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

Desktop frozen

I cannot move any of my files around on the Desktop anymore. How can I fix this?

Posted on May 21, 2013 9:12 PM

Reply
5 replies

May 22, 2013 11:23 AM in response to einarsson

Take these steps if the cursor changes from an arrow to a white "prohibited" symbol when you try to move an icon on the Desktop.


Select the icon of your home folder (a house) in the sidebar of a Finder window and open it. The Desktop folder is one of the subfolders. Select it and open the Info window. In the General section of the window, the Kind will be either Folderor something else, such as Anything.

If the Kind is Folder, uncheck the box marked Locked. Close the Info window and test.

If the Kind is not Folder, make sure the Locked box is not checked and that you have Read & Write privileges in the Sharing & Permissions section. Then close the Info window and do as follows.


Back up all data.


Triple-click anywhere in the line below to select it:

xattr -d com.apple.FinderInfo Desktop


Copy the selected text to the Clipboard (command-C).


Launch the Terminal application in any of the following ways:


☞ Enter the first few letters of its name into a Spotlight search. Select it in the results (it should be at the top.)


☞ In the Finder, select Go Utilities from the menu bar, or press the key combination shift-command-U. The application is in the folder that opens.


☞ Open LaunchPad. Click Utilities, then Terminal in the icon grid.


Paste into the Terminal window (command-V).


Quit Terminal and test.

Desktop frozen

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.