10.7: A warning about Finder's 'Replace' feature
Feb 22, '12 07:30:00AM
Contributed by: Anonymous
If you have a folder that contains a file with the same name, and drag the file into the same location as the folder, the Finder may try to delete both items.
To reproduce this:
- Create a folder on your Desktop named 'test.'
- Create a file in that folder also named 'test.'
- Move the file from the folder onto your Desktop.
- Click 'Replace.'
Result: Both the folder and the file are deleted.
Do the same sequence, except choose 'Keep Both Files.' Same result.
[crarko adds: Okay, this one half worked when I tried it in 10.7.3. With 'Replace,' both file and folder were indeed deleted. I also tried it with other items remaining inside the folder, and in that case everything inside the folder was also deleted. A potential disaster.
In the 'Keep Both Files' case, the folder was untouched and the file was renamed to 'test copy' when I moved it and 'test 2' when I copied it.
In any event, it's worth knowing that some potentially dangerous behavior is present in this function so there are no nasty surprises.]
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