Disappearing Files on Desktop

Question

Level 1

144 points

Disappearing Files on Desktop

OS 10.13.4

MBP Retina 13" Early 2015

Never used to have this problem. Now, repeatedly, if I try to save a .JPG to the Desktop from a program it shows up for about 1 second on the desktop then just disappears! If I drag it from the Downloads folder to the Desktop the same thing happens.

Used to work just fine. Started happening about 2 weeks ago without any major software upgrade that I can remember (but who knows, given my memory!)
Upgraded just now to OS 10.13.4 with no fix.
Happens repeatedly with JPG files (haven't tried with other file types).
Doesn't happen on my iMac.
Folders and drives on the Desktop behave just fine.
Computer otherwise works just fine.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much!

macOS High Sierra (10.13), null

Posted on Apr 7, 2018 10:51 AM

Reply

Answer 1

VikingOSX

Level 10

129,092 points

Apr 7, 2018 10:58 AM in response to CharPatton

If you have the Spotlight Preferences : Search Results : Images selected, you can search for your disappearing image to see where they went after disappearing from the Desktop. Below, foo is either the explicit filename, or a partial string comprising the filename.

kind:image +.jpg name:foo

If you get a hit for your missing filename, you can press the command-key in Spotlight to see the path to its new home, or by pressing command+R, a Finder window will appear with the image icon selected.

Just before the file vanishes from the Desktop, do you see any spinning gear just to the left of your right-side, menubar icons? If so, you may have a Folder Action assigned to your Desktop to move images.

Reply

Answer 2

macjack

Level 10

111,352 points

Apr 7, 2018 1:16 PM in response to CharPatton

Try starting up in Safe Mode and see if it recurs.

Use safe mode to isolate issues with your Mac - Apple Support

Reply

Answer 3

CT

Level 7

24,387 points

Apr 7, 2018 1:16 PM in response to CharPatton

It would be helpful to know if this occurs with other files besides jpg.

Does this occur for a different user, e.g., Guest?

Does this occur after starting up in Safe Mode?

Consider the possibility of a third party software conflict. EtreCheck can be used to investigate what is installed.

Reply

Answer 4

CT

Level 7

24,387 points

Apr 8, 2018 7:46 AM in response to CharPatton

You might try ruling out VikingOSX's clever suggestion about "Folder Actions". Control-click on the Desktop folder (in your home folder) and see what it has under "Folder Actions". If there is nothing there, you should consider the possibility of third party software involvement.

Reply