Cannot Open Applications

Shut down iMac Desktop this morning. Started up later this afternoon and after entering password, unable to open any applications either on the dock or the tool bar on top. Battery in keyboard looks good as does usb connection for keyboard.

Thanks!

I hope you didn't shoot your iMac..

What version of OS X are you running? Can you open the Applications folder with a CMD+Shift+A and then double-click on any of the apps there to launch them? Do they work there?

If apps launch OK through that way, then go back to the Applications/Utilities folder and open the Terminal. Now enter "killall Finder" and see if this makes things work..

Thank you for you kind response Ashwin,
OS 10x7

We tried your suggestions without success. The Genius Bar is not too far away so maybe a trip for the Mac.
Naw, I'd never want to shoot my Mac!

Thanks again,

John

Do the keyboard shortcuts open the Finder window?

Thanks to everyone!

We found that if we disconnected everything, including the power, some sort of master chip was reset and the problem was resolved.

All this from a trip to our trusty Genius Bar. It seems all is well now. Thanks again Dear Mac Forum brothers and sisters!!

This is known as an SMC reset and comes in handy as a trouble shooting tip.