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Can’t open file on desktop

Weird situation. All the files(.pdf .png .csv .doc) I put on the desktop (under the Desktop path) are inaccessible and cannot be opened, moved, or deleted. However, I can use the spacebar to preview the files.


This problem is only for desktop files, files stored in other paths can be opened and accessed normally, but cannot be moved to the desktop (will be infinitely loaded).


I've tried restart finder and using cmd to check the desktop permissions but it doesn't solve the problem and the permissions are not being restricted.


This problem occurs about once every two weeks. The current solution is to restart the computer. Has anyone else had this problem?



MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 10.14

Posted on Jul 10, 2021 11:09 PM

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Posted on Jul 11, 2021 3:15 AM

Does the same issue present while booted in to Safe Mode This does a repair Disk, clears cache files and only loads Apple Software, extensions and Fonts. So, loads slowly which is normal Once logged in the computer will look and preform differently - also normal. Run in this mode for as long as it takes to Test your exiting issue. Should the problem not present in Safe Mode - there might be either a User Account issue or some third party software interfering with the normal operation of the OS.

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6 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jul 11, 2021 3:15 AM in response to rranh

Does the same issue present while booted in to Safe Mode This does a repair Disk, clears cache files and only loads Apple Software, extensions and Fonts. So, loads slowly which is normal Once logged in the computer will look and preform differently - also normal. Run in this mode for as long as it takes to Test your exiting issue. Should the problem not present in Safe Mode - there might be either a User Account issue or some third party software interfering with the normal operation of the OS.

Jul 11, 2021 3:53 AM in response to rranh

As @ Luis S has suggested download the application


Suggest downloading the Application Etrecheck directly from a Trusted Developer and well Respected ASC Contributor. The application is free or paid from added features. Run the application with Full Disc Access ( Security & Privacy - Full Disc Access ). It will take a Snap Shot -  both the hardware and software. The Report will Not Reveal Any Personal Information. Post back the Full Report - copy and paste - using the Additional Text Icon ( 3rd Icon to last )


We can have a look at the report for possible issues and may have possible suggestions to resolve the issues.


Any Third Party Applications that will interfere with the normal operation of the OS, alter, modify, remove or delete or attempt to do so is an invitation for disaster and may require a Reinstallation of the OS.

Jul 11, 2021 4:26 AM in response to rranh

Initial review as per below. The list is very extensive including running outdated version of Big Sur 11.2.2.


Shall away further input from @ Luis S - but if this was my computer - which it is not - would Wipe the Drive 100% Clean and reinstall afresh. Would Not use Time Machine Backup to Migrate anything else but the User Account. Install only needed and supported Big Sur Compatible applications and never install Antivirus of other Security Software.


StoreJet Transcend 1


macOS Big Sur 11.2.2 (20D80) 


Unsigned Files:


  Launchd: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/homebrew.mxcl.mongodb-community.plist


    Executable: /usr/local/opt/mongodb-community/bin/mongod --config /usr/local/etc/mongod.conf


    Details: Domain name invalid - possibly adware




  Launchd: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.node.HIPKILocalServer.cht.plist


    Executable: /bin/zsh -c ~/Library/HiPKILocalSignServer/runHIPKILocalServer.sh


    Details: Domain name invalid - possibly adware


PulseSecureFirewallSysExt - version 1.0 (Pulse Secure LLC - 2020-10-16)


    Application: /Applications/Pulse Secure.app - version 9.1.9 (Pulse Secure LLC - 2021-07-11)




Kernel Extensions:


  /Applications/Pulse Secure.app


    [Not Loaded] PulseSecureFirewall.kext - net.pulsesecure.PulseSecureFirewall (9.1.9 - SDK 10.13)


 [Loaded] org.macosforge.xquartz.startx.plist (Apple Inc. - XQuartz - installed 2016-10-26)


 /Applications/AppCleaner.app/Contents/Library/LoginItems/AppCleaner SmartDelete.app

Can’t open file on desktop

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