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problem with saving changes to files on desktop

I just installed Catalina on my MacBook Air, and I have a few rtf files saved on my desktop. When I make changes and try to save them, I get a message saying the changes can't be saved because the file is locked. This seems to happen only with files to which I have given a different icon, not to those with the system's RTF icon. I'm the Admin and only user on this computer, and when I 'Get Info' on these files, they all say I have read and write permission. Any suggestions for fixing the problem (other than removing their special icons)?

Posted on Nov 29, 2020 7:41 AM

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Posted on Nov 30, 2020 1:46 AM

I have done that, and it works once, but then I have to do it again the next time I make changes. Another thing that works is removing the special icon before I open the file, and pasting it back after I have changed and saved the file. It's a bit awkward, but easier than duplicating the file every time I work on it. The added icon seems to be the heart of the problem. Interesting that it's a problem in Catalina but wasn't in Mojave.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 30, 2020 1:46 AM in response to leroydouglas

I have done that, and it works once, but then I have to do it again the next time I make changes. Another thing that works is removing the special icon before I open the file, and pasting it back after I have changed and saved the file. It's a bit awkward, but easier than duplicating the file every time I work on it. The added icon seems to be the heart of the problem. Interesting that it's a problem in Catalina but wasn't in Mojave.

Nov 29, 2020 7:54 AM in response to MirSeav



MirSeav wrote:

I just installed Catalina on my MacBook Air, and I have a few rtf files saved on my desktop. When I make changes and try to save them, I get a message saying the changes can't be saved because the file is locked. This seems to happen only with files to which I have given a different icon, not to those with the system's RTF icon. I'm the Admin and only user on this computer, and when I 'Get Info' on these files, they all say I have read and write permission. Any suggestions for fixing the problem (other than removing their special icons)?


Try duplicating the file— and save that.

problem with saving changes to files on desktop

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