Making Alias Not Working

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Level 1

5 points

Making Alias Not Working

I'm trying to make an alias of an application on my desktop but for some reason when I drag it out the the desktop, it turns into a blank file. I don't know if this has to do with other users on my computer or my OS but whatever it is, I need someone to tell me.

Thanks,

-SKM

MacBook Pro 15″, 12.6

Posted on Apr 2, 2023 7:46 AM

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Answer 1

Bill_T1

Community Specialist

Apr 5, 2023 5:50 PM in response to sambamNo2

Hi sambamNo2,

You mentioned that this impacts every program, but you can also create an alias for documents and other files. Do those return the same results when an alias is created and moved to the Desktop for them?

Also, you described the result as "a blank file". Does that item still function as an alias, opening the original file or application? If not, what happens when trying to open those?

Boot Camp is used to install Windows into a separate partition of your drive, so to clarify are you attempting these actions in macOS or Windows? If macOS, can you provide more details on what you mean by "restarted to my BOOTCAMP hard drive"?

Another step that may help address or isolate software behaviors is to test in safe mode. How to use safe mode on your Mac covers not only how to test these actions while in safe mode, but also the best next steps to take depending on the results of said test.

Regards.

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Answer 2

bruno75

Community Specialist

Apr 5, 2023 5:01 PM in response to sambamNo2

Hey there sambamNo2,

While we're not entirely sure what you're asking, we'd like to learn more about what's happening to see how we can assist, along with ruling out some general possible causes:

You mentioned that trying to make a shortcut on your Mac desktop for an app results in a 'blank file', but does this only occur for that specific app, or any app?
When was the last time you were able to make a shortcut to an app on your Mac desktop?
Sometimes unexpected behavior can be resolved with a restart. Check out the section ‘Restart your Mac' here: Shut down or restart your Mac
The latest version currently is macOS 13.3. While you're running an older version, the latest version for your currently installed OS is macOS 12.6.4. You can verify this by clicking on the Apple logo at the top left corner of the screen, then on ‘About This Mac’. In case you needed it, this link shows how to first back up, then Update macOS on Mac.

Cheers!

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Answer 3

WinsC1

Community Specialist

Apr 5, 2023 6:33 PM in response to sambamNo2

Hey sambamNo2,

Thanks for those additional details.

For the best assistance going forward, we'd recommend contacting Apple Support.

You can contact them here: Get Support

Thanks!

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Answer 4

sambamNo2 Author

Level 1

5 points

Apr 5, 2023 5:25 PM in response to bruno75

Greetings, program!

Every app
It was on a different computer that has no other users on it. I'm still thinking that's the issue
I have the BOOTCAMP hard drive thing on my computer and have restarted to my BOOTCAMP hard drive in between when I first found out about it, and when I tried again so if that was the issue, then this wouldn't be happening
That is the latest OS this computer can go to

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Answer 5

sambamNo2 Author

Level 1

5 points

Apr 5, 2023 6:07 PM in response to Bill_T1

I don’t know what you mean by that

What I mean is that it turns into that application but with a blank paper as the icon and when I open it, it does nothing

I mean is if I restart the computer, hold Option/Alt then it takes me to a screen with a hard drive that says ‘Macintosh HD’ and another two hard drives with four squares in a diamond that says ‘BOOTCAMP’ and when I click it, it launches Windows 10

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Making Alias Not Working

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