---
id: junk-yard.what-does-missing-mean-on-a-file-scrap
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/junk-yard/what-does-missing-mean-on-a-file-scrap
category: "Junk Yard"
subcategory: "Cards, notes and editing"
question: "What does \"Missing\" mean on a Junk Yard file card?"
alt_questions:
  - "Junk Yard file Missing"
  - "The original is gone Junk Yard"
  - "Can't open file from Junk Yard"
  - "File scrap missing"
  - "Why does my file card say Missing?"
short_answer: "\"Missing\" means the original file can't be found — deleted, or on a drive that isn't connected. The card only holds a reference, so reconnect the drive or delete the card."
tags: ["files", "missing", "troubleshooting"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/junk-yard/what-does-moved-mean-on-a-file-scrap", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/junk-yard/what-happens-when-i-copy-a-file"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# What does "Missing" mean on a Junk Yard file card?

It means the file the card points to can't be found any more — it was deleted, emptied from the Trash, or is on a drive that isn't connected. The Junk Yard only keeps a reference, not a copy, so there's nothing it can open or paste.

If the file lives on an external drive, plug the drive back in and try again. Otherwise, delete the card.