User profile for user: x.ckobelt
x.ckobelt Author
User level: Level 1
8 points

How do I delete a media file from iMovie if I don't have permission to delete it?

I am trying to delete a project from iMovie. When I try to delete the project I get the following error message:


“2018_0429_021431_005A_SOS.mov” couldn’t be moved to the trash because you don’t have permission to access it.


It also advises to go to the file and go to File > Get Info and change the permissions. When I go into the project and try to 'Delete Media from Event', nothing happens and the video file is still present.


It seems like there is no way for me to get rid of this video file from the iMovie Library and thus no way to get rid of this project.


It may also help to know that the video file originally came from a SD card from a dash cam in my car. Other video files I have had no issues with from the same source, just this one in particular.


Any advice?

iMovie 10, macOS High Sierra (10.13.3)

Posted on Apr 30, 2018 11:26 AM

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User profile for user: Rich839
Rich839
User level: Level 8
48,048 points

Posted on Apr 30, 2018 11:49 AM

Hi,


Select the clip in the timeline and do a File/Reveal in Finder. An Original Media finder folder will pop up with the selected clip highlighted. Try to delete it from there. If it won't delete, then try the Get Info on the clip and change the permissions and see if it will delete. If it deletes, now see if your project will delete.


-- Rich

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User profile for user: Rich839
Rich839
User level: Level 8
48,048 points

Apr 30, 2018 11:49 AM in response to x.ckobelt

Hi,


Select the clip in the timeline and do a File/Reveal in Finder. An Original Media finder folder will pop up with the selected clip highlighted. Try to delete it from there. If it won't delete, then try the Get Info on the clip and change the permissions and see if it will delete. If it deletes, now see if your project will delete.


-- Rich

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User profile for user: x.ckobelt
x.ckobelt Author
User level: Level 1
8 points

Apr 30, 2018 11:56 AM in response to Rich839

I did the Reveal in Finder and found it right where you said. When I went to delete it, it said the file was locked. So I went into Get Info and unlocked the file by clicking the check mark box option. Then everything deleted without further issue.


Thanks so much for getting me in the right direction; you’re awesome!

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How do I delete a media file from iMovie if I don't have permission to delete it?

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