I cannot copy a file.

I have an MP4 Quicktime file that I am unable to move on my Mac. If I try dragging it to a new location, nothing happens. It simply stays in its current location with no error message or anything. If I try to copy and paste the file using Command+C / Commant+V, it gives an error sound effect and nothing happens. If I try using the menus to copy and paste, the paste option is grayed out.


This problem is specifically with this one file. I can still copy/paste other files with no problem.


I have already attempted restarting my Mac which made no difference.


I have checked file permissions in "Get Info" and I should have the necessary permission to move it.


For context, I am using a M1 Pro Macbook Pro with MacOS Ventura 13.5.

MacBook Pro (2021)

Posted on Sep 22, 2023 11:13 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 22, 2023 12:07 PM

The issue you're facing with a specific MP4 Quicktime file on your M1 Pro MacBook Pro running MacOS Ventura 13.5 seems quite puzzling, especially since other files don't exhibit the same problem. Let's explore a few potential solutions:


Check for File Lock

1. Right-click on the file and choose "Get Info" or select the file and press `Command + I`.

2. In the "Get Info" window, look for a checkbox that says "Locked" and see if it is checked. If so, uncheck it.


Use Terminal

1. Open Terminal from the Utilities folder within Applications.

2. Use the `mv` command to move the file. The basic syntax is `mv source destination`.


    mv /path/to/source/file.mp4 /path/to/destination/


Check Disk for Errors

1. Open Disk Utility from the Utilities folder within Applications.

2. Select your drive and click "First Aid" or "Repair Disk" to check for errors and fix them if any are found.


Investigate File Integrity

It could be that the file itself is corrupt. Try playing it or opening it with another application to see if it's functional.


Boot in Safe Mode

1. Shut down your MacBook Pro.

2. Turn it on and immediately press and hold the Shift key.

3. Release the Shift key when you see the login window.

4. Try moving the file while in Safe Mode.


Reset NVRAM

1. Shut down your MacBook Pro.

2. Turn it on and immediately press and hold the Option, Command, P, and R keys together for about 20 seconds.

3. Release the keys and let your MacBook Pro start normally.


After trying these steps, restart your MacBook and see if the issue has been resolved. If you're still having trouble, you might consider contacting Apple Support for further assistance.

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3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Sep 22, 2023 12:07 PM in response to ExtremeFaithInJesus

The issue you're facing with a specific MP4 Quicktime file on your M1 Pro MacBook Pro running MacOS Ventura 13.5 seems quite puzzling, especially since other files don't exhibit the same problem. Let's explore a few potential solutions:


Check for File Lock

1. Right-click on the file and choose "Get Info" or select the file and press `Command + I`.

2. In the "Get Info" window, look for a checkbox that says "Locked" and see if it is checked. If so, uncheck it.


Use Terminal

1. Open Terminal from the Utilities folder within Applications.

2. Use the `mv` command to move the file. The basic syntax is `mv source destination`.


    mv /path/to/source/file.mp4 /path/to/destination/


Check Disk for Errors

1. Open Disk Utility from the Utilities folder within Applications.

2. Select your drive and click "First Aid" or "Repair Disk" to check for errors and fix them if any are found.


Investigate File Integrity

It could be that the file itself is corrupt. Try playing it or opening it with another application to see if it's functional.


Boot in Safe Mode

1. Shut down your MacBook Pro.

2. Turn it on and immediately press and hold the Shift key.

3. Release the Shift key when you see the login window.

4. Try moving the file while in Safe Mode.


Reset NVRAM

1. Shut down your MacBook Pro.

2. Turn it on and immediately press and hold the Option, Command, P, and R keys together for about 20 seconds.

3. Release the keys and let your MacBook Pro start normally.


After trying these steps, restart your MacBook and see if the issue has been resolved. If you're still having trouble, you might consider contacting Apple Support for further assistance.

Sep 22, 2023 12:39 PM in response to ExtremeFaithInJesus

If the file is not locked as was previously mentioned, use these as your guide for copying, moving etc....


Drag and Drop from local drive to local drive will MOVE files.


You must hold “Option” key and see the Plus sign. Then it will COPY and not MOVE.


Drag and drop from local drive to external drive will COPY files by default. 


You must hold “Command” key to change from copy to Move. You will see the Plus sign by default. Pressing Command will remove the Plus sign and allow Move instead of Copy.




Sep 22, 2023 12:48 PM in response to Rossnic

Thank you for the suggestions. I have tried what you have suggested with no success. The file was NOT locked. My guess is the file appears to be corrupted. The weird thing is the computer is acting as if the file is not even there. When I double-click on the file to open it, nothing happens. No applications open and no error message appears. When I open Quicktime and try to open the file using File > Open... the file is grayed out as incompatible.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

I cannot copy a file.

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