Yosemite Empty Applications folder NO Launchpad

Question

I have had numerous problems since Yosemite install.
Most of which have either been fixed (by the community... no thanks Apple) or have work arounds.
But this is the most frustrating and still occurring.
I cannot get finder to "see" my applications folder.
This not the "missing icons" adjust the columns error, but only occurs with applications.
Now using terminal I have checked the directory and they are certainly there.
I can run applications if they are pinned to my dock... but launchpad just comes up with a Blue screen with Loading Applications... on it
This is a iMac (24-inch, Early 2009) so perhaps getting to the end of its cycle, but still a very usable computer... or was.
It does have multiple user accounts on it and I have read that this may be an issue, but have seen no fix.
I have reset all permissions.. in multiple ways.
Really looking to the community for an answer please.

Answer 1

The application folder on the hard drive is one that can/could be accessed by multiple user accounts.
All software you install will install in that location by default, so as to be available to all users of the computer. This is not in any way detrimental to performance so no need to worry.
Unless you have a specific need to limit other accounts access to certain programs, I would not ever bother with the user level application folder. New macs do not come with anything installed in this folder. I doubt that its contents were erased, most likely you thought you were viewing the user level application folder when in fact you were looking at the "global" one.
Matt
Well I see it got answered at the same time I was typing this response. So anyhow I am glad you got to the bottom of it.
G4 450 dp   Mac OS X (10.4.6)  
Message was edited by: Matthew Poor