Have two users one is a test one is mine all the sudden mine lost the applications folder and now when i open my user it opens but wont respond to anything and i have to power it down and restart any clues

Question

I have two users one is mine, one is a test i set up with apple care. Everything was working fine then i lost my applications folder icon on my user. I have been using the Finder to open applications, now when i open my user the mouse travels but i'm not able to get a respond from anything ,it's almost like its frozen. I have power off and restart and use the test user. Anyone have a clue or any ideas?

Answer 1

You can find the serial number either in About this Mc in the Menu bar under the , or it should be on a sticker under the foot of the machine.
If you have the install discs, try booting from them, holding down the c key and then using Disk Utility to check the drive. 
You can also boot into Safe mode
To start up into Safe Mode (to "Safe Boot"), do this:
   1. Be sure the computer is shut down.
   2. Press the power button.
   3. Immediately after you hear the startup tone, press and hold the Shift key.
      Tip: The Shift key should be held as soon as possible after the startup tone but not before.
   4. Release the Shift key when you see the gray Apple and progress indicator (looks like a spinning gear).
During the startup in Mac OS X 10.2 through 10.3.9, you will see "Safe Boot" on the Mac OS X startup screen.
During the startup in Mac OS X 10.4 or later, you will see "Safe Boot" on the login window, which appears even if you normally log in automatically.
Please post back with results,
To leave Safe Mode in any version of Mac OS X, restart the computer normally, without holding any keys during startup.