The MacBook Pro will not allow me to cut-and-paste to and from or to click-and-drag to the external drive. I can copy-and-paste, but then I must send the original to the trash, which doubles the time and effort. Is there any way to cut-and-paste?

I have recently switched from a PC to a MacBook Pro.
I have a large number of documents and photographs on a multiterrabite external drive, backed up on a second multiterrabite external drive.
Both external drives are formatted for MacIntosh. This has been verified by agents at an Apple store and also at Best Buy in two different cities.
This is the problem:
The MacBook Pro will not allow me to cut-and-paste to and from or to click-and-drag to the external drive. I can copy-and-paste, but then I must send the original to the trash, which doubles the time and effort. Is there any way to cut-and-paste?
Also, the MacBook Pro will not allow me to rename multiple documents or photographs. I can click-and-rename a single one, but this is impossibly time consuming. I can batch-rename in iPhoto, but when I transfer the photographs to the external drive, the rename does not transfer.
I’m reduced to using my wife’s Toshiba to cut-and-past, rename, and transfer documents. It works perfectly. Is there any way to do this on the MacBook Pro?
Thanks!
Roderick Guerry
[email protected]

Roderick Guerry wrote:
The MacBook Pro will not allow me to cut-and-paste to and from or to click-and-drag to the external drive. I can copy-and-paste, but then I must send the original to the trash, which doubles the time and effort. Is there any way to cut-and-paste?
No, this is a philosophical difference between Apple and Microsoft. Apple believes that it's dangerous to cut a file in case the user never pastes it; in that case the file is lost. Microsoft seems to not have this problem (if I remember Windows correctly) because they don't delete the originating file if it's cut but never pasted.
Even though Macs have a lot of keyboard shortcuts, philosophically Macs have traditionally been mouse-first. This applies to file copy operations. In your case, what a Mac user would do is open the source window, open the destination window (on your second drive), and then Command-drag the selected files from the source to destination window. This is because a normal drag would leave the originals behind, while adding the Command modifier key tells OS X that this is a Move, not a Copy, so don't leave the originals behind.
(In addition there are different rules for drag-copying within the same volume or between different volumes. If you drag between two folders on the same volume, the files are moved. If you drag between different volumes, the files are copied unless you hold down Command to delete the copies on the source volume.)
Roderick Guerry wrote:
Also, the MacBook Pro will not allow me to rename multiple documents or photographs. I can click-and-rename a single one, but this is impossibly time consuming. I can batch-rename in iPhoto, but when I transfer the photographs to the external drive, the rename does not transfer.
Two problems in this case. First, batch file renaming is not built into OS X unless you build something with Automator. However, there are many utilities that can do batch file renaming which you can find at macupdate.com or on the App Store. Since I work with media I often batch rename using one of the media managers I have lying around like Media Pro or Adobe Bridge (comes with Photoshop).
iPhoto is a database front end designed to shield the file system from the consumer and let them concentrate on creativity and sharing. As such it is often a poor choice for managing files directly. When you "transferred the photographs" chances are you moved the originals, not the ones iPhoto edited which are stored in a hidden folder.
Roderick Guerry wrote:
I’m reduced to using my wife’s Toshiba to cut-and-past, rename, and transfer documents. It works perfectly. Is there any way to do this on the MacBook Pro?
There will not be a way to do it exactly like Windows. As described above, there are ways to do it "the Mac way." If it is possible to remove judgment on which way is "better" you might find the Mac way to be acceptable, but of course sometimes we simply prefer what we're used to.

Similar Messages

  • My MacBook Pro will not allow me to log in at the user screen. It sits frozen and will not prompt me to input my password.

    My MacBook Pro will not allow me to log in at the user screen. It sits frozen and will not prompt me to input my password.

    If the normal restart doesn't work, and you restart on the recovery hard drive, from the choices of things to do window that appears, select Terminal, and in the Terminal window type: resetpassword and then press enter.  You will have a window with the users to choose from to reset the password.  Select the one you want and you will be able to reset the password, double entry of course.

  • My MacBook Pro will not allow me to shut down it says it is still importing photos into iPhoto it also will not quit

    My MacBook Pro will not allow me to shut down my computer.  Their seems to be a glitch in the iPhotos.  It says it is still importing photos into iPhoto.  It will not allow me to quit either.

