Don't Replace Option while copying files

Oh NOOO! I've just discovered this myself.

The trouble with Apple developers is that they are just computer guys who do things they think are cool. They don't know anything about how people actually use their computers to do serious work. This loss of the "do not replace" function is part of a fundamental erosion of the basic useability of the Mac OS that I think has been going on for some time. As Steve loses control, the geeks are taking over. It may be time to think about what the alternatives are to the MacOS. I hear the new Windows is pretty good.

"... the option is back!"

Unfortunately, I think it's just the randomness of Lion.

It was working for me (the option was back) a few days ago, then stopped... and it is not working for me today, even after installing 10.7.1, repairing disk and repairing permissions.

The only choices that I am getting now are "Keep Both Files" – "Stop" – "Replace."

I am not getting the option "Don't Replace" today, regardless whether the receiving folder is open or closed.

(And the Update makes no mention of fixing this problem.)

A ƒ open or closed, should not behave differently or have different features or attributes. It's a folder for heaven's sake. If this behavior differential is correct, it's a fundamental flaw in the system.

Agree 100%, this is just crap. no other word for it, I can't belive this is not fixed in 10.7.1, and it isn't fixed. Yeah I went to file a bug report but the bug reporting system crapped out on me, tried 2 times and gave up in disgust ! Man, if this was Microsoft you would never hear the end of it. Pathetic. Apple, Fix It !

Something else that bothers & annoys me, not fixed in the .1 edition: folders still aren't smart enough to remember settings on an individual basis.

I can't set my new Finder window to sort by NAME and my Downloads window to sort by DATE. The system isn't sophisticated or powerful enough to manage or remember these oh-so-complicated settings.

One step forward, two steps back.

well, if u drag whole folder into window where recieving folder is, you will be asked to "keep newer" files. Kinda sloppy, isn't it?

I sometimes backup my songs bought from Itunes to an external harddrive, and it used to be very easy with the "dont replace"-button, then it only copied all my new songs. I didnt have to try rember what I have bought the last few weeks and then copy only those, or replace the entire library ( several 1000 songs after many years with Itunes usage ). The last option is quite time-consuming. So I really like to have the "dont replace"-button back.

For those of You that want a work-around , there is a programs that is like the old windows/Total commander

( for those who has used windows ) : Xfolders 1.6 ( free ) , that is 10 times better than Finder . By example 1 function that it has :"compare folders" under the edit , will compare the chosen folders in "both windows" ( it is divided into 2 do sides wher You can choose 2 diiferen volumes or folders in the same volume , so You can copy between them ) and mark the onse that are different in size.

NB It says on the page that it has not been tested and doessnt support Snow Leopard , and use on own risk. I have not had any problems with it

picture : http://www.kai-heitkamp.de/xfolders/xfolders_en.png

review : http://alternativeto.net/software/xfolders/about

or the program : muCommander 0.85 that is even more like Norton Commander ( windows /total commander ). Here you get much more options when copiing files or folders

I don't have a solution but I wanted to add my name to the list of people frustrated by the loss of the "don't replace"option.

Not sure if this was in 10.7.1, but in 10.7.2, when presented with the dialog box, hold the 'option' key and "Keep Both Files" will change to "Skip"

Credit for this find goes to: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3247340?answerId=16496055022#16496055022

Hmmm! Another hidden and undocumented "feature" from Apple, eh?

jase71ds wrote:

@phillh.noumea

Thanks for showing me the "hack" regarding Move, then click Stop.

I can't think of any way to describe that mangled mess other than to call it a hack.

But imagine this. You have two hard drives that you want to keep syncronized.

I would use sync software if I wanted to sync, your way takes too long and is error prone, try CCC.

IMO, CCC and SuperDuper! are backup apps and poorly suited for synching two machines.

Gotta remember to alway have a finger on ⌥ 😉