Problem with Finder on Macbook Pro

[Laub]

I have a 1yr old Macbook Pro running Mac OS X 10.6.8. LAst week when I turned it on it cam up with a mesage that 'finder quit unexpectedly, a report has been automatically sent to Apple.' When I click OK the message comes up repeatedly. I can open Word and connect to the internet but cannot open Safari or itunes, etc. The Problem Details and Configuration reads:

Process: Finder
Path: /System/Library/CoreServices/Finder.app/Contents/MacOS/Finder
Identification: Finder
Version: ??? (???)
Code Type: x86-64 (Native)
Parent Process: Launched {94}

Date/time: 2012-03-14 12:06:30.854 +000
OS Version: Mac OS X (10K549)
Report Version: 6

I have tried restarting but not sure what else to do. I read a few forums for similar problems and think reinstalling OS X might work. I have the two disks I got with my computer but when I put it in it does nothing and I don't know how to open it without using Finder...
I am not very proficient with computers so if you know how to help please let me know in VERY SIMPLE terms!!
Thanks!

 

[Macianer]

I have three Ideas that might help:
First:
1 Take the DVD with Mac OS X Install (Not the Application Install DVD) and Put it into your Mac
2. Turn you Mac off.
3. Turn your Mac on While Holding the "Option" Key
4. On the screen should Be on the left your Macintosh HD and on the right The Mac OS X Install DVD
5. choose the Mac OS X Install DVD (with the Left/right ) and Press "Enter"
6. The Mac Starts a LONG TIME. Don't worry if it Takes about 10 mins.
7. Choose Utilities-->Disk Utility in the Menubar at the Top.
8. Disk Utility Opens
9. Choose Macintosh HD on the right
10. Press "Verify Disk" (in the down right Corner)
11. If there are any Errors Press "Repair Disk", if not go to Idea 2.
12. If you had to Repair your Disk go Ahead with Step 13
13. Turn your Mac off (In the the Top left Corner at the Apple)
14. Start your Mac While Holding the "Option" Key and Choose Macintosh HD (as in Step 3-5)
15. If You're lucky Everything works now And you can stop Reading my post.

Second:
1. Do the Steps 1-9 from the First Idea
2. Press "Repair Disk permissions"
3. Wait and Ehen it finished do Steps 13-15 of the First Idea.
4. If it does Not work Look at my last Idea

Third:
You can do a clean Install of Mac os x --> There are LOTS of good Tutorials on the Internet.


I Hope i could help you,
Tim

PS: Sorry for my Bad english-I am german...

 

[Laub]

Thank-you so much for your help!
I will try your suggestions when I get home.

By the way- your English is great, I am an English teacher so I would know!