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Image disappears from screen when I try to copy it

I copy things from the screen all the time, text, pictures, images. etc., but sometimes when I try to make a copy, the image disappears before I can make. copy. In other words, the act of copying makes the image disappear.


I might add that when this it happens it happens with whatever copying technique/device I am using to make a copy: Apple's COMMAND, SHIFT, 3. 4. or 5; GRABBIT, or whatever other ways I know of for COPYING and PASTING. How can I capture these shy images?

iMac 27″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Jun 25, 2021 4:44 AM

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15 replies

Jun 25, 2021 3:47 PM in response to Niku

Niku Said:

"Image disappears from screen when I try to copy it: I copy things from the screen all the time, text, pictures, images. etc., but sometimes when I try to make a copy, the image disappears before I can make. copy. In other words, the act of copying makes the image disappear.[...]"

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A Few Thoughts:


A. Reset your SMC and your NVRAM:

Sometimes changes are made to the system and then settings (i.e. for keyboard) become corrupted, technically. So, reset both on your Mac. See where if the keyboard works from there. It might take up to 3 tries ro successfully reset both.


B. Scan your Mac for Malware: 

Use MalwareBytes for Mac --- This is software that searches for malware/adware. So, scan with it and then remove what is found. Once removed, uninstall MalwareBytes for Mac. Then restart the Mac.

Downloads:

  1. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for Mac
  2. Malwarebytes Uninstaller


C. Single Out this User:

See what happens when you create a new Administrator User and login to it and perform the above. If it works, then it is something mid configured in your current user. So, move everything over to this new user, and then delete this user you are currently logged into.

Jun 25, 2021 8:35 PM in response to Old Toad

It looks as if I haven't been clear enough. Let me put it this way. There will be something on my screen (text, picture, etc). that I want to copy and paste) Normally, I can easily do this in several different ways. However, sometimes when I just start the copying process, the image or text disappears. That could be when I click on Edit, or it could be something else. I'm going to try all of the suggestions that someone else has mentioned. I'll be back tomorrow.

Jun 25, 2021 3:30 PM in response to Eau Rouge

Where does the screenshot first appear: in the lower right hand corner of your window?



If so they are only there for a short while for editing (if you click on it) . Launch the Screenshot App from the Applications folder and click on the Options button and see where the screenshots are set to be saved.



You can set the screenshot to be saved to the Desktop or wherever is most convenient for you.


Jun 26, 2021 7:16 PM in response to Niku

Niku Said:

"Image disappears from screen when I try to copy it: Okay, I've done everything you requested, except for "C. Single Out This User." I don't understand this and I have no idea what I'm supposed to do."

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"C. Single Out This User.":

Create a new Administrator user, login to it, and then see if you still get this error.

Jun 28, 2021 12:04 PM in response to Niku

Niku wrote:

Oh, upon rereading your instructions, I remembered that I hadn't reinstalled Malwarebytes. Then, I was reminded that Malwarebytes is NOT a free program. Now I'm trying to reinstate what I have al
ready paid for.

Yes, Malwarebytes has a free download. You need to pay to get the automatic scanning but if you just want to use it occasionally, you don't need to subscribe..

Image disappears from screen when I try to copy it

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