My apps are disappearing... HELP!

About 3 days ago my pages app disappeared from my iwork 08 folder. The next day my safari and msn messenger were gone then today my sons World of Warcraft is missing and a few documents have vanished also. Has anyone experienced this problem? Does anyone know what it is or how to fix it?
Help!

Elsparket

 

I've had system files just delete themselves in windows (like literally just disappear like you describe, like windows was eating itself alive), but never as bad as you seem to have it.
That's just strange. I'm sorry I don't have any answers for you. It could be a virus, but for Mac? I doubt it. Have you tried to repair permissions? ( I know it wont bring those files back, but it seems to be the universal first thing to try in OS X ). Otherwise, I really don't know what to suggest.

 

Have you been deleting files/applications under the image/documents history folders? I remember seeing a list of all the images and applications I viewed and used in these folders and deleting them, thinking they were simply links or shortcuts to those files. What I realized later on was that I actually permanently deleted those things after emptying the trash bin.

 

Lesson learned the hard way.

I never knew you could do that though, but I'm still learning about OS X.

 

Some utilities will delete duplicate folders, so search and see if they are not elsewhere.

 

I repaired the permissions, but I guess I won't know if it works til I see something else disappear. I thought mac's couldn't get viruses either, bu thow else do you explain it? What can I do to get my pages application back? I haven't deleted anything and have searched the entire mac for the files and they are nowhere to be found

 

you didn't get a virus.

it is possible you *could* have a trojan, but I expect I would have heard about it if it was propagating.

if you installed illegal software from the internets and typed in your password when requested, for example, you *could* have a trojan.

still- unlikely. I feel like the culprit may be the other computer user. gut instinct.

 

How do I find out if I have a trojan? I haven't downloaded any illegal programs, everything I have is legit! If I do have a trojan, how do I find it and how do I get rid of it?

 

you don't have any viruses or anything.

i'm still convinced that this is user error. i think someone may have deleted the applications in question.

back up your files.
reinstall leopard.

problem solved.

on your new installation, set up a limited access account so that you can't go around deleting system files and applications without typing in your administrator password.

 

Your deleting them, How? Who knows.

You can scan with this if you want. http://www.f-secure.com/en_EMEA/support/home-office/beta-programs/fsmac/