how do desktop files get locked spontaneously? (v10.7.4)

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Level 1

9 points

how do desktop files get locked spontaneously? (v10.7.4)

Recently (in addition to other seemingly unrelated password problems), files on my desktop became locked. Finder asks for a password to delete them. I believe an Apple Genius said thought this was normal behavior, but we've never had that happen before on this computer (Mac intel core 2 duo v10.7.4) or anyother of our Apple computers, which are several years old.

So, is this suspicious activity, or is this a normal feature of the OS?

I had a Comcast tech run me through a security check on our home wireless system. He thought it seemed secure. I should note that I'm mot sure how good he was, as our Time Machines have not worked since his "help".

iMac, Mac OS X (10.4.7)

Posted on May 27, 2012 10:21 AM

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Answer 1

CT

Level 7

24,275 points

May 27, 2012 10:38 AM in response to teelbee

It is not normal. It is usually a symptom of a folder with wrong permissions in your user folder. Repairing Permissions via Disk Utility generally won't fix this since D.U. only repairs System files.

Trying to figure out what is the culprit: Does this only happen when moving things to the trash? Or just when moving things from the desktop? Or what? If it's just the trash, there is a relatively simple fix. If it is more widespread, you will probably have to try what is found here:

finder requires password to delete files

charlie

P.S. I hate to generalize, but having Comcast check out your Mac is sort of like letting Ronald McDonald perform brain surgery. Or make a hamburger, for that matter.

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Answer 2

teelbee Author

Level 1

9 points

May 27, 2012 3:02 PM in response to CT

CT, thanks for your reply.

I can move the files to other places, but get prompted for a password to move the files to the trash.

As for Comcast, while I may not disagree with your assessment of the skill level; Comcast is my ISP and the task was to review and address WIFI security router issues, not Mac computer security. The file locking and password problems predate the Comcast session.

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Answer 3

CT

Level 7

24,275 points

May 27, 2012 3:46 PM in response to teelbee

Ok. That sounds like the trash has the wrong permissions. A simple (if heavy-handed) fix is to completely destroy and recreate the trash folder. A standard reference for this procedure is:

http://thexlab.com/faqs/trash.html#Anchor-About-47857

Scroll down to

"Empty and recreate an account's Trash"

Follow the instructions there.

Hopefully that will fix your problem. If not, you will have deleted everything in your trash, but otherwise not done any harm.

charlie

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Answer 4

teelbee Author

Level 1

9 points

May 29, 2012 8:39 AM in response to CT

Okay, Thanks!

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