cant seem to delete files or copy/paste any files

new mac user and Im aware the commands to copy/paste files, but I just get a gong sound and files refuse to move. Same thing when I highlight a file and press the delete key, gong sound and no action taken. Is there a restriction setting I need to disable or something? Mojave upgrade, 13" air.

Also, sometimes I get the option "move to trash" in the option list, sometimes not. Why? Why wouldnt I be able to delete or move to trash anything I want?

MacBook Air 13", 10.14

Posted on Feb 5, 2019 6:25 PM

Top-ranking reply

Barney-15E

Level 10

122,828 points

Posted on Feb 5, 2019 6:45 PM

In macOS you cannot cut a file and you cannot delete a file by pressing the delete key.

Things that could be dangerous tend to require more confirmation than a single keypress.

To move a file, copy it, then option-paste it (cmd-opt-v), or just drag it.

To Move a file to the Trash, use cmd-delete.

Also, sometimes I get the option "move to trash" in the option list, sometimes not. Why? Why wouldnt I be able to delete or move to trash anything I want?

Offhand, I would say that would happen when you do not have permission to write to the file. Write permission implies the ability to delete.

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cant seem to delete files or copy/paste any files

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