How can I stop files reappearing automatically on Mac mini

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Level 1

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How can I stop files reappearing automatically on Mac mini

Help! I am hoping someone has the answer. There is a file (.gif) that keeps showing up in my "recents" about every 2 minutes. It will eventually crash my computer if I let it keep going. I have been shutting down my computer at night to prevent this, but this file still attempts to open and then shows 10000s of "recent" files but that file is not being opened by me. It's also a defective file. I started to delete them all yesterday, only to find there is 50000 versions or copies of it, and it's continuing to make more! Do I have a virus or something? what's happening??

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Mac mini, macOS 14.5

Posted on Aug 14, 2024 1:32 PM

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Answer 1

BDAqua

Level 10

251,399 points

Aug 14, 2024 2:58 PM in response to aumatma

Start with this if M1, M2, or M3 Mac...

On your Mac, choose Apple menu > Shut Down.

Wait for your Mac to shut down completely. A Mac is completely shut down when the screen is black and any lights (including in the Touch Bar) are off.

Press and hold the power button on your Mac until “Loading startup options” appears.

Select a volume.

Press and hold the Shift key, then click Continue in Safe Mode.

The computer restarts automatically. When the login window appears, you should see “Safe Boot” in the menu bar.

Does the problem occur in Safe Mode?

Restart normally.

Start with this if IntelMac...

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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How can I stop files reappearing automatically on Mac mini

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