System wide failure to load .nib files

Question

Hi everyone,
I've recently stumbled across a problem. Several of OS X bundled applications are no longer functioning due to uncaught exceptions in the application.
1) Mail.app throws an exception and terminates when trying to open an e-mail message:
*** Terminating app due to uncaught exception 'NSInternalInconsistencyException', reason: '-[NSViewController loadView] could not load the "MessageView" nib.'
2) Stickies.app (Sticky notes) generates a log record (seen in the console app) when attempting to show a sticky note:
From the console log:
-[NSWindowController loadWindow]: failed to load window nib file 'StickiesDocument'.
But the application is not getting terminated.
3) Preview.app has stopped working, but is not generating any log records or uncaught exceptions.
4) Terminal.app generates a log record when attempting to open a terminal window at startup:
From the console log:
-[TTWindowController loadWindow]: failed to load window nib file '(null)'.
There might be other apps that could possibly have the same issue
Having provided the background of the issue my question therefore is: What might be possible solutions to this? (Except reinstalling OS X which is the last (and only) option on my list)
Thanks in advance!
With regards,
Valentine

Answer 1

Unfortunately, there is no where to download Apple's applications without reinstalling.
Do a backup. Boot to the Recovery Volume (command - R on a restart or hold down the option key during a restart and select Recovery Volume). Run Disk Utility Verify/Repair and Repair Permissions. Then reinstall the OS.
OS X Recovery
OS X Recovery (2)