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New Folders in Monterey

I've been reading a previous query about why I can't create folders in Monterey. The solution put forward is to put everything in a "home" folder. I've been using a 2014 iMac until it died in June this year and have stored my 97000 files in a folder structure that allows me to easily find what I'm looking for and to update when required. I've recently bought a Mac mini running Monterey and find that the structure that I've created over the last 8 years is now useless. If I want to create another folder e.g 2022, then 2023 then this can only be done on my "home Folder" so I end up with two file systems pre-Monterey and post Monterey which is not really a solution, it's a mega problem. Alternatively I could transfer all my folders into the "home" Folder which could take hours or days. Has anyone got a better solution? This is another of those issues where Apple has fundamentally changed the system while not informing its customers. This incredibly arrogant attitude is also apparent in the Music (ex iTunes app). After every update to a new operating, half of the songs stored in iTunes disappears. These collections have often been built up over several years. As I don't trust Apple to respect this collection, I've decide to transfer all the music to external discs - hours more work. Another fine mess Apple have landed me in. They don't seem to care about their customers at all.

Mac mini, macOS 12.4

Posted on Aug 1, 2022 11:41 PM

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Posted on Aug 1, 2022 11:54 PM

You should be putting your user data into the default folders: Documents, Pictures, Movies and etc.


It's generally a very bad idea to do anything with system folders and files. You can however create new folders/subfolders to use: Open Finder > Finder menu > New Folder. You can drag it to the left panel if you wish.



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Aug 1, 2022 11:54 PM in response to CONFUSEDOAP

You should be putting your user data into the default folders: Documents, Pictures, Movies and etc.


It's generally a very bad idea to do anything with system folders and files. You can however create new folders/subfolders to use: Open Finder > Finder menu > New Folder. You can drag it to the left panel if you wish.



Aug 2, 2022 2:24 AM in response to CONFUSEDOAP

That is Apple Design and started in macOS 10.15 Catalina where the OS was housed in a read Only Volume.


Apple has taken it to a higher Level starting in Big Sur and again on Monterey where the Operating System resides in a Sealed and Read Only Volume that can not be opened by the User and protects against from “ Bad Actor “ Software.


If the user is not pleased with this setup, there is nothing any of us can doing about it


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Aug 2, 2022 12:33 AM in response to CONFUSEDOAP

> transfer all my folders into the "home" Folder


That is the best solution. Luckily you have to do that only once and then move on.


I guess your problem was that your files were at the root level and some macOS upgrade no longer allowed that and moved them. But current operating systems are multi-user so where would the other possible users then put their files if the root level is already occupied?


I have used a Mac since 1987 and I too have gnashed my teeth when old habits must be forgotten so I feel your pain :-\

Aug 2, 2022 5:33 AM in response to CONFUSEDOAP

Why does your current folder structure not work in your home folder?

Just create a folder in your Home and name it something like "arbitrary top level folder Name"

Make an alias on your desktop, drag it into the Sidebar or Dock. You now have no limitations on your access to the folder. It is even less difficult to get to than what you had on the root level of the startup drive.

Alternatively I could transfer all my folders into the "home" Folder which could take hours or days.

Aren't you going to move the files onto your new Mac anyway? What's the difference in moving them into the root level of the drive or into a folder in your home? I can't understand any difference, there.


If it auto-moved them in /Users/Shared/Relocated Items/, just drag that top level folder into your home folder. That should not take long to move them as it just has to change the permissions on the file and change the path.

New Folders in Monterey

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