The operation can't be completed because the item "folder name" is in use

Hi everyone,
I think this is quite a common issue but I don't find it really easy to find a solution.
I have a folder containing a folder and no files on a server that I cannot delete, for the life of me.
Whether I use shortcuts or drag the main folder to the bin, I have the same result "The operation can't be completed because the item "secondary folder name" is in use". This folder is just 1 year old so, obviously, I have restarted the computer more than once since then which means that the folder is NOT in use.
I'd like to clean up a bit and remove some stuff and this is bugging!
Hope someone can help me.
Thanks in advance!

If you don't have other backup data on it, reformatting external drive could solve the problem.

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Cannot backup my files / copy my files and folders due to error message " The operation can't be completed because an item with the name ".DS_Store" already exists. "

Hi Apple community!
I have a [rather worrying] problem.
When I try to copy all my files from my documents on my mac [or the entire documents folder] into an external drive, I get this error message
" The operation can’t be completed because an item with the name “.DS_Store” already exists. "
I am not given an option to skip this file or anything else.
But I simply cannot complete the operation!
I have tried deleting a few of the .ds_store files, [both in the original and in the destinations]
but no success.
The same thing keeps happening.
At first, this was just happening when I was trying to backup to my dropbox folder [the one on my mac's harddrive, which gets synced to the cloud],
but then I tried to back up my documents to my external hard drive, and I realized it is giving me the same error message.
So effectively, it seems I cannot backup my files anywhere!
Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.

Please read this whole message before doing anything.
This procedure is a diagnostic test. It’s unlikely to solve your problem. Don’t be disappointed when you find that nothing has changed after you complete it.
The purpose of the test is to determine whether the problem is caused by third-party software that loads automatically at startup or login, by a peripheral device, or by corruption of certain system caches.
Disconnect all wired peripherals except those needed for the test, and remove all aftermarket expansion cards. Boot in safe mode and log in to the account with the problem. Note: If FileVault is enabled on some models, or if a firmware password is set, or if the boot volume is a software RAID, you can’t do this. Ask for further instructions.
Safe mode is much slower to boot and run than normal, and some things won’t work at all, including sound output and Wi-Fi on certain iMacs. The next normal boot may also be somewhat slow.
The login screen appears even if you usually log in automatically. You must know your login password in order to log in. If you’ve forgotten the password, you will need to reset it before you begin. Test while in safe mode. Same problem? After testing, reboot as usual (i.e., not in safe mode) and verify that you still have the problem. Post the results of the test.

The operation can't be completed because backup items can't be modified.

In my Time Machine backup, I have also stored backups from my previous Mac. They do not appear in the "Star Wars" screen. When I try to delete files I receive the message: "The operation can’t be completed because backup items can’t be modified."
What does this mean, and is there a way to delete said files?
(My Time Machine backup is plugged in and running. The files are not even sent into the Trash, so my question doesn't relate to whether the files will delete from the trashcan, etc.)
Many thanks in advance for any and all help!

While in Time Machine, press the key combination shift-command-C. The front window will show all mounted volumes. All snapshots should now be accessible. Select the one you want and navigate to the files you want to delete. Right-click or control-click an item. From the popup menu, select Delete All Backups of... Confirm. Exit Time Machine.

Error message "The operation can't be completed because an item with the name .DS_Store already exists"

Major headaches with copying files and folders between drives. I constantly (and I mean constantly) have to resort to copying files across in small batches (fewer than 10 works best) because anytime I try to copy lots of files and folders from my mac to an external hard drive (or from one external HD to a second external HD), I ALWAYS get the error message "The operation can't be completed because an item with the name .DS_Store already exists".
The files and folders are all Mac-generated, so hint or trace of foreign OSs in the mix.
All file types are susceptible
the HDs are all Mac OS X formatted, no foreign file formats involved
the HDs are all journal-enabled, OS X extended formats
have looked on here for previous posts, past suggestion was to disable creation of DS_Store files - not really a solution and realistically, defeats the purpose of their creation
any ideas anyone?
would appreciate any thoughts or sugestions, this has got me beat
the context is that I have a lot of image files that I am copying (trying to...) new external 3TB drives for backup and the job appears endless if I have to do this in batches of 10 or so..!
many thanks for any suggestions

