I recently moved all of my files, folders etc. from my desktop into one folder. Once I copied it over I deleted the files from my desktop. However, I now realize that the files did not copy, they became aliases and my trash bin is empty! Is there anyway to find my files or are they lost forever?
MacBook Pro (13-inch Early 2011), OS X Yosemite (10.10.5)
Hi vlgree03!
I understand you've deleted some files, and it seems that the copies that you had saved were aliases. I know it's important to have your files intact, I'm happy to go over some information for you. If the trash bin is empty, I'm afraid the files cannot be covered unless you have a Time Machine backup. You can read more about Time Machine at the following link:
Use Time Machine to back up or restore your Mac
Thanks for using Apple Support Communities.
Cheers!
If you deleted the originals, unfortunately, they are gone and the aliases will not work without the originals present.
One thing though that puzzles me: when you move files from the desktop to a folder on the same volume (your hard drive), then they are moved, not copied. If you drag them to another volume (such as an external drive), they are copied and should be found on both until you delete one or both. So I am not sure what you did to wind up with aliases.
Select the alias, then choose File > Show Original, or press Command (⌘)–R.
An apple article is there : OS X Yosemite: If you can’t find a file
Having Problems with Alias Files
