Can't delete Files Put On Desktop - Why?

[kapalua12]

I get the message "The action cannot be completed because backup items cannot be modified" when I try to delete something from my desktop.

The only activity I have run is Carbon Copy Cloner on my old 2010 iMac running the latest version of Mountain Lion. I used to be able to temporarily "store " pictures, etc, there. Now I can't delete them and get the above warning message. Can anyone please help?

 

[justperry]

Kinda odd problem, don't know and never saw such a warning.

What you can do first though is to get info on the Desktop Folder.

To do so, click on your home folder in the sidebar, then select the desktop folder and hit Command-I, what are the permission like on the folder?

 

[kapalua12]

Kinda odd problem, don't know and never saw such a warning.

What you can do first though is to get info on the Desktop Folder.

To do so, click on your home folder in the sidebar, then select the desktop folder and hit Command-I, what are the permission like on the folder?

If the Home Folder is the Desktop folder in Finder, the answer to your question is the permissions are "read and write".

If that's not the Home folder then please direct me to it? Thanks.

 

[justperry]

If the Home Folder is the Desktop folder in Finder, the answer to your question is the permissions are "read and write".

If that's not the Home folder then please direct me to it? Thanks.

That is the one, Read/write is OK.

Now, I know this does not solve your problem but it will (likely) delete the files you want to delete on the desktop.
Not too difficult.

1. Open Terminal
2. type
sudo rm and drag the file here.
Example, I have a text file called 1234.rtf on Desktop

sudo rm /Users/perry/Desktop/1234.rtf

3.Hit Enter and enter password.

This should remove the file permanently, be aware, it is deleted instantly, not moved to the trash.

Going to think about the Error you got, seems like your desktop folder is set as target for backup or something.