Apple Event: May 7th at 7 am PT

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Level 1

0 points

How can I fix my Downloads folder?

MacBook Pro, OS Lion

My downloads folder is currently impossible to edit. I can download things and they will be directed to my Downloads folder. However, I can't move or delete the files that are in the Downloads folder. I can't open the Downloads folder, either- the window opens, shudders, and disappears. When I try to delete something, the screen goes gray for a split second and then when it returns to normal, the file hasn't disappeared.

I've tried to delete it by dragging icons to trashcan, opening finder and deleting from the finder window, but nothing has worked. Please help!

MacBook Pro

Posted on Jan 11, 2012 6:26 PM

21 replies

Marein Author

Level 1

0 points

Jan 12, 2012 6:17 AM in response to Linc Davis

I'll look for a external hard drive to back my laptop up. Will Time Machine walk me through backing up my computer?

I'm also wondering what you mean by "meaningfully use a computer" with backups. I thought that backups were only to restore computers to previous points, and when I was using a Windows PC my computer set points automatically, so I am not really sure how to do backups with a Mac.

Also, if the shell command doesn't work, could I return my laptop to manufacturing settings, re-install Mac OS and any other programs I have on my computer? Do you think that that would take care of the problem?

If it doesn't, will erasing the boot volume and restoring from backup help if my only back up still has the problem? I'm assuming that it won't get any worse, but will it help?

Marein Author

Level 1

0 points

Jan 12, 2012 6:29 AM in response to Marein

Also, if I lose data for some reason using the shell command, will Time Machine be able to walk me through returning to my back up? How does that work?

I apologize for asking so many questions, and you're helping me a lot. Thank you!

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,547 points

Jan 12, 2012 6:36 AM in response to Marein

Will Time Machine walk me through backing up my computer?

Mac 101: Time Machine

...will erasing the boot volume and restoring from backup help if my only back up still has the problem?

Probably not, but it might.

Marein Author

Level 1

0 points

Jan 13, 2012 8:14 PM in response to Linc Davis

I am going to back up my computer tomorrow, but I wanted to ask your opinion on something.

If the shell command that you gave earlier doesn't work, and re-installing the OS X doesn't work:

If I return my laptop to factory settings, do you think that the problem will cease? From then on, I will utilize Time Machine to back up my computer more frequently.

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,547 points

Jan 14, 2012 5:01 AM in response to Marein

You're overthinking this. Back up your data -- you need to do that regardless of what else you do. Then delete the .DS_Store file. If that doesn't help, we'll try something else. Solving software problems takes effort.

Nov 8, 2013 9:21 PM in response to Linc Davis

My wife's macbook air also has the same problem. I have followed the instructions you've suggested in terms of using the terminal command. Force quitted finder and have rebooted the system. It still wasn't working. So I right clicked for the contextual menu and clicked on show view options and noticed that the "Arrange By:" menu was blank. I changed it to "Name" and bam. I could access the files.

So weird.

Hope this helps whoever has this problem too...

How can I fix my Downloads folder?