Changing Folder and File Names

Question

Changing Folder and File Names

September 7, 2006

Folder and File Names do not allow me to change or move the name by using Apple, X and Apple, V on the keyboard or using the Edit: Cut, Paste functions. This appears to have changed after upgrading from MacOS 10.3.9 to MacOS 10.4.3, 10.4.4, 10.4.6, and 10.4.7. Although Apple Tech Support told me over the phone that this problem was fixed in 10.4.7, it appears it has not been fixed.

Q1. Is this a bug or an intentional change? I can only change the Folder or File name by using Delete key on the keyboard or Edit: copy (for the entire or selected portion of the name) + Apple, V on the keyboard.

Q2. Is there a shorter work around for this bug?

Power Mac G5, Mac OS X (10.4.7)

Posted on Sep 7, 2006 11:28 AM

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Answer 1

macjack

Level 10

111,242 points

Sep 7, 2006 4:52 PM in response to Bruce Crawford

Hi Bruce,

A-1. Neither, I never experienced it.

A-2 Let's try to fix it.

Have you tried creating a new account and see how that function works in that User acct? (That will tell if your problem is systemwide or limited to your User acct.)

Open System Preferences > Accounts > "+" make it an admin account.

If this works, then log back into your problem account and navigate to ~(yourHome)/Library/Preferences and trash these two files:
com.apple.finder.plist
com.apple.sidebarlists.plist

Then log out and back in again. Or restart.
(You will have to reset a few finder prefs the way you like them.)

Either way, let us know.

-mj
macjack@gmail.com

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Answer 2

Sep 8, 2006 4:10 AM in response to Bruce Crawford

Hey Bruce!

I'm actually having the exact same problem! I'd love to know if you've had any luck in solving it or tried the new account suggestion.

The only workaround I've discovered is the rename files/folders using the 'mv' command in the terminal. :P

What sort of machine do you have? I'm using one of the old 500 MHz G3 ibooks.

Heather

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Answer 3

Sep 8, 2006 4:41 AM in response to macjack

Hi mj,

I gave your suggestion a try and it didn't seem to make a difference. I logged into the brand new account and made a new folder. No matter how much I click on the name in Finder, I never get the 'text edit' interface that allows me to rename. 😟 This is has been happening ever since I upgraded to 10.4 last month. I really don't want to downgrade. Do you have any other suggestions?

Heather

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Answer 4

Sep 8, 2006 9:01 AM in response to Bruce Crawford

Bruce,

I think I might have a solution for you. I've been having sporatic problems since my recent Tiger update. In addition to the file renaming issue, my Get Info attempts were crashing finder. I found a nice solution for that here:

http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=2859614

Apparently (from what I can tell) some of the 10.4.7 installs were incomplete and one of the suggestions was to reinstall 10.4.7 from here:

http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/macosxupdate1047comboppc.html

I did that and not only did it fix my Get Info problem, it also fixed my file/folder renaming problem! If you're also using 10.4.7, I recommend you give this a try!

Good luck!
Heather

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Answer 5

macjack

Level 10

111,242 points

Sep 8, 2006 9:10 AM in response to Bruce Crawford

Yes, if the issue is systemwide you may be able to repair this with the 10.4.7 Combo Updater. (or whichever combo applies to your system)

This is a fuller install, as opposed to an incremental "delta" update so it should overwrite any files that are damaged or missing. It does not matter if you have applied it before. It has worked well for many.

Remember to Verify Disk before update and repair permissions before and after update from /Applications/Utilities/Disk Utility.

-mj
macjack@gmail.com

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