Catalina has locked all non-PDF files on my Desktop, Pages, and Photos

Question

Catalina has locked all non-PDF files on my Desktop, Pages, and Photos

Since the "upgrade," If I try to open a jpg file on my Desktop, Preview gives me an error message like this: The file “imgs325.jpg” couldn’t be opened.

If I try to move that file into a desktop folder or even into the Trash, it won't go. The usual plunking noise happens, but the file hasn't moved.

Also, I cannot highlight and print an item on my Desktop.

Indeed, I cannot open any files in my Desktop folders!--unless they are in PDF. I get an error message.

So, I can't get into my working files, not even to print them.

MacBook Pro 13", macOS 10.15

Posted on Nov 2, 2019 6:29 PM

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Answer 1

frp1

Level 1

9 points

Nov 7, 2019 8:48 PM in response to Deborah Bezanis1

The problem seems to be with the Desktop. If a pdf is downloaded directly to a folder (that's not on the Desktop) it opens fine in Preview. However when dragging the file out of the folder back to the Desktop the problem reoccurs. To delete error file from the Desktop: Finder>File>Hold Option key>Delete immediately...

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Answer 2

Nov 8, 2019 5:54 AM in response to frp1

My documents folder does the same thing. I've re-installed Catalina, repaired the discs... repaired permissions. Will try DiscWarrior, maybe that will fix it. I can't copy and paste my documents off of my desktop even.

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Answer 3

Nov 8, 2019 9:47 AM in response to joefromphiladelphia

It's odd to me how it went away after a restart, but came back again. I think Apple must find a fix for this, once having identified the cause. Restarting and not logging out are not long-term solutions.

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Answer 4

rrbc

Level 1

4 points

Nov 27, 2019 9:11 AM in response to Deborah Bezanis1

Apple has "upgraded" file and folder security, locking down the following User folders: Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Mail and Safari cache to "improve" security. This is not working perfectly yet, so we have to wait for a "fix." Both of our MacBook Pros running 10.15.1 are experiencing the same issue. When it occurs, I cannot open or save ANY file to the Desktop, for example. I shut down every night and restart every morning, but the issue happens again randomly.