Preview - extra finder window opens

Since upgrading recently to Mountain Lion, whenever I select Preview, a finder window opens bringing me to my Documents folder. I don't want to go here. I simply want access to the program. How do I remove this?

Is there anything in your login items?
You might find something in the console.app logs about what is starting up when you log in and why.

Similar Messages

Finder window opens when user logs in

I apologize if this has been answered previously - I can't find anything on this topic.
Every time a user logs in to one of my eMacs - OS 10.4.10 (whether it be a local or network user) a new finder window opens that displays the users home. I would like this window to stop opening. I've read some responses that say to close the window then log out and the window should be gone when you log back in. That is not the case. I thought this solution my work on my local users but it doesn't work for either type of user.
I'm trying to avoid writing a script to close the window. I'd like the window to just stop opening in the first place. I tried editing the finder.plist file and I can change what the window opens to, but I can't "turn off" the actual opening of the window.
Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!
Thanks!

I do not have anything checked in the login items. This is happening for both local and network accounts. I'm more concerned about this issue for my network users.
I've discovered that the problem seems to have something to do with a script I had running via a login hook. Is there any way to run a script when a network user logs in without adding it to a login hook?
We have a program on our eMacs that resets the computer back t o its original state every time the computer is restarted. For this reason network user profiles are never stored on the eMac they are recreated from the default user template every time a user logs in.
Maybe this extra information will help!
Thanks!

When i click on 'Show all in Finder' after searching for anything on spotlight, NOTHING happens! No Finder window opens up and the spotlight dropdown menu just shuts! Please help!

When i click on 'Show all in Finder' after searching for anything on spotlight, NOTHING happens! NO Finder window opens up and the spotlight dropdown menu just shuts! Please help!

I'm having the same problem in other places as well, for example when i downloaded Easyfind right now, clicking the small magnifying glass button on the right of the file name (shown below) would usually open up finder highlighting the file, but now nothing happens when i click on that button!
Is there a solution for this, as this was a very useful feature which i used ALL the time?

Finder window opens on startup - alternate cause

I just had this problem come up, and it took quite a lot of digging to find out why. I thought I would post the cause of my particular problem and it's solution as a reference for others who have been unsuccessful at stopping a finder window from loading at startup.
For reference, here's what I tried that didn't work:
- Looked for the Finder listed in Preferences>Accounts>Login Items (wasn't there)
- Deleted User>Library>Preferences>com.apple.Finder.plist, restarted the dock, restarted computer.
- Changed background wallpaper (some said this worked for them)
I noticed in the Login Items something called "gstlauncherdaemon". As it turns out, this is part of the GimmeSomeTunes app. It causes the app to start when iTunes is launched. Well, apparently, it's also causing a Finder window to open on startup. You can disable this feature in the GimmeSomeTunes preferences. Personally I wanted to keep this feature, but couldn't stand the window. So I deleted the app and it's associated .plist file with AppZapper. The "gstlauncherdaemon" is no longer listed under Login Items and no window showed up on restart.
Hope this helps some who have been going mad over this like me. So if you've recently installed this app and are having a similar problem, it may very well be the culprit.

thanks for sharing this. I've seen a number of posts by people struggling (unsuccessfully) with a finder window opening at login. I don't know if any of them use GimmeSomeTunes but this is certainly something to consider.

Finder window opens with inconsistent view

Since I upgraded to Yosemite, Finder windows open with inconsistent size, position and view. After a power on a Finder window generally opens as a small, centrally-located window in Icon view even though preferences is set to always open in column view; sometimes the small window is in column view. Rarely, the first new window opens in the same size, position and view as the last one was before power off then the next one - opened using Command-N - opens as a small, central window in Icon view. In all previous versions of Mac OS, new Finder windows opened in the same size, position and view as the window I closed last on screen, even after a power off/on. Once I reset the window size, position and view to my preference, new windows generally open correctly.
Is there some setting I can change so new windows always retain the size, position and view as the last one closed?

