How to Resolve a Filename Question Mark in Apple Products

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Dealing with a Mysterious Question Mark in Finder? Here’s How to Fix It

If you’ve noticed a question mark over some files in your Finder on macOS, you’re not alone. This often happens due to malware affecting your system. But don’t worry — we can help you sort it out quickly!

What You’ll See

You’ll notice a question mark on an unfamiliar filename in your Finder windows. It usually appears near the "Data Modified" column.

Step-by-Step Guide to Resolve the Issue

Follow these simple steps to fix the problem:

Open Terminal:
- Hold down the Command key and press the Spacebar.
- Type Terminal and hit the Return key.
Run the First Command:
- In the Terminal window, type the following command, then hit Return:
  bash
  mv ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.finder.plist ~/Desktop/
Run the Second Command:
- Next, type this command and press Return:
  bash
  killall Finder
Save Your Work and Restart:
- Make sure to save any open documents and close all applications.
- Now, restart your computer by following these steps:
  - Click on the Apple Menu at the top left of your screen.
  - Select Restart…
  - Make sure to uncheck “Reopen windows when logging back in.”
  - Click the Restart button.

Final Notes

After your system restarts, check back in Finder. The question mark should be gone! If you still have issues, you may want to ensure your system is free of malware or consult with a tech expert.

By following these easy steps, you should be able to resolve the issue quickly and get back to using your Mac without any hassles. Happy computing!