[silverflyer]

therefore, can not access any of the file system to do anything.

How can I fix this without another computer handy to use in the process?

[reader50]

Failure of the Finder to launch (I'm assuming it keeps trying & failing?) can be caused by a corrupted file on the Desktop. As well as a corrupted .plist preference file. You have several options.

• Use the Dock to launch another application. While the Finder continues to go bonkers, another app will stabilize the menu bar, allowing you to do things.
• Launch Terminal, if you have it in the Dock. Use it to delete or move a problem file.
• Boot in single-user mode (hold Cmd-s during boot) then do needed editing from the command line.
• Boot in Safe mode (hold Space during boot) to see if it's a finder extension. Or some 3rd party software that loads from the /Library folder.
• Jump over to another user account. Especially the root user. Then you can examine files in the problem account and fix the problem.
• Launch an FTP client, if you have one in the Dock or Recent Items. Most allow you to browse, delete, or rename local files. Say, if it were an image file that was corrupt, and the Finder is tripping up trying to show a thumbnail. Adding a period to the beginning of the filename will turn it invisible, allowing the Finder to ignore it.
• Log out to the Login Window. You can reach the command line from here by typing in the username >console (no password needed).

[silverflyer]

Originally Posted by reader50 

Failure of the Finder to launch (I'm assuming it keeps trying & failing?) can be caused by a corrupted file on the Desktop. As well as a corrupted .plist preference file. You have several options.

• Use the Dock to launch another application. While the Finder continues to go bonkers, another app will stabilize the menu bar, allowing you to do things.
• Launch Terminal, if you have it in the Dock. Use it to delete or move a problem file.
• Boot in single-user mode (hold Cmd-s during boot) then do needed editing from the command line.
• Boot in Safe mode (hold Space during boot) to see if it's a finder extension. Or some 3rd party software that loads from the /Library folder.
• Jump over to another user account. Especially the root user. Then you can examine files in the problem account and fix the problem.
• Launch an FTP client, if you have one in the Dock or Recent Items. Most allow you to browse, delete, or rename local files. Say, if it were an image file that was corrupt, and the Finder is tripping up trying to show a thumbnail. Adding a period to the beginning of the filename will turn it invisible, allowing the Finder to ignore it.
• Log out to the Login Window. You can reach the command line from here by typing in the username >console (no password needed).

I will try those suggestions, thank you.

[silverflyer]

Ok, got a look at the computer today and there was no dock. Computer would load to a blank screen with nothing but the background appearing on the monitor. I tried booting from the original disk and a DiskWarrior disk, neither would work.

basically, nothing would work.

Any ideas?

[reader50]

By 'booting from the original disk' I assume you mean the original install CDs? Or your Tiger retail disc?

If you can't boot from an install disc, even to reach the Apple Hardware Test, you have problems. Could be a bad RAM stick or graphics card.

Try booting in Verbose mode (hold Cmd-v during boot) to see where the boot process hangs.

[silverflyer]

Original disks and Tiger disks, as well as the DiskWarrior disk. Neither worked. I am pretty sure it is a hardware problem.