... because an item with the name ".DS_Store" already exists.

Question

Level 2

418 points

... because an item with the name ".DS_Store" already exists.

When attempting to offload a folder file from a burned disc (my iTunes song backup files), I often get the following text box warning window stating:

The operation cannot be completed because an item with the name ".DS_Store" already exists.

How can this be avoided or repaired so I don't get this "DS_Store" garbage everytime I unload a folder from a CD or DVD, to my desktop?

800 mhz eMac/Superdrive Mac OS X (10.2.x) LaCie External Hard Drive, 1 GB RAM

Posted on Aug 21, 2006 10:00 AM

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Answer 1

Chopsuey

Level 4

1,945 points

Aug 21, 2006 11:53 PM in response to DavidMac

Hi there,

The .DS_Store file is present in the Desktop
folder and probably is present also on the CD
that you burnt as well as many other folders.

I'm not sure what it does - perhaps some sort
of cache. It's normally invisible.

Perhaps it's the way you're copying the files
off the disc. Do you do a 'select all'? Maybe
copy the files to a folder on the desktop or
drag the entire folder out.

- Chops

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Answer 2

AxL

Level 6

11,441 points

Aug 22, 2006 4:19 AM in response to DavidMac

1300/3746

Hi DavidMac,

Yes, ".DS_Store" invisible files are here to store such system info as position in the window etc.
When creating CDs or DVDs, it is a good idea to remove them, also because when using the discs on a Windows machine, causes Windows to create an additional file that gets in the way.

Personally I like TinkerTool System very much.
You could give a try also at DS_Store Cleaner.

Chops has a point though. I don't really understand why from a Mac OS -created disc you couldn't just copy back onto another Mac OS destination?

HTH
Axl

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