Desktop is empty and not working after using external display

[appleaphid]

(Not sure whether this is software or hardware related)

So I did a powerpoint presentation using my MBP (late 2008, OSX 10.6.2 updated yesterday) and a Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter. Afterwards, I unplugged the projector, then the adapter and closed the screen without looking.

When I opened the screen, surprise!:
- desktop is empty: background image is visible, but all files & folders are gone
- all running applications are still functioning properly
- clicking on the desktop or dragging a file to the desktop does nothing
- content of desktop is accessible through Finder
- there are no other usernames in the HD>Users folder

I have not tried a reboot, because I heard of similar symptoms (without the mini DisplayPort) being related to username issues and people loosing all their data as a result.

Anyone has a clue?
Cheers,
Mick

 

[Pablo631]

Reboot, or if you can get to the system preferences , select detect displays from displays. But a reboot should work just fine otherwise try booting up in safe mode. Hold down the shift key just after you hear the mac start up chime. If that works, then just reboot normally.

 

[Jamo12]

This happened to me once... I freaked out until I realized I accidentally closed Finder.app. Boy did I feel stupid. But yeah reboot if you can.

 

[powerbuddy]

Relaunch Finder