    You could always hold down the power button to force the MacBook to turn off. This is usually a last resort step though, but if nothing else is working and you are sure it isn't importing photos then you might consider it.

  • My MacBOOK Pro will not allow me to type in the password to open? up the computer, it just making a donging noise

    My MacbookPro will not allow me to type in the password to open the computer, the keys make a donging noise when I try to use them ?

    If the normal restart doesn't work, and you restart on the recovery hard drive, from the choices of things to do window that appears, select Terminal, and in the Terminal window type: resetpassword and then press enter.  You will have a window with the users to choose from to reset the password.  Select the one you want and you will be able to reset the password, double entry of course.

  • MacBook Pro will not allow me to attach files to email

    After completing a software update last week, my MacBook Pro will now not allow me to send email attchments through Hotmail or Mocrosoft Outlook. I have been unable to upload photos to Facebook now either. The message I am getting is the Safari has quit unexpectedly due to the IA plug in  (I have no idea what that means!).  HELP!!

    sharonfromsioux lookout wrote:
    The message I am getting is the Safari has quit unexpectedly due to the IA plug in  (I have no idea what that means!).
    You (or someone else) has installed on your Mac software which causes Safari to crash. Are you being monitored?

  • The Macbook Pro will not start past the grey Apple logo screen? Any help will be most welcome?

    The Macbook Pro 13, late 2009 will not start past the grey Apple Logo screen?  Any help will be most welcome? Thanks

    Have you tried booting with the install disc that came with your computer?
    Find it and then run Disk Utility to verify your hard drive. If errors are found, try to repair the disk.
    It sounds as if the hard drive might be failing.
    Clinton

  • My MacBook Pro  will not allow my to save a map from the internet as a pdf when I open the saved document it is blank can anyone help me?

    Mac OS X Lion 10.7.5

    15" = 2 fans, left & right. HDD in lower-right corner.  See here for component placement (click on appropriate model, choose the fan guides): http://www.ifixit.com/Device/MacBook_Pro_15%22
    Replacement fan: $60 + shipping. 13 screws altogether.
    Determine which one with Old Mechanic's Trick: get a solid metal rod of adequate length 3/16"-1/4" dia., place one end against the bony area next to your good ear and move the other end against different spots on the Mac's body to determine exactly where the noise comes from.
    Or replace both to be safe.
    99% sure it is a fan.
    P.S.: Must Replace Bad Fan. If it fails, MBP can overheat and get permanently damaged. Not User Serviceable.

  • My new MacBook Pro will not allow me to log on.

    I got my mac book pro for christmas 2011, so its practically brand new. When i turn it on, i click on the log in place where i would put my password, but the area wont stay selected. None of my keys work aswell. when i press on a key, a beeping sound happens. like as if its not permitted. I can use all my control keys at the top such as playing music, changing my brightness , adjusting my volume levels, ect. What do i do?!?

    Try doing an SMC reset per this knowledge base article.
    If that doesn't help, you may need to visit an Apple genius bar and have the technicians check to see why the keyboard isn't working right.

  • When buying on line my macbook pro will not let me go to the payment page of the web site

    When purchasing goods over the internet my MacBook Pro will not allow me to go beyond the payment page therefore I am unable to complete my purchase. If I use a Windows operated PC in the same household I do not have this problem.
    Are there any security settings on my MacBook preventing me going any further?
    Les

    Your MBP will let you do everything. What you haven't told us is what browser, what prompt comes up when you select pay, and does this happen on every web site you buy stuff on.

  • My macbook pro will not boot up its like my password is wrong? What can I do to fix it?

    My macbook pro will not load opperating system. When I enter my password it just goes back to enter password screen. Like my password is wrong but it's not. How do I fix this problem?

    Consider resetting your password:
    http://osxdaily.com/2010/08/10/forgot-mac-password-how-to-reset-mac-password/
    Ciao.

  • TS3276 Mail on MacBook Pro will not open nor quit to allow the comp to restart

    my mail app on my macbook pro will not open and i've had problems with it since day one. i simply use to ignore this problem and use a different email source, but now the computer won't even restart because the mail app will not quit. how do i fix this?