This is definitively a nuisance. When copying large amounts of files between volumes try opening a terminal window and use use ditto. You need to type the directory paths of the source and the destination volume. When it starts ditto just coupes and optionally overwrites anything on the destination. You can get a verbose mode where it lists all activities.
gunnars-mac-mini-i7:Volumes gunnar$ man ditto
NAME
     ditto -- copy directory hierarchies, create and extract archives
SYNOPSIS
     ditto [-v] [-V] [-X] [<options>] src ... dst_directory
     ditto [-v] [-V] [<options>] src_file dst_file
     ditto -c [-z | -j | -k] [-v] [-V] [-X] [<options>] src dst_archive
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     ditto -h | --help

Problem with copying to external drives 10.8.3 "the operation can't be completed because an item with the name .ds_store exists"

After upgrading from 10.7.5 to 10.8.3 I cannot copy certain folders to any external drive. the operation can't be completed because an item with the name .ds_store exists. I have seen this problem in discussions for many years with no real solution. Does anyone have a resolution? Please help. This is very frustrating as I work in two locations and copy folders back in forth all the time.

Please read this whole message before doing anything.
This procedure is a diagnostic test. It’s unlikely to solve your problem. Don’t be disappointed when you find that nothing has changed after you complete it.
The purpose of the test is to determine whether the problem is caused by third-party software that loads automatically at startup or login, or by a peripheral device.
Disconnect all wired peripherals except those needed for the test, and remove all aftermarket expansion cards. Boot in safe mode and log in to the account with the problem. Note: If FileVault is enabled, or if a firmware password is set, or if the boot volume is a software RAID, you can’t do this. Ask for further instructions.
Safe mode is much slower to boot and run than normal, and some things won’t work at all, including Wi-Fi on certain iMacs. The next normal boot may also be somewhat slow.
The login screen appears even if you usually log in automatically. You must know your login password in order to log in. If you’ve forgotten the password, you will need to reset it before you begin. Test while in safe mode. Same problem? After testing, reboot as usual (i.e., not in safe mode) and verify that you still have the problem. Post the results of the test.

The operation can't be completed because some items had to be skipped. For each item, choose File Get Info, make sure "Locked" is deselected, and then check t

The following error comes up when I try to install the updated Firefox:
"The operation can’t be completed because some items had to be skipped. For each item, choose File > Get Info, make sure “Locked” is deselected, and then check the Sharing & Permissions section. When you are sure the items are unlocked and not designated as Read Only or No Access, try again."
When I follow the instructions in the error message, it shows that my user name has read and write access. There are a couple other items that are read only. I tried to change this to read and write, but the Sharing and Permissions options are greyed out and will not let me change them. What is the work around for this? I would really like to install the new firefox.
Thanks.

Hello,
Certain Firefox problems can be solved by performing a ''Clean reinstall''. This means you remove Firefox program files and then reinstall Firefox. Please follow these steps:
'''Note:''' You might want to print these steps or view them in another browser.
#Download the latest Desktop version of Firefox from http://www.mozilla.org and save the setup file to your computer.
#After the download finishes, close all Firefox windows (click Exit from the Firefox or File menu).
#Delete the Firefox installation folder, which is located in one of these locations, by default('''This will NOT delete profile info such as bookmarks and history'''):
#*'''Windows:'''
#**C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox
#**C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox
#*'''Mac:''' Delete Firefox from the Applications folder.
#*'''Linux:''' If you installed Firefox with the distro-based package manager, you should use the same way to uninstall it - see [[Installing Firefox on Linux]]. If you downloaded and installed the binary package from the [http://www.mozilla.org/firefox#desktop Firefox download page], simply remove the folder ''firefox'' in your home directory.
#Now, go ahead and reinstall Firefox:
##Double-click the downloaded installation file and go through the steps of the installation wizard.
##Once the wizard is finished, choose to directly open Firefox after clicking the Finish button.
Please report back to see if this helped you!
Thank you.

Can't copy Aperature Library to external. Get this error "The operation can't be completed because an item is being modified."

