Can't move files in Finder

Wrong. He should be able to drag files between folders on the same volume without them duplicating the file. The only time a file should copy, without user interaction (ie shortcut keys) is when you are dragging a file for another volume (disk, CD, server, etc.) Are you dragging the files from another hard drive or disk? You're not trying to move Library files around are you?

Similar problem here,...external drive holds 320 gb, used 300 gb with 2 folders, music, & music video. Decide to move all music videos into music folder. Pop up states not enough space available, (because it will only allow copying, not moving). I've done this on Vista millions of times with cut and paste. My only option was to copy 15 gbs at a time,...go back delete those files,...copy 15 gb,...go back delete.

I really hope that I'm just such a noob that I'm missing something, but every suggestion failed.

I have discovered (by accident) that having a "locked" file
somewhere in the files you are trying to move will force a copy...

As Joe said, you should be able to move without copying if you are on the same volume.
You can move to another volume by holding down the Command key.
You can force a copy by holding down the Option key.
You can create an alias (shortcut on steroids) by holding down cmd+opt.

Hi Pedro,

Try repairing disk permissions. Launch Disk Utility. (Applications/Utilities) Select MacintoshHD in the panel on the left, select FirstAid, then click: Repair Disk Permissions. Quit DU when it's finished and reboot.




Carolyn 🙂

That's just how it works. Unless someone can tell you another solution, you'll have to delete the original.