacifist. I did this, but first tried to delete my previous Quicktime version files, and obviously I deleted some system files in the process. That's how my new problem started.
Programs now that do not open - Preview, iTunes, iMovie, FCE, Yahoo, Mail, and Microsoft Messenger. I no longer have my date/time/battery level/airport/bluetooth indicators in my toolbar. The Spotlight icon flashes, but will not open. Also, when opening the System Preferences pane, it opens just for a second or two and then crashes and closes. Safari, airport, and Word all work, though, and I still can access internet.
I tried to re-install OS 10.4 from my black install disc. The computer reads the disc, but after I click the installer icon and then "restart," the computer fails to completely reboot. The disc spins in the drive, I get the Apple, the indicator, and then the screen goes to blue and the disc soon stops spinning. Nothing happens after that. I've tried rebooting by holding down the C key but the same happens. When I hold down the option key, I get to the point where I can choose to boot from the install disc, and then the same thing happens - the blue screen and nothing more. Booting with the shift key held down doesn't work either.
I did just have a repair by Apple - my adaptor plug sparked when inserting it into the outlet, and I had to have the logic board replaced. But the computer seemed to be working fine when I got it back, except for the FCE issue first mentioned. Looks like my good intentions have done me in.
The install disc is about three years old, and is in good condition. It's been in the garage, so could heat or cold affect the readability of the disc?
Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can boot from my install disc and get a fresh install of my OS?

Hi bboross,
Tough without a Tiger Disk, but try fsck...
To use fsck, you must run it from the command line. Unlike using your mouse to open an application to do something, you'll need to type a text command at the prompt (#) to tell fsck what to do. The Terminal application (/Applications/Utilities) and single-user mode are two examples of command-line interfaces in which you can type such commands. To use fsck:
1. Start up your computer in single-user mode to reach the command line. Hold CMD+s keys down at bootup. Note: If necessary, perform a forced restart as described in the Emergency Troubleshooting Handbook that came with your computer. On desktop computers, you can do this by pressing the reset/interrupt button (if there is one) or holding down the power button for several seconds. On portable computers, simultaneously press the Command-Control-power keys. If your portable computer doesn't restart with this method, you may need to reset the Power Manager.
2. At the command-line prompt, type /sbin/fsck -fy
(space between fsck and -fy important)
3. Press Return. fsck will go through five "phases" and then return information about your disk's use and fragmentation. Once it finishes, it'll display this message if no issue is found: ** The volume (nameofvolume) appears to be OK  If fsck found issues and has altered, repaired, or fixed anything, it will display this message: *** FILE SYSTEM WAS MODIFIED ***   Important: If this message appears, repeat the fsck command you typed in step 2 until fsck tells you that your volume appears to be OK (first-pass repairs may uncover additional issues, so this is a normal thing to do).
4. When fsck reports that your volume is OK, type reboot at the prompt and then press Return.
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106214
Then Safe Boot , (holding Shift key down at bootup), & use Disk Utility from there to Repair Permissions, reboot once more.

I deleted some JPG files in Bridge CS5. They are not in the trash. Where could I find them?

I deleted some JPG files in Bridge CS5. They are not in the trash. Where could I find them?

From the Finder menu select 'Secure Empty Trash'. If this or the suggestion above doesn't resolve the problem take a look at the various suggestions in this link:
http://www.thexlab.com/faqs/trash.html

I deleted some startup options now won't boot up get blue background with arrow

I have pavillion/compac . had some anti virus problems so managed to uninstall. As malware in startup I deleted most of the items in startup. Now laptop won't start. I must have deleted one I needed. Help please!!

Do you have the disk. If so you can recover it.

I think I've deleted some essential files.

