Mystery... Data folders removed from system..now problem

[komatsu]

A user here took off around 30GB of photo folders from their iMac to do a
"clean-up".

After that, whilst the iMac does boot up - the cursor can be moved around but none of the files or folders on the desktop can be opened.

I have tried the following:

-safe mode
-reset of PRAM
-repair of permissions
-repair of disk


Applications and utilities will open - activity monitor is showing that "Finder" is using up 30-40 per cent for some of the time....then it settles down...but still none of the folders on desktop will open.

Hoping that someone can help shed some light with this mystery...

 

[MisterMe]

A user here took off around 30GB of photo folders from their iMac to do a "clean-up".

...

I do not see a mystery here. It is fairly obvious that the "user" deleted more than photo folders.

 

[Weaselboy]

I do not see a mystery here. It is fairly obvious that the "user" deleted more than photo folders.

Agreed...

OP> Just command-r boot to recovery and do a reinstall of the OS. That should fix it. Do a backup first just to be safe, but this will not wipe any of your apps or data.

 

[komatsu]

ok thanks guyz.

What is the best way to do a backup when the desktop folders are frozen....i do not have the tools to physically remove the hdd?