Folders Duplicate Instead of Moving

Question

Folders Duplicate Instead of Moving

When I try to move files (folders specifically) from a folder to the desktop, they copy over instead of moving. This leaves me with duplicates that I then have to delete, which is tedious and time-consuming (especially considering the size of some of these files).

I've never encountered this problem before; it's always just moved things! This problem only started when I upgraded to a new computer. Is there a setting somewhere that disables the duplication effect?

I've read a few other troubleshooting tips, and they say to hold command when I move files. That hasn't worked for me, and it's annoying when I'm trying to move multiple files. I just need the Duplication turned off.

In case it's relevant information, I'm running 10.7.5 on a 2.5 GHz Intel Core 15. Any help is much appreciated!

- P. Woodruff

iMac, Mac OS X (10.7.5)

Posted on Oct 1, 2012 1:18 PM

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Answer 1

baltwo

Level 9

62,386 points

Oct 1, 2012 3:11 PM in response to Community User

System Preferences->Keyboard->Keyboard shortcuts. You might try resetting the defaults, restarting, and see if that fixes things. If not, create a new admin user account, log into it, and see if the problem persists.

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Answer 2

baltwo

Level 9

62,386 points

Oct 1, 2012 2:22 PM in response to Community User

CMD-click & drag on a file/folder moves it. Click & drag or OPT-click & drag on a file copies it. Maybe you changed shortcuts.

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Answer 3

Oct 1, 2012 2:52 PM in response to baltwo

This computer is new, I actually didn't change any shortcuts (wittingly, anyway). Is there a specific place where I could change them? I scoured the System Preferences and came up with nothing.

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