Folders with files visible in the sidebar but stating in the bin. Why?

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Level 1

8 points

Folders with files visible in the sidebar but stating in the bin. Why?

I'm trying to access some folders with files (the important ones obv), pop up states "the document cant be opened because it's in the bin. To use this item, first drag it out of the bin."

I can drag the files from the folder onto the desktop and open it from there.

If I go to the bin I cant find the folders there.

Whats going on and how can I fix this without dragging all the files into new folders and renaming them.

Thanks

iMac 27″, macOS 11.7

Posted on Apr 4, 2024 7:09 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Luis Sequeira1

Level 9

74,346 points

Apr 5, 2024 3:01 AM in response to David3700

If it says it's in the bin, it is. Maybe the folder is hidden.

With the bin open, press Command-Shift-period to show hidden files.

Do you see that folder in grey? Drag the whole folder to your Desktop.

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Answer 2

Apr 5, 2024 8:14 AM in response to David3700

What appears in the sidebar is just an alias to the actual folder.

Removing something from the sidebar does not delete the actual files or folders.

If I understand correctly, you now have the folder on the Desktop, and all the files are there, right?

If you want, you can control-click the name in the Sidebar and choose Remove from Sidebar.

The folder will remain exactly as it is now.

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Answer 3

David3700 Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 5, 2024 2:42 AM in response to BDAqua

No, they are all recoverable on the Carbonite backup.

The files arent trashed on the mac either , it just says they are but they are not showing in the bin.

I can drag them from the folder onto the desktop and open them from there but if i put them back into the folder they wont open directly.

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Answer 4

David3700 Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 5, 2024 4:20 AM in response to Luis Sequeira1

There are no grey hidden files pertaining in the bin.

The file folder is shown in the bin but with nothing in it. However if I drag that (apparently empty) folder to the desktop it contains all the files!

Do i now delete the previous folder containing the files shown as in the bin and substitute it for the recovered folder? I dont want to screw things up.....

Thanks

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