Do a backup.
Go to Finder and select your user/home folder. With that Finder window as the front window, either select Finder/View/Show View options or go command - J. When the View options opens, check ’Show Library Folder’. That should make your user library folder visible in your user/home folder. Select Library. Then go to Preferences/com.apple.finder.plist. Move the .plist to your desktop.
Re-launch Finder by restarting the computer and test. If it works okay, delete the plist from the desktop.
If the same, return the .plist to where you got it from, overwriting the newer one.
Thanks to leonie for some information contained in this.

FINDER WINDOW OPENS UP AFTER STARTUP !!!!

Hi all i seem to be having a problem that was not happing before I installed the
Latest Mac OS X 10.6.5 (10H574) update. Here is the problem when I startup
The system and log on after the desktop shows up a finder window opens
To the top level in other words it opens my computer showing the drives
Net and devices it never did this before it does this every time now, ok
Now lets talk about what other people have done about this problem
It would seem that some of these solutions worked for some and Did
Not for other in other words it not all the same problem or solution.
1. Delete the finder pref plist did not work!
2. Check user login startup items no there was not any items in there that
Would cause this!
3. I also checked to see if it was a wallpaper problem that did not work!
4. And no I did not have any windows or app’s running when I shutdown
The system.
So I have had no luck with this problem oh here some more info
I have two Mac systems and they are both doing the same thing
Now both have the same os version slash updates
One system is Mac Book Pro the other is a Mac Pro

it shouldn't be blank... it should look something like this:
finderinfo[0]: 164 => Blessed System Folder is /System/Library/CoreServices
finderinfo[1]: 510937 => Blessed System File is /System/Library/CoreServices/boot.efi
finderinfo[2]: 0 => Open-folder linked list empty
finderinfo[3]: 0 => No alternate OS blessed file/folder
finderinfo[4]: 0 => Unused field unset
finderinfo[5]: 164 => OS X blessed folder is /System/Library/CoreServices
note the *finderinfo[2]: 0 => Open-folder linked list empty*
if this is the case for your system (including other mounted volumes) then it must be a separate issue.

Why does a Finder window open when I start my computer?

It's been doing this for a while, and I find it highly annoying. If I want a Finder window, I'll open one. I believe it began with Lion. I have looked in the Finder preferences and system preferences to try to disable this, but I see no option to do it. How can I make this unwanted behavior stop?

Be sure that you have closed any Finder window before shutting down. Any windows left open will re-open when you restart.
Also check in your Login Items in Users & Groups Preferences.
In which directory does the Finder window open?
Lastly, check your system logs for an explanation. They should show why it is opening. Usually it is some other program that starts on boot and requires the Finder to open.

Mac OS Finder window opens at login

Everytime I login to my account the Mac OS Finder window opens even if I've unchecked "Reopen windows when loging back in".
I'm not overly bothered by this, it's more of a nuisance than anything, but if there's a way to stop it from opening itself then that'd be great.
I'm running a Mid-2009 15" MacBook Pro (upgraded to 8GB RAM) with Mac OS X Lion (10.7.2)

The only thing I could think of is it being "Steam"..?

A finder window opens at boot-up...

Hi everyone !
For reasons I won't describe, I had to erase and reinstall Leopard. After updating and installing everything, and after moving all my backuped stuff, I noticed something weird.
If I leave a finder window open before shutdown, at the next boot-up, this same window will reopen automaticly and if I do nothing, it boots up normally.
Maybe this is normal, but I really never noticed this before although I had my mac for several months now, and why the **** would my mac remember if I left a window open before shutting it down ?
Sincerely.

I just rebooted my system with 4 Finder windows open, and they correctly reopened when I rebooted this afternoon.
I expect this.
I depend on this.
It has been this way as long as I can remember (way back to the Classic, pre-Mac OS X days).

RW2 preview in finder and "Open file" dialog

Hello,
I run into a curiosity with RW2 file format (from LX3 and FZ38). In Finder, RW2 preview is not displayed and only default icon (black icon with text exec in corner). The same RW2 files does have correct preview, when I browse them in "Open file" dialog window (for example Safari > File > Open File...).
How it is possible the Finder and Open dialog do have different settings? Is it possible to copy these settings?
Thank You

see thread http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=3805971&#3805971
though no solution yet.

