Cannot delete files from desktop – Catalina 10.15.1

benbowstyle Said:

”When I attempt to delete any file or folder on my desktop, it makes the usual sound of a file going in the trash but alas the file remains.[...]”

———-

Install this: macOS Catalina 10.15.4 Supplemental Update. It fixes HD connection issues, and interoperability issues, and sound issues. So, install the update --- see if that does the fix.

Get it Here: https://support.apple.com/kb/DL2038?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US

Please explain in detail what happens when you try to delete files from you Desktop.

I have the same problem since a month - before all was fine. Does anyone know a solution?

benbowstyle Said:

”Cannot delete files from desktop – Catalina 10.15.1: For some reason I can't delete files from my desktop unless I restart my mac, but after a few minutes it happens again. As you can imagine this is infuriating and it has never happened to me on a mac before this upgrade. Does anyone have any information on this that isn't just restarting my mac every 20 minutes?“

———-

Seven Thoughts Come to Mind:

• Any Security Software Installed?:

Any Security Software installed? If so, rid of it, as it is probably disallowing this with its own rules. Use the uninstaller from the developer’s domain. Don’t just drag-and-drop its iCon into the Trash, as Temporary Files would reside about your Mac.

• Any Security Software Ben Removed?:

Perhaps you’ve already removed such software? That would be just why they are residing in there. Security Software just gets in the way in a Mac, and this is a pure example of how and why. Hate to say it, but you might have to reinstall it, and then remove these files with it, through the use of an uninstaller.

• Plug in the Deleted-From Device:

Were these deleted from an external storage device? If so, plug the drive back in, and then attempt another deletion.

• Create a New Administrator User:

See if you can then delete them with that user. If it works, then there is something misconfigured in your current user. So, what you would do is transfer everything over to the new user, and then trash this current user. You should be good from there.

• Sign Out of iCloud if Deleting these:

See if these are syncing with iCloud in one manor or another. If so, delete them, while connected to the Internet through iCloud. Staying connected, all would synchronize as it should.

• Instal the macOS Anew:

You could just format your hard drive, and then reinstall the macOS. But, before doing that, back up your Mac with Time Machine - Apple Support. Once formatted and reinstalled, use Migration Assistant to transfer it all over.

• Contact a Developer if Migrated Over:

Note that you may need to contact the developer’s of your software, informing them that you have just reformatted your computer, and you need to replace your software key.