Can't open any .app files in Utilities folder

[sushiball]

Hi, I am using Mac OS version 10.4.11, and I can't open any of the applications files in Utilities folder.

I was trying to open Keychain Access, and Terminal, but they just bounce twice and nothing happens. I couldn't open installer.app before either so I thought that maybe my file was corrupt and I copied installer.app from the computer from school and I noticed that my installer.app file was significantly smaller than the one I copied from school.

I suspect that that's what's wrong with my other application files too, but my school updated the system to leopard and I can't copy any other applications now.

Is there a way of fixing my application files so that I can open them? Right now, ColorSync Utility, Keychain Access, Network Utility, ODBC Administrator, Print Setup Utility, System Profiler, Terminal, and VoiceOver Utility all do not work, and it's really frustrating...

Help please... .....

 

[motulist]

Startup from the OS install disk and from there run Disk Utility's disk repair and permissions repair.

 

[sushiball]

Thanx.. but perhaps I should've written before that I don't have the os install disk.. My sister gave me this computer but didn't give me any disks with it..

 

[motulist]

Then borrow an install disk from a friend. That disk is one of the most important tools in Mac troubleshooting. Without being able to verify your disk, I'm hesitant to give you any more advice because not only will it be a waste of time since the problem may likely be a disk problem, but also because if you do have a disk problem then the more you monkey around with your disk when there's a problem with it then the more you're gonna damage your disk.

If you plan on keeping this computer, you really need an OS X install disk.

 

[sushiball]

K, I'll try to borrow them from someone...

But I was just assuming that the files were smaller than what they are supposed to be, but I don't know for sure since I don't have anything to compare them with. As for Keychain access applications, it seems to be doing its job since it's saving my passwords... I just can't open them to view the passwords I saved..

My file size for keychain access.app is 412 kb and Terminal.app is 388 kb. Do they seem small or are they about right?

Thanx again for your help!

 

[motulist]

Those file sizes definitely sound a little low. Which with everything else you've mentioned keeps suggesting it's a disk problem. I suggest you backup asap before you do anything else.