Preview in Finder windows does not work with VLC Player

hi there,
i am using vlc player, and whenever i access a folder where i have many avi folders that vlc player is set as the default program to open them, the finder windows freezes and i have to relaunch it. also, when i click on get info for a particular avi folder, finder crashes again because it cannot preview the file in the window. does anyone know how i can resolve this issue?
thanks!

paranoidandroid60 wrote:
ok, it works fine with quicktime, but anyone know why vlc player might be doing this?
thanks!
I use VLC and there are some bugs with the latest version. Try an earlier version. WIth VLC, I keep the older versions for things like this.
For instance, the new VLC give the wrong time on a stereo audio file. In fact it gives double the correct time. I have had some other issues with VLC, but it's easy enough to remove and install.
If you make QT the default and then right-click the video and select VLC to play it, does that work?
Also check out:
http://forum.videolan.org/viewforum.php?f=12&sid=7bc9db9ba2aa53d4660133d4b9e3dbb 8
Message was edited by: nerowolfe

Icon preview in finder window

How do I get a thumbnail preview to show up as the icon when looking at a file list in a finder window?
I can't find any pref settings to that effect.
Thanks.

rileyman...
I was thinking along that line but the confusing part was putting it all into words. But the unfortunate thing there has to be some stripped data for it not to be seen there properly. Perhaps EXIF data, of which stands for Exchangeable Image File Format, that I am a bit clueless on any fixes. What I do know is that Preview.app is the worse for stripping that out on an export. Then the preview icon gets tagged into the picture rather than seeing the true picture from within the "Finder Preview Window"
What I do is to coral them up into single folder for opening within another application. iPhoto is ok at times, but I have more luck with Photoshop - Elements.
If you are photo application deprived, check over any camera, printer or scanner software that you have that may contain some freebies. Or feel free to see this website. There is a few image browsers there.
Apple Terms and Conditions- Disclaimer: I make no money from any of my off site recomendations.
...Ron

Can I prevent mounted volume Finder windows opening on startup?

I look after a studio with about 10 Macs, some of which are running OSX 10.4.11. We automatically mount 3 network volumes containing client data at startup. The Finder always opens a window for each volume but I want to prevent this from happening.
In Finder preferences I can prevent the volume icons from appearing on the desktop but the Finder still opens a window for each one at startup when the volumes are mounted..
How can I control this action?