Thanks to 2 hours of sleep, a glitch in WhatSize which led me to believe the files were something that they were not, and my genius, I may have deleted some important files. My OS X Tiger installation disc is in the U.S. and I am currently in France. I have also not yet restarted my computer after deleting these files.
I went back into WhatSize and had it 'reveal in finder' the 'private' folder from which I deleted various files. I'm not sure if this is in any way informative, but there are some folders whose icons have small 'Do Not Enter' signs in the bottom corner. If these are of any significance, I have them written down.
I believe I've deleted several swap files. In WhatSize under private/var/vm I see 3 files: sleepimage (1GB), swapfile0 (64MB) and app-profile (0 bytes).
My big question is what do I do now? If the answer is to reinstall OS X, will I need to back up my important files on a separate hard drive before doing so? If I turn off my computer will it turn back on?
Thanks in advance.
And, yes, I now know not to delete ANY files unless I am 100% sure what they are. Double-check and triple-check. I blame the sleep deprivation.

Thank you very much for your response. I see what you are saying, but the sleepimage and the 64MB swap file are not what I deleted- they are what remain after deleting god knows what. Then again, I imagine that if I had deleted something truly essential to the functions of the computer, I would not be able to write this. I'm just nervous about restarting the machine for fear of losing 90G of music (of which only 60G is backed up- I know that's bad, but I'm saving up for new external & internal hard drives). That's really my only concern since I know I can reinstall OS X if need be.

I'm a new Apple user - when I deleted some large files the available space didn't increase - I emptied the trash - am i missing a step to tidy the hard drive?

I'm a new Apple user - when I deleted some large files the available space on the hard drive in the activity monitor
didn't increase - I emptied the trash - am i missing a step to tidy the hard drive?

Open the Finder.
From the Finder menu bar top of your screen click View > Show Status Bar
You should now see the the free space available at the bottom of any Finder window and that should change after you empty the Trash.
Freeing Up Hard Disk Space - Mac GuidesFreeing Up Hard Disk Space - Mac Guides

HT3842 Does iTunes store the original music file and copy it into a separate folder? If i delete the original file from finder will it remove it from my iTunes library?

Hi, on my last PC when transferring music to my new MacBook Pro i noticed i had about 6 duplicated of each song in every album i took hours in removing them.
I Just wondered Does iTunes store the original music file and then copy it into a separate folder?
If i delete the original file from finder will it remove it from my iTunes library or vice versa. I didnt want to lose any music like i have some how managed to on my old computer.
Or should i keep both files of it in the Music folder and also iTunes library folder?
Which is best ?

DrewPowell wrote:
I Just wondered Does iTunes store the original music file and then copy it into a separate folder?
It does both at the same time.
When you add files to iTunes, it copies them into /Music/iTunes/iTunes media/ folder. The original file remains where it was.
You can drag a file to /Music/iTunes/iTunes media/Automatically add to iTunes/ folder.
This will add to iTunes and move it to /Music/iTunes/iTunes media/.
I keep a shortcut of this folder on my desktop then simply drag files to the shortcut to add to iTunes.
Then there are no "extra" files around.

Help I have accidentally deleted the var folder on my mac and now it won't start up what should I do?

Plz help
Help I have accidentally deleted the var folder on my mac and now it won't start up what should I do?

