How to permanently stop creation of .DS_Store files on desktop?

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Level 1

2 points

How to permanently stop creation of .DS_Store files on desktop?

Ever since attempting to use .ds_store on Terminal to find hidden iTunes files, the system will not stop creating .DS_Store files on the desktop. I've tried using the defaults write com.apple.desktopservices DSDontWriteNetworkStores true command, to no avail. I'm relatively new to using Terminal, so if someone could offer any tips, that would be good. The file creation is more of an annoyance than a real problem, but I want to know how to stop it, since there is no info on this in other places. Thanks! ~ Eva

MacBook Pro, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.4)

Posted on Jun 22, 2013 3:01 PM

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Answer 1

exito

Level 1

9 points

Nov 15, 2013 7:00 AM in response to ESDixon

The DSDontWriteNetworkStores command only prevents creation on shared network drives.

.DS_Store files are always created locally (unless using something like TotalFinder to prevent that)

The reason you now see them on the Desktop is likely because during the process to track down iTunes files you enabled the option to "see" hidden files - issue the following command in Terminal to "undo" that:

defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles false

If you want the change to be immediate (rather than after logging out & back in or rebooting) then simply "restart" the Finder app, again in Terminal:

killall Finder

Johnny.

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Answer 2

LowLuster

Level 6

12,125 points

Nov 15, 2013 7:10 AM in response to ESDixon

The DS_Store files are in every folder on your drive and even in the ROOT of the drive. It is a system file. As pointed out above you can stop them from being created on Network drive but you shouldn't try to stop them from being created locally on your Mac.

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