How to Delete Files From Memory Card on Mac

Memory cards are handy portable storage devices that allow us to store and carry data such as pictures, videos, music and documents. However, there comes a time when we need to delete some or all of the files from the memory card. The process of deleting files from a memory card on Mac can be confusing for some people. This article aims to provide a step-by-step guide on how to delete files from memory card on Mac and the different methods that can be used.

Video Tutorial:

What’s Needed

The following items are needed to successfully delete files from a memory card on a Mac:

• A Mac computer
• A memory card
• A card reader (if the memory card is not built into your computer)

What Requires Your Focus?

The process of deleting files from a memory card requires attention to avoid deleting important files. You need to make sure that you select the right files that you wish to delete. Additionally, you need to be careful not to delete system files as they may affect the operation of your device.

Different Methods to Delete Files From Memory Card on Mac

Method 1: Using Finder

Finder is the default file manager on Mac that allows users to locate and delete files. Follow the steps below to delete files using Finder:

1. Insert your memory card into your Mac (if not built-in).
2. Open Finder by clicking on the Finder icon on the Dock.
3. Select your memory card from the list of devices on the left pane of the Finder window.
4. Locate the files that you want to delete.
5. Right-click on the file and click ‘Move to Trash’ from the drop-down menu.
6. Once all the files are selected, click on ‘Empty Trash’ to permanently delete the files from your memory card.

Pros:

• It is a simple process.
• The process does not require any additional software.

Cons:

• The files are not deleted permanently until you empty the trash. This means that anyone with access to the trash folder can still recover the deleted files
• You cannot preview the files before deleting them.

Method 2: Using Terminal

Terminal is a command-line shell used to interact with the computer. It can be used to delete files from the memory card. Follow the steps below:

1. Insert your memory card into your Mac.
2. Open Terminal by clicking on ‘Spotlight’ search (magnifying glass icon) on the menu bar and type ‘Terminal’. Click on the Terminal icon from the results.
3. Type the command ‘cd /Volumes/your_memory_card’ (replace ‘your_memory_card’ with the name of your memory card).
4. Type the command ‘ls’ to list all the files in your memory card.
5. Type the command ‘rm filename’ to delete a file (replace ‘filename’ with the name of the file you wish to delete). You can also type ‘rm *.’ to delete all files with a specific extension (e.g. *.jpg).
6. Type the command ‘rm -rf dirname’ to delete a folder and its contents (replace ‘dirname’ with the name of the folder you wish to delete).

Pros:

• You can preview the files before deleting them.
• You can delete files permanently.

Cons:

• The process is complicated for beginners.
• Deleting system files may affect the operation of your device.

Method 3: Using Third-party Software

There are several third-party applications that you can use to delete files from a memory card on your Mac such as CleanMyMac X, DaisyDisk, and Disk Drill. Follow the steps below to delete files using CleanMyMac X:

1. Download and Install CleanMyMac X.
2. Insert your memory card into your Mac.
3. Open CleanMyMac X and click on ‘Memory Card’ from the left sidebar.
4. Select the files that you want to delete and click on the ‘Remove’ button.
5. Confirm the action by clicking on ‘Remove’ on the pop-up window.

Pros:

• You can preview the files before deleting them.
• The files are deleted permanently with no chance of recovery.

Cons:

• Third-party software can slow down your computer.
• Some of the software requires a payment to access features, unlike the first two methods which are free.

Why Can’t I Delete Files From Memory Card on Mac?

There are several reasons why you may not be able to delete files from a memory card on a Mac:

1. The memory card is write-protected.
2. The files you are trying to delete are being used by another program or device.
3. The memory card is corrupted or damaged.

The fixes for these issues are:

1. Remove the write-protection from the memory card. Most memory cards have a physical switch that enables or disables write protection.
2. Close the program that is using the file and try deleting the file again. If you are unable to find the program, restart your computer and try again.
3. Run a ‘First Aid’ check on the memory card using Disk Utility to diagnose and fix any issues.

Implications and Recommendations

Deleting files from memory cards may seem like a simple process, but it can have significant implications if not done properly. Some of the implications include loss of important files, corrupt files, and damaged memory cards. We recommend that you back up your files before deleting them from the memory card, not to delete system files and use a reliable method to avoid potential damages.

5 FAQs about Deleting Files from Memory Card on Mac

Q1: Can I recover the files that I have deleted from the memory card?

A: It depends on the method that you used to delete the files. If you used Finder, the files can still be recovered from the trash folder. If you used Terminal, the files are deleted permanently, and there is no chance of recovery unless you use a data recovery software. If you used third-party software, check if they have a trash folder where the deleted files are stored.

Q2: Why do I get the error message ‘The operation can’t be completed because the item is in use’ when trying to delete a file?

A: This error message indicates that the file is being used by another program or device. Close the program and try again or restart your computer and try again.

Q3: How do I remove write protection from the memory card?

A: Most memory cards have a physical switch that enables or disables write protection. Check your memory card for the switch and move it to the unlocked position.

Q4: How do I know if a file is a system file?

A: System files have specific names, extensions, and locations. To avoid deleting system files, do not delete files from the library, system, or applications folders.

Q5: Does deleting files from a memory card on my Mac affect the files on other devices, such as my camera?

A: No, deleting files from a memory card on your Mac only affects the files on the memory card. The files on other devices such as your camera are not affected.

In Conclusion

Deleting files from a memory card is a simple process, but it needs attention to avoid deleting important files or damaging the memory card. This article has provided a step-by-step guide on how to delete files from memory card on Mac using different methods such as Finder, Terminal, and third-party software. We recommend that you back up your files, avoid deleting system files, and use a reliable method to avoid potential damages.

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