! Exclamation point on folder

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Level 1

9 points

! Exclamation point on folder

Hi all, what does an exclamation mark mean on a folder? (Not ipod related btw) How do I troubleshoot this? Is it a problem with one of the files inside the folder? Is it related to the recent update this week?

Thanks in advance.

MacBook Pro with Touch Bar

Posted on Jul 21, 2020 9:01 PM

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Answer 1

Kappy

Level 10

362,007 points

Jul 22, 2020 10:53 AM in response to cccf

Was this an upgrade from an earlier major version (e.g. Mojave) or an update from a minor version of Catalina (e.g. 10.5.5?) Am I correct in assuming this new folder icon was not present in the previous version of macOS that you were running?

I searched on Google for such an item but found no mention of a red folder icon with an exclamation point in it. I have no idea why it is on your system nor if it has any special meaning. You say it's an archive folder, so it may be a product of the archiver you are using. If it's a third-party archiving program, you might inquire about it to their tech support.

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Answer 2

cccf Author

Level 1

9 points

Jul 22, 2020 6:24 PM in response to Kappy

Hi Kappy,

It was only a minor upgrade of Catalina. I always update as soon as they are available.
Yes, the 'exclamation mark' on my red folder was not present prior to the minor update. But I can't say for sure it is the cause of it. Rather coincidental though.
Sorry, the RED folder is not the issue. The color is just an aesthetic fun icon. The issue is the 'exclamation mark' on the folder which is unusual and I thought it means that the files inside are corrupt or problematic.
I'm going to just ignore it for now. The files are ok so it could just be a superficial glitch.

Thanks Kappy! You have been very kind to help.

C.

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Answer 3

cccf Author

Level 1

9 points

Jul 21, 2020 10:08 PM in response to Kappy

Thanks for replying. :D

Actually, this is an archive folder, and I have it copied in 3 different external HD in order to never lose it. No copy of the folder is on the main macbook laptop. All external. Oddly, all 3 have this 'exclamation mark' on it. Not all 3 HDs were plugged in at the same time either. One of the HDs I rarely open, so when I did this morning to check my 3rd backup copy of the folder, it also had the 'exclamation mark' on the folder.
Yes, I can open and view all files inside.
I upgraded to Catalina 10.15.6 yesterday btw.

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Answer 4

Kappy

Level 10

362,007 points

Jul 21, 2020 9:12 PM in response to cccf

What are the conditions giving rise to the folder's appearance? Can you open the folder? Are you able to view files in the folder? Where is the folder located?

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! Exclamation point on folder

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