"Finder needs your attention" but cant switch?? whats the fix?

[supernova777]

Im so so so sick of this stupid error
please someone tell me how to deal with this without having to reboot my machine!

classic example:
u download a file in classilla..
click "launch file" by accident.. (ugh)
the dialog box shows up "finder needs your attention, please select the finder frm the applications window"
but u cant alt-tab.. u cant select the applications windows from the top right menu..
everything is frozen/stuck
i try to force quit..
and the system freezes
and im forced to reboot..

this is the STUPIDEST error of mac os 9
by far.

[filipetolhuizen]

I could only get rid of it a few times by waiting several minutes (and thousands of mouse clicks), but anyway, this is a patience killer. I hate it as well.

[supernova777]

hmm u know i never knew that if u just left the computer for a bit the focus would return
i went and walked my dog and it was ok when i got back..

it is a piss off tho because usually when it happens u are working on something

[filipetolhuizen]

This error even beats most that happens in Windows. It happened yesterday while trying to open an unassigned file downloaded in Classilla.

[supernova777]

yes its always when u download a file via classilla download manager and u use a dialog right click to try to open it..
it makes this error

i guess we just have to train ourselves not to right click files thru the browsers utility but use sherlock or finder