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A fix for disabled Finder message windows Desktop
I have recently been having a problem with networking my desktop PMG4/867DP to my PBook G4/12" via AppleTalk over AirPort. Sometimes, the Finder on my desktop Mac would stop copying files halfway through, and leave me a little Finder message window saying something like, "The files could not be copied because an unexpected error occurred".

Unfortunately, this window was disabled. The minimise and maximise controles were enabled, but the "OK" button was disabled. I couldn't get rid of it. Until now...

Add the "Quit Finder" item to your Finder using one of the hints found on this site. Then, quit the Finder. It will tell you that there are some operations in progress and it can't quit. Simply click the "OK" button and the disabled message window is brought to the front and enabled, ready for dismissing!

Note: I *have* tried the "Bring All to Front" menu item, but it didn't work.
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A fix for disabled Finder message windows | 2 comments | Create New Account
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A fix for disabled Finder message windows
Authored by: davecrist on Jul 25, '03 02:30:19PM

This has been happening to me since I installed OS X.... and it drives me NUTS!

I often get the message when copying files from one directory to another, and there is an overwrite warning.... and it is ALWAYS disabled.

My solution: I make sure that the dialog is on top, then I start quicktime (I suppose any app might work, but I always use quicktime) and then quit quicktime.... after that, the dialog is clickable..... weird, but it works.

dave



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A fix for disabled Finder message windows
Authored by: innate on Sep 18, '03 01:28:59AM

Do you use the Finder's "Hide Others" shortcut (Option-Cmd-H)? I stopped using that shortcut and the problem went away.

Too bad 'cause it's a useful shortcut. If it worked you would be able to click somewhere on the desktop (say the bottom corner of your screen) and press Option-Cmd-H to hide all your windows except the Finder.



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