Model: Macbook Air (11", Late 2010, 1.6 GHz)
OS: El Capitan 10.11.6
Problem: Whenever I try to shut down or restart my Mac, Finder crashes and then nothing else happens. The computer continues to function, except without Finder. The menu bar disappears until I start another app (from the dock). I've tried relaunching Finder from the dock but nothing happens. I've also tried relaunching it via command + option + esc but that doesn't work either. The only way I can bring Finder back is to force restart the computer by holding down the power button.
There are some other odd symptoms, too, like that whenever I get a notification for an update I'll click update and then nothing will happen. I've found that when I restart and get to the login screen I can shut down and restart normally from there.
Besides these things the computer functions normally. I just can't get it to shut down or restart normally.
Any ideas of what might be going on? I can paste an EtreCheck if that would be helpful. Thanks in advance.
Note: What I'm experiencing seems to be identical to the problem described in this unanswered question. As recommended by a commenter, I've tried creating a new account but it has the same problems I've described above.
Best Answer
Okay, I figure you have two options.
OPTION 1 - Delete Finder preferences
Let's delete Finder preferences first and see if that solves your problem. Since you can't launch the Finder, you will have to do this using the Terminal. Follow these instructions:
Hopefully this solves the problem. If not, proceed to Option 2.
OPTION 2 - Replace the Finder app
Hopefully this solves the problem. If not, you could try Option 1 again now that you've replaced the Finder.
Let us know how you go.
[EDIT]
Option 3 - Test Startup/Login items
Okay, I'm adding this option based on the fact that the Finder seems to operate normally when your computer starts in Safe Mode.
This tells me it's likely to be something that's getting loaded during normal startup (e.g. a Startup/Login item, a font you've installed) that's causing the problem.
So I would now startup normally and go to System Preferences > Users & Groups. Take a note of your Login Items and then remove all of them and restart your computer (Finder should still crash) so that it starts again without those login items loading. Test this and see if the problem persists.
If the problem does persist, I'd then remove any fonts you've installed yourself.
Let me know how you go.