This is a hack, but you can try to use xtool to close the windows. I place the following script in my login items. You may want to put in a delay of some sort.
You may also try iKey.
I use iKey to remap the keys. It has a little more function then youpi key. For many years, I used youpi key before switching to iKey.
You might like iKey/youpi key. I have my frequently used applications set to f keys. The same f key starts an application and switches to the application.
Youpi key is free. It works fairly well for me in MAC OS 10.4 although not officially supported. There is a commercial version you can buy, called iKey.
http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/11485&vid=75326
This applescript could use some clean up. I do not think you need the first two lines.
do shell script "/usr/sbin/system_profiler SPDisplaysDataType | grep 'Resolution'" -- get info
tell the result to set {DisplayWidth, DisplayHeight} to {word 2, word 4} -- get resolution
--move mouse {DisplayWidth div 2, DisplayHeight div 2} -- center mouse
move mouse {670, 13} --sound
click mouse
move mouse {673, 96} --sound level
click mouse
move mouse {555, 282} -- center mouse
click mouse
  First, there is the XTools scripting addition, which will give AppleScript the ability to move the mouse.
  http://www.lestang.org/osax/XTool/
  XTool-2.0-src.dmg.tgz
  Installation :
  Drag XTool.osax from insite the image to one of the following locations (create the directory if it does not exist) :
  a : ~/Library/ScriptingAdditions/
  b : /Library/ScriptingAdditions/
  c : /System/Library/ScriptingAdditions/
  I have it in directory /System/Library/ScriptingAdditions/
  My other two directories do not exit: ~/Library/ScriptingAdditions/ &
     /Library/ScriptingAdditions/
.    Next, you will need to place a script application into your login items (System Preferences > Accounts > Login Items) that will move the mouse when you log in:
This script will give you the location of the pointer. I assigned it to a function key with iKey. So, place the cursor of the x then press the function key to get where you need to click.
do shell script "/usr/sbin/system_profiler SPDisplaysDataType | grep 'Resolution'" -- get info
tell the result to set {DisplayWidth, DisplayHeight} to {word 2, word 4} -- get resolution
set {xWidth, yHeight} to position of the mouse
display dialog ¬
  "DisplayWidth= " & DisplayWidth & ¬
  " DisplayHeight=" & DisplayHeight & return & ¬
  " xWidth=" & xWidth & ¬
  " yHeight=" & yHeight
--move mouse {DisplayWidth div 2, DisplayHeight div 2} -- center mouse
You could try sending command + w to the finder. You can get the idea ... See this example, some work needed by reader!!!:
on open dropped_items
  -- Write a message into the event log.
  log " --- Starting on " & ((current date) as string) & " --- "
  -- set see to alias "Macintosh-HD:Users:mac:Desktop:app.html"
  -- set dropped_items to {see}
  set the_app to "Safari"
  repeat with dropped_item_ref in dropped_items
     --set UrlBase to "xzzx FILE://" & POSIX path of dropped_item_ref
     --display dialog UrlBase
     -- Activate
     activate application the_app
     -- Open the URL
     tell application the_app
        open dropped_item_ref
        -- print dropped_item_ref
        tell application "System Events"
           tell process the_app
              delay 3
              -- click menu item "Print..." of menu "File" of menu bar 1
              keystroke "p" using command down
              delay 1
              keystroke return
              delay 10
              keystroke "w" using command down
           end tell
        end tell
        --quit
     end tell
  end repeat
end open
Message was edited by: rccharles

How do I make a new finder window open 'inside' my home folder?

In finder I have set new finder windows to open my home folder, however it is actually opening the Users folder. So if I press down, it will select the next user in the list rather than selecting the first folder in my home directory.
This doesn't happen for any other folders. e.g. If I set it to open my documents folder and I press down, the first document in the folder will be selected.
Any idea how I can get this to work properly?

James Priestley wrote:
In finder I have set new finder windows to open my home folder, however it is actually opening the Users folder.
Double check in Finder preferences that you actually have set it to your home folder because your entire description is consistent with it being set to the Users folder. I don't see how it can be set to 'home' and open any folder other than that one.
Can you post a screenshot of the Finder preferences | General setting?

Finder window opens every 3mins, desktop flashes & folder icons vanish

This started on my computer past 2-3 days and is getting worse. Finder window appears top left unexpectedly approx every 3mins, desktop items flash and vanish for a couple of secs & if typing I get cut off, or when using spotlight search the window vanishes.
I've tried all the several diagnostics and Safeboot. According to First Aid, Repair disk & permissions, Techtool Deluxe and Disk Utility everything is fine. But it's not!
I've also had the Address Book open without warning in multiple and if I try to quit it, it just reopens.
Thought it might be connected to new back up software I just installed for a new external HD, but I've uninstalled all 3 programs: Intego, Silverkeeper, Lacie 1click Back Up & all prefs and files linked with them except for the dmgs.
found another posting online with same problem who was using iTunes at the time. I'd just opened itunes8 for the first time on Sunday which is around the same time that these problems started. (hadn't used it for a while and this was the first use since updating (from itunes 7?)
Not sure if it's to do with itunes now but can't find a way to fix this.
Please help, everything was working fine just before Christmas!
Thanks in advance.

I found a possible answer in another post.
The post is here:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1873700&tstart=0
Here is the fix summary:
"It seems all to be linked to Stuffit and a preference called Stuffit AVR (Archive Via Rename): In your system preferences go to the bottom and click on the Stuffit AVR option. Click the Stuffit AVR tab
on the left, and click the "STOP" button. This should do the trick. For some reason this is cycling through our desktop/finder and causing so much of the frustration since this update."

Preview - extra finder window opens

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for