Reinstall OS X.
Reinstall Snow Leopard without erasing the drive
1. Repair the Hard Drive and Permissions
Boot from your Snow Leopard Installer disc. After the installer loads select your language and click on the Continue button. When the menu bar appears select Disk Utility from the Utilities menu. After DU loads select your hard drive entry (mfgr.'s ID and drive size) from the the left side list. In the DU status area you will see an entry for the S.M.A.R.T. status of the hard drive. If it does not say "Verified" then the hard drive is failing or failed. (SMART status is not reported on external Firewire or USB drives.) If the drive is "Verified" then select your OS X volume from the list on the left (sub-entry below the drive entry,) click on the First Aid tab, then click on the Repair Disk button. If DU reports any errors that have been fixed, then re-run Repair Disk until no errors are reported. If no errors are reported click on the Repair Permissions button. Wait until the operation completes, then quit DU and return to the installer.
If DU reports errors it cannot fix, then you will need Disk Warrior and/or Tech Tool Pro to repair the drive. If you don't have either of them or if neither of them can fix the drive, then you will need to reformat the drive and reinstall OS X.
2. Reinstall Snow Leopard
If the drive is OK then quit DU and return to the installer. Proceed with reinstalling OS X. Note that the Snow Leopard installer will not erase your drive or disturb your files. After installing a fresh copy of OS X the installer will move your Home folder, third-party applications, support items, and network preferences into the newly installed system.
Download and install Mac OS X 10.6.8 Update Combo v1.1.
Reinstalling Lion/Mountain Lion Without Erasing the Drive
Boot to the Recovery HD: Restart the computer and after the chime press and hold down the COMMAND and R keys until the menu screen appears. Alternatively, restart the computer and after the chime press and hold down the OPTION key until the boot manager screen appears. Select the Recovery HD and click on the downward pointing arrow button.
Repair the Hard Drive and Permissions: Upon startup select Disk Utility from the main menu. Repair the Hard Drive and Permissions as follows.
When the recovery menu appears select Disk Utility. After DU loads select your hard drive entry (mfgr.'s ID and drive size) from the the left side list. In the DU status area you will see an entry for the S.M.A.R.T. status of the hard drive. If it does not say "Verified" then the hard drive is failing or failed. (SMART status is not reported on external Firewire or USB drives.) If the drive is "Verified" then select your OS X volume from the list on the left (sub-entry below the drive entry,) click on the First Aid tab, then click on the Repair Disk button. If DU reports any errors that have been fixed, then re-run Repair Disk until no errors are reported. If no errors are reported click on the Repair Permissions button. Wait until the operation completes, then quit DU and return to the main menu.
Reinstall Lion/Mountain Lion: Select Reinstall Lion/Mountain Lion and click on the Continue button.
Note: You will need an active Internet connection. I suggest using Ethernet if possible because it is three times faster than wireless.

HT1430 i deleted some programs and now i cant close my ipad

i deleted some programs and now i cant close my ipad

I have no clue what close your iPad means. You can't shut it off? Try rebooting and see what happens.
Reboot the iPad by holding down on the sleep and home buttons at the same time for about 10-15 seconds until the Apple Logo appears - ignore the red slider if it appears on the screen - let go of the buttons. Let the iPad start up.

Why cant I delete some Folders / Files transfered from external HD? to!

I am trying to figure out why I cant delete some folders / files, that I transfered from an external HD to my Macbook!
Some of these folder / files are text, video, and pic's based. Surely, going through those video / pics / text files, those I dont need anymore I would like to delete. Some of these appear to be deleted (in trash). But few days later I do realize, that they were not delete, or only few of the deleted files were properly deleted!
Why is this, this way - and how can I solve this issues! I just want to delete stuff either in form of folders or files, that I dont need anymore!

How are you trying to transfer them? What kind of external device?
~Lyssa

Plz help Help I have accidentally deleted the var folder on my mac and now it won't start up what should I do?

Plz help
Help I have accidentally deleted the var folder on my mac and now it won't start up what should I do?

/var is a hidden folder, so you mustn't remove the folder.
The only solution is to reinstall OS X. If you have OS X Lion or Mountain Lion, use OS X Recovery > http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4718
Hold Command and R keys while your MacBook is starting and reinstall OS X. You won't lose anything. If you have a backup, you can restore it after starting in OS X Recovery instead of reinstalling Mac OS X, so you will save a lot of time

I believe that I deleted some important files from the utilities section. Im interested to upgrade my Mac to OS X Mountain Lion. If I do so, will OS X Mountain replace my deleted files? At the moment I'm running Mac OS x 10.6.8

I believe that I deleted some important files from the utilities section.
Im interested to upgrade my Mac to OS X Mountain Lion.
If I do so, will OS X Mountain replace my deleted files?
At the moment I'm running Mac OS x 10.6.8

Yes, if it is something that was installed as part of OSX to start with. If you're missing Onyx, well that isn't part of Apple's software and you'll have to get it from the source.
Depending upon the significance of the application there are ways do a custom installation of software rather than the whole operating system. I use a much older operating system version so I cannot be very reliable on the specifics.

Deleted some (root) files & now finder won't start...

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