JSKmac

Q: file stays on desktop when moved

I am using 10.11.5 OS X El Capitan on a MacBook Air.

When I drag and drop a file to a folder on my desktop, the file gets moved but it also stays on my desktop and I have to move it to the trash or I have duplicate files.  It does not do this on my MacBook Pro.  Is there a setting I have to change?

Thank you

Posted on Jun 8, 2016 5:26 AM

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Q: file stays on desktop when moved

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  • by Johann.B,

    Johann.B Johann.B Jun 9, 2016 8:07 AM in response to JSKmac
    Community Specialists
    Jun 9, 2016 8:07 AM in response to JSKmac

    Howdy JSKmac,

     

     

    I understand that your MacBook Air is copying files dragged from your desktop to folders on your desktop (as opposed to moving them, which is the way your MacBook Pro rightly behaves). Such behavior is typically a symptom of permissions issues with either your user account's home folder or Desktop folder. Fortunately the article linked below details a number of steps that can restore the appropriate permissions to your home folder (as well as the folders within it, such as your Desktop folder).
     

    Once the steps outlined are completed, you should be able to move files from your desktop normally.


    Resolve issues caused by changing the permissions of items in your home folder
    https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203538

     

     

    Take care!

  • by JSKmac,

    JSKmac JSKmac Jun 10, 2016 12:11 PM in response to Johann.B
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Notebooks
    Jun 10, 2016 12:11 PM in response to Johann.B

    Thank you very much.  I am now able to move files without having them stay on desktop.  Makes my life much easier.  I did get (error -69841) and said permissions failed but I repeated it and it gave me partial permissions fixed and fortuanately it was the one I needed.

    Thanks again

    Joan