activity monitor won't launch

Sorry if this is too basic but you have tried 'command' and '1' to show an Activity Monitor window?

Or is it bouncing and quitting?

 

When you launch the Activity Monitor does it load the application menu for it at the top of the screen? I'm guessing it doesn't as the shortcuts should have worked then but then again I haven't used the shortcuts and usually just select "Show window" or something from one of the menu's.

I always get caught by that one myself, that and the prompt you get when shutting down your computer when there are other users logged on and it asks you for your password are my two pet peeves with OSX as for the latter I always type in my password, hit enter, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait until a lightbulb moment reminds me that hitting enter cancelled it instead of confirming it, probably a good default but the only way to click okay seems to do it with your mouse.

 

Possible Fix to OSX Activity Monitor not launching

Activity Monitor not launching - I've had this problem for months and
it hadn't resolved after many software updates or permissions repairs.

I discovered 4 things that can cause failure of apps/utils launching.

1) Leave the app/util in the exact folder it was installed into.
You can rename some folders, but not the app or util.
Do NOT rename the "Applications" or "Utilities" folders.
Do NOT move Libraries or most apps/utils to some other folder.

2) Do NOT rename the app/util using dots, periods, etc. Anything
that forces the OS to add ".app" to the end of the name will screw up.

3) ALWAYS run Repair Permissions with Disk Utility EVERY time you
install any major application on your startup drive.

4) Do NOT alter permissions manually through "Get Info".

Doing these basic things will keep your permissions in check and allow
software updaters to work properly and most apps will run flawlessly.

This was a tough lesson for me, as renaming and moving files was the
only way I knew to keep track of all the versions of 50-someodd pro
apps I use constantly. Once I corrected my ways by only renaming some
folders and putting only a single-digit version number at the end of the
actual app name (with no periods), then ran Repair Permissions numerous
times - all, and I mean All of my slow-downs, weird launches and hiccups,
just dissappeared.

Good luck with these suggestions.