User profile for user: John Hutcheson
John Hutcheson Author
User level: Level 1
135 points

What is '~.noindex' folder?

I have just found a folder in my HD/users/ folder called 'joebloggs.noindex'. This folder is on my MBP running Snow Leopard. The contents of this folder amounts to 1.5gb and seems to be a part backup of my G5 desktop and docs folder which is on the same network. Before I delete this, does anyone know what this is? I don't remember creating this backup but before deleting it I would be happier to know what it is and how it has been created.

G5 dual 1.8ghz and MBP 2.66ghz, Mac OS X (10.6.1)

Posted on Oct 24, 2009 8:08 AM

Reply
Question marked as ⚠️ Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: thomas_r.
thomas_r.
User level: Level 7
32,013 points

Posted on Oct 24, 2009 8:31 AM

Adding ".noindex" to a file/folder's name causes it to not be indexed by Spotlight, so you won't be able to find it (or its contents) using Spotlight. I don't know what that particular folder is for, as I don't have such a folder. I suspect some software created it, but don't know what or what it might be for. If you plan to delete it, I'd advise moving it to the Trash first, but don't empty. Leave it there for as long as it takes for you to be sure all your apps are behaving correctly, then empty the trash if you're problem-free.
View in context
3 replies
Sort By: 
Question marked as ⚠️ Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: thomas_r.
thomas_r.
User level: Level 7
32,013 points

Oct 24, 2009 8:31 AM in response to John Hutcheson

Adding ".noindex" to a file/folder's name causes it to not be indexed by Spotlight, so you won't be able to find it (or its contents) using Spotlight. I don't know what that particular folder is for, as I don't have such a folder. I suspect some software created it, but don't know what or what it might be for. If you plan to delete it, I'd advise moving it to the Trash first, but don't empty. Leave it there for as long as it takes for you to be sure all your apps are behaving correctly, then empty the trash if you're problem-free.
Reply

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

What is '~.noindex' folder?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.
Learn more Sign up