A result represents the file system at scan time. Applications, synchronization, updates, Finder, and macOS can change items immediately afterward.

Signs of a stale result include:

  • File not found.
  • Size changed.
  • Selected total no longer matches.
  • App was updated or moved.
  • External disk was reconnected.
  • Permission changed.

Do not repeatedly confirm the old operation. Return to the tool and run a new scan.

For a destructive action, verify the current path and owner again. Stale results are especially risky when names are reused or a new file appears at an old path.