Hidden Files and .DS_Store Showing Up On Desktop

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Level 1

126 points

Hidden Files and .DS_Store Showing Up On Desktop

I recently did a software and map update on my GPS while it was connected to my iMac. After everything completed, and I removed the GPS and restarted my computer all the hidden files (greyed out) are showing up on my desktop, as well as the file .DS_Store. How can I remove these greyed out files.

iMac Intel, Mac OS X (10.6)

Posted on Aug 27, 2010 1:20 PM

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Answer 1

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Community User

Aug 27, 2010 1:31 PM in response to Nancy Blazis

See http://osxdaily.com/2009/02/25/show-hidden-files-in-os-x/

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Answer 2

WZZZ

Level 6

13,226 points

Aug 27, 2010 1:40 PM in response to Nancy Blazis

Without going in to Terminal to do this, you can get the free Tinkertool.
http://www.bresink.com/osx/TinkerTool.html

Since these hidden files are now visible, you might first have to check Finder> "Show hidden and system files" then relaunch the Finder, then uncheck "Show hidden...." and relaunch Finder.

Anyway, a very user friendly little app.

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Answer 3

Nancy Blazis Author

Level 1

126 points

Aug 27, 2010 3:12 PM in response to Community User

Thanks, I downloaded that article and will study it.

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Answer 4

Nancy Blazis Author

Level 1

126 points

Aug 27, 2010 3:14 PM in response to WZZZ

Thanks, I downloaded TinkerTool 4.1, and it worked. Where does Tinker Tool go? I couldn't seem to put it in Applications or Utilities. It seems I might have to open the .dmg file every time I want to use it. I did put it on an exterior disk to save.

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Answer 5

WZZZ

Level 6

13,226 points

Aug 27, 2010 7:05 PM in response to Nancy Blazis

When you open it, just select the option to keep it in the Dock. Keep opening it from there. It will mount a new .dmg each time you open it, but that way you will get the window for it right away. I keep the original .dmg in my Documents Folder. It doesn't install in Applications, but it does create several files for its use. Or you could just save it in your Users.

BTW, it does some other pretty useful things for me, like disabling Dashboard and Dock Expose, which I find to be only an annoyance.

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Answer 6

Nancy Blazis Author

Level 1

126 points

Aug 28, 2010 4:39 AM in response to WZZZ

Thanks. You've been a big help.

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Answer 7

WZZZ

Level 6

13,226 points

Aug 28, 2010 7:16 AM in response to Nancy Blazis

Great, glad that worked out. BTW, if you ever want to try them, those Terminal commands are really easy to use, but I understand the reluctance of many to get into Terminal.

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