Intermittently Text file cannot be opened directly from Finder

Question

One day I would like to duplicate a text file by right click such file to select "Duplicate". However I accidentally pressed "Return" before right click selecting "Duplicate". It means that after pressing "Return", I entered the mode to rename this text file name, but then I continuously to right click selecting "Duplicate".
After that, I saw a duplicated text file with the same name plus "copy" after this name. The file was dim in color. I tried to delete it but Finder disallow me to delete it. Finder told me that it was occupied by other and ask me whether I would like to "Force Delete". Then I clicked yes. Deletion operation was successful.
After that, when I opened the same original text file by directly double click the text file. The operation was failed and Finder output two error window prompt with below two error messages:
"The application can't be found"
"The operation can't be completed
An unexpected error occurred (error code -43)"
After that, I tried to check the information by clicking "Ctrl-I" on this file. By default, I use TextEdit to open text file. I tried to select TextEdit as the default application for all text file in the information window. However, Finder still output above two windows prompt of error messages.
If I tried to open TextEdit or any other editor application first and then open such text file directly from its menu, the text file can then be opened.
Even for files within the same directory, I also cannot directly double click them from Finder to open it. Until I close the Finder window and reopen a new Finder window of such directory, then I can double click to open text file, where it would be opened by my default text editor "TextEdit".
After that, from time to time, such two error message windows will prompt out disallowing me to directly double click opening the text file. For example, originally a text file can be opened properly. After working on the file some time later and try to open the other text file in the same directory, such two message windows will prompt out. Or when I work such text file and the swap to other application, and then go back to Finder to double click such opened text file, such two error message windows will also prompt out. The only way to temporary fix it is to close the Finder window first and reopen it again.
In addition, after such accident, I also discovered that Finder cannot instantly update directory content anymore. For example, I setup FTP server and someone can upload files to my Public directory, and where my Public directory has been opened before anyone ftp files to me, the Public directory cannot update itself after someone uploaded files to me through ftp.
Or sometime I execute copy operation within VMware image to copy a file to shared directory, I also cannot see the directory in Finder update the content. I have to click to other directory and then go back to such shared directory so as to refresh the directory content list. Even I click "Ctrl-R", it cannot refresh the directory.
In the past before such accident, Finder works fine to update directory content promptly after any upload or copy operation.
In addition to bug fix patch, is there any workaround solution I can try to recover my Finder?

Answer 1

HI,
This is a shot in the dark but it can't hurt.
Locate these files.
com.apple.finder.plist
com.apple.textedit.plist
~/Library/Preferences
Move those files the Trash and restart your Mac.
If that doesn't do the job, boot from your install disk and check the startup disk for errors.
Insert Installer disk and Restart, holding down the "C" key until grey Apple appears.
Go to Installer menu and launch Disk Utility.
Select your HDD (manufacturer ID) in the left panel.
Select First Aid in the Main panel.
*(Check S.M.A.R.T Status of HDD at the bottom of right panel. It should say: Verified)*
Click Repair Disk on the bottom right.
If DU reports disk does not need repairs quit DU and restart.
If DU reports errors Repair again and again until DU reports disk is repaired.
When you are finished with DU, from the Menu Bar, select Utilities/Startup Manager.
Select your start up disk and click Restart
If the hard disk appears to be ok and you still can't launch Text Edit, back up all important data and perform an Archive & Install.
http://theappleblog.com/2009/08/27/snow-leopard-the-installation-process/
Carolyn