Applications Folder Stuck on Desktop

[mpolovesme]

Hello,

I am usually able to troubleshoot on my own, but I am stuck and need some help.

I don't even know how it happened, but the Applications folder is stuck on my desktop.

If I try to move it it begins making a copy and the folder remains on desktop.

If delete it, it actually deletes the contents of the folder.

 

[spinnerlys]

Is there an Applications folder on your Macintosh HD?

If so, is it the same size as the one on the Desktop?

If not, why don't you copy it back? You can delete the "copy" on the Desktop after the copy process has finished.

 

[mpolovesme]

When I 'get info' on the desktop applications folder, the size says 4.24 GB on disk for 1,440 items

When I 'get info' on applications folder in macintosh hd, the size says 1.55 GB on disk for 1,346.

My fear is losing any of my applications by following through with deleting the folder on my desktop.

 

[mpolovesme]

I'm sorry! I just read your reply again and think I understand now.

So I can just drag the applications folder that is on my desktop into the macintosh hd and allow the copy to complete. Then, delete the folder on the desktop?

This will not cause a delete for anything in the macintosh hd?

 

[spinnerlys]

You can also rename one application folder to something like "Applications 2 - The Mystery" and then move it to Macintosh HD.

Or use Find Duplicate Files for Mac OS X to find duplicate files. After the search is over, delete those that are duplicates and then move all the files and folder from one folder to the other and delete the empty one.

So all that is left is the Macintosh HD / Applications folder.



Also have a look at the following links, as the information presented there might be helpful in your future endeavours into Mac OS X and could clear up initial confusion and may even prevent harm to your system or your files.

Mac OS X keyboard shortcuts

Mac Beginner's Guide

Finding Mac Software

List of Mac Software

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[mpolovesme]

Problem Solved!

Thanks so much!

Once I went in and found the duplicates, I was able to delete the appropriate folder and poof! the applications folder is no longer on my desktop and I still have all my applications in the dock!

Great!

 

[mtnDewFTW]

have you tried to move it back to your dock?
Or go to your home folder and move it to it's original spot?
That should be a shortcut, not the file itself.

 

[spinnerlys]

have you tried to move it back to your dock?
Or go to your home folder and move it to it's original spot?
That should be a shortcut, not the file itself.

Dragging icons off the Dock removes them from the Dock and does not create an Alias or copy on the Desktop or wherever it is dragged to.
You can make a copy though if you drag it off the Dock while holding down the CMD key.

Also the Applications folder is located on Macintosh HD (or whatever the name of the HDD of the Mac where the OS resides on is), the Home folder resides in Macintosh HD / Users / YOU (short name of the account and also the Home folder).