Getting Rid of ?? and Icons from Top and Side of Finder Windows

When I open a finder window on my MacBook Air, I see icons and question marks across the top of the finder window and also a stray icon on the left-hand side under my Favorites.  I remember using the track pad to try and move a file out of the finder window and also accidentally dropping it in the top bar.  Another time I remember dropping a file accidentally into the side bar.

Well, this was driving me crazy. When I tried to delete any of the icons on the top it would just change them to the question mark.  When I tried to delete any of the icons on the left-hand side, it would just open the file or app.

Today, I decided to track down a solution. First I asked my husband and he suggested selecting the icon while holding down the control key.  I tried this on the icons on the side bar and I was able to see an option to remove. So, I immediately tried the same thing on the icons on the top bar. It didn't work. So, I tried the option key, which didn't work either.

I did find an Apple Support forum when I googled the problem and found that the command key is the one to hold down when you want to remove the icons on the top bar of your finder window. You then drag the icons from the top bar out to your desktop and poof, they disappear.

Just thought I would post it today for those who may be having the same problem. Tweet