When dragging a file to a different location, an unrelated file appears instead

I use macOS Mojave (version 10.14.6), and whenever I try to drag a file into a different location (e.g. from an external drive into a desktop folder), some other file appears instead


It was first a png I downloaded appearing multiple times, and now it's a game I downloaded. Any reason why this is happening?

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 10.14

Posted on Jan 9, 2023 6:00 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jan 9, 2023 8:17 PM

Start with this...


Safe Boot, (holding Shift key down at startup), does the problem occur in Safe Mode? Could take 10 minutes or more.


Safe mode attempts to repair Disks & clears lots of caches & loads safe Drivers, & prevents loading of 3rd party extensions, so if Safe Mode works try again in regular boot.

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 9, 2023 8:17 PM in response to aadenboy

Start with this...


Safe Boot, (holding Shift key down at startup), does the problem occur in Safe Mode? Could take 10 minutes or more.


Safe mode attempts to repair Disks & clears lots of caches & loads safe Drivers, & prevents loading of 3rd party extensions, so if Safe Mode works try again in regular boot.

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When dragging a file to a different location, an unrelated file appears instead

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