    I found that the problem with many gmail installations in Apple Mail (and other mail clients) is related to Google's two step verification process. If you remember getting text codes on your mobile device(s) asking you to verify your email account, this is a possibility for you. You may have to log onto GMail from your browser, got to the "gear" icon->settings->Change account settings->Change password recovery options, then put in your password again at the resulting verification window, and turn off secondary verification via text in the ensuing windows. This prevents the mail client from failing to verify via a password you may not even have access to in order to go online. Once you have done this and saved it, you should be able to send and receive mail and no longer be prompted for your password unsuccessfully over and over. MAke sure, of course, that all your regular email settings are correct again (like FULL email address in user name fields), now that you may have changed lots of things in the vain attempt to overcome this rather obscure problem
    P.S., it's a Google issue, not an Apple issue. It seems Apple and Apple Mail hs been getting a bit of a bad rap here for being asked to do the impossible based on what it has been given to work with.
    Just another day in paradise!
    Steve Bilzi
    Sr. Tech
    Bilzi Mac Services
    Wilmington, NC

  • My Macbook Pro will not boot up. I can hear the sound that it has started and then goes into an infinite loop.

    My Macbook Pro will not boot up. I can hear the sound that it has started and then it goes into an infinite loop.

    What model MBP and which version of OS X? Sounds as if the hard drive may have failed. If you have an installation disc, try booting with it. If your machine came with Lion or Mountain Lion, try booting to the Recovery partition - Command and R keys held down while booting.
    Clinton

  • My macbook pro will not get past the gray screen with the apple logo and a loading bar.

    My macbook pro will not get past the grey screen with the apple logo after attempting to load for hours.  I have already tried resetting the NVRAM/PRAM and a couple other tricks and no luck.  Anyone out there have suggestions for my problem? Help would be much appreciated since i use my computer for everything at school and i am in desperate need to get this baby working again.

    You didn't say which OS in your tag, but maybe you might find something here.
    http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2570
    http://support.apple.com/kb/PH4191
    http://support.apple.com/kb/PH7213
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4125
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2213

  • Because in my macbook pro will not let me open The Sims 3?

    because in my macbook pro will not let me open The Sims 3?
    Whenever I try to open the application icon starts jumping and then disappears

    Says it works with 10.7, problems with 10.8 though.
    Reinstall the program and trash the Dock icon, then make a new one and see if that works.
    Then Trash it's preference file and relaunch the program to create a new one
    Deleting the System Preference or other .plist file
    If not then run through this, could be a sign of something bigger
    ..Step by Step to fix your Mac

  • My macbook pro will not charge or turn on. When I plug in the charger nothing happens and the light doesn't turn on. What can I do?

    My macbook pro will not charge or turn on. When I plug in the charger nothing happens and the light doesn't turn on. What can I do?

    Some basics please, what vintage is your MBP, have you plugged anything else into the wall socket to verify that it is live? which light doesn't turn on, the charger or the MBP?
    Hold the power button down for 15 seconds, wait for 2 then press it normally and see te MBP it turns on

Maybe you are looking for

  • Windows crashes upon Java exit.

    Firstly, I apologise that I know very little about Java and if I've omitted any important information here I may need precise instructions on how to find it out. According to the Add/Remove Programs menu, I have 'JS2E Runtime Environment 5.0 Update 6

  • How to create Purchase group

    Hai Guys, What is the procedure to create my own Purchase group? Kindly let me know the Steps.. Regards Jino.

  • Trace file event set....need the file for the user...

    hello all, i had a question about the trace file, I was asked by one of ur manager to set events for trace file...he asked to do this... ALTER SESSION SET EVENTS '10046 trace name context forever, level 12'; alter system set events '1483 trace name e

  • Safety Stock field/table in ASCP Horizontal Plan?

    Hello, I need to get the safety stock data that is seen from the ASCP's Horizontal Plan. Whiat table and field is it? Can't find it from MSC_DEMANDS and MSC_SUPPLIES. Thanks

  • My iPhone 3GS has died. It will not turn on, reset, charge-nothing. Any ideas?

    Was listening to music and paused it to put in headphones and it just shut down. Have tried charging it and resetting, but nothing happens. Any input would be great, thanks!