Peter's step-by-step approach sorted out the problem. I have recorded his procedures in my troubleshooting files.
Ref Shay's query: AFAIK I did not run a S.M.A.R.T hard drive test with DiskWarrior. I'm not familiar with that test; I've only used DW about once or twice this past year. All systems are go, at least for the moment. The problem apps opened as normal after deleting the login items. Only one re-opened login item caused erratic opening of problem apps, BUT they did re-open. That item was an old fax from the PageSender program. I had trashed PageSender a few days earlier. Hmm. Looks like that may have caused the problem. Thanks to all who responded. Vlad James --------- previously I wrote -------------- >> Suddenly, some applications will no longer open - Safari, Disc Utility, >> System Profiler, Intego VirusBarrier X, uCalendar, TinkerTools. Similar >> syptoms - the eternal pinwheel, but no new window or other execution. >> App appears in dock with message "Application Not Responding", which >> necessitates a forced quit. >> >> Other apps working okay - Internet Connect, GraphicConverter, >> PowerMail, >> FireFox, YASU. Was able to repair permissions once with Disc Utility, >> but >> subsequent attempts only got the pinwheel. Repaired permissions with >> YASU. Rebuilt the directory twice with DiskWarrior. It always finds >> something to repair, but it was unable to rectify the problem. Trashed >> some preferences, but no good done. >> >> Can't account for the sudden failures - no outages, no new software. >> Noticed the odd, unexpected flicker/flash on restarts. Running a >> G4/800, >> 512RAM, OSX 3.8. 80GB HD half full; 120GB external FireWire HD. ----------------------------------