I have been trying to find a solution to this problem by browsing this forum but I can't seem to find a solution.
As many others have decided to do I want to copy my Aperature library to an external FW 800 drive as my laptop space is dwindling. It seems all you need to do is copy the Library from the finder which can also be revealed in the preference if Aperature. When copying it seems to transfer for a few seconds but then I get this error "The operation can’t be completed because an item is being modified." I have formatted the drive correctly and there is no issues with Aperature itself so why do you think I am having this error? What can I do to copy this Library to my external?

Reboot your machine make sure Aperture doesn't start (as Lion is liable to do) and try it.

Operation can't be completed because an item of same name already exists - Mavericks

I am trying to copy a large file folder (of a large iTunes library of music files) from a WD Live NAS drive to a new AirPlay Time Capsule via Finder on my Retina MBP. Every time I try it, I get the same error "operation can't be completed because an item of the same name already exists."
I have tried a number of the following solutions:
1. I cleared my cache out as in this thread:
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2231287?start=120&tstart=0
2. I tried using the Terminal app, as in this thread:
https://discussions.apple.com/message/21786245#21786245
3. I tried closing both Finder windows once I started the copy operation, as in this thread:
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2231287?start=105&tstart=0
4. I tried deleting/renaming all files that contained a ~ as in a thread I can't find right now.
All of these things are not working. I was able to copy several other large file folders (mostly of videos) without a hitch. I can't figure it out. Can anyone assist?
Many thanks...

subcrapper wrote:
"have you tried using Disk Utility to erase 1TB HHD and reformat before trying to copy the data back?"
Yes, I had to format the 1TB to FAT before I use it.
whoa there. why did you format the drive FAT? that's an obsolete windows drive format and OS X is known to have various issues with it. this may easily account for your problems. strongly suggest you reformat the drive mac os extended.
"have you tried using the restore option within Disk Utility to copy the data back instead of doing it manually?"
There's nothing on the 1TB to restore because I sent it in for warranty exchange. So its brand new, nothing in it.
he was suggesting that you use the restore tab in disk utility to copy the 640GB drive to the new 1TB one. that's what I suggested too but I mentioned using superduper or CCCloner.
but you really should reformat the drive first. the only reason to use FAT is if you want to use the drive from both mac and windows. but then you'll likely have to live with the quirks of FAT and OS X.

Operation can't be completed because an item of same name already exist

Hi, my first post. I've search the net for similar problems but nothing exact.
I have a Maxtor OneTouch 4 (1TB)that just returned cos I got it exchanged. While it was being exchanged, I used a Maxtor OneTouch (640GB). I had transferred everything from my 1TB to the 640GB.
Now that the 1TB's back, I want to transfer everything back. But when I try to transfer anything from the 640GB to the 1TB, an error message appears saying "operation can't be completed because an item "(of same name)" already exist."
After I click OK on the error message, only the folder gets copied over to the 1TB but NONE of its contents.
This only happens when I transfer folders. If I were to transfer individual files, e.g a picture, it's successful.
Things that do work:
- transferring files and folders from computer to both HDDs
- transferring files and folders from either HDDs to computer
So the only problem is transfers between both HDDs.
I read some thread that repairing permissions might help but when I enter Disk Utility, "Verify Disk permissions" or "Repair Disk Permissions" are both greyed out.
Does anybody have experience with this problem? Please help, the 640GB is exploding!
Thanks in advance!

subcrapper wrote:
"have you tried using Disk Utility to erase 1TB HHD and reformat before trying to copy the data back?"
Yes, I had to format the 1TB to FAT before I use it.
whoa there. why did you format the drive FAT? that's an obsolete windows drive format and OS X is known to have various issues with it. this may easily account for your problems. strongly suggest you reformat the drive mac os extended.
"have you tried using the restore option within Disk Utility to copy the data back instead of doing it manually?"
There's nothing on the 1TB to restore because I sent it in for warranty exchange. So its brand new, nothing in it.
he was suggesting that you use the restore tab in disk utility to copy the 640GB drive to the new 1TB one. that's what I suggested too but I mentioned using superduper or CCCloner.
but you really should reformat the drive first. the only reason to use FAT is if you want to use the drive from both mac and windows. but then you'll likely have to live with the quirks of FAT and OS X.

The operation can't be completed because an item with the name ".DS_Store" already exists

I everytime get this error when i try to copy files/ folders from my Macbook pro to my External Hard Drive
What is wrong ?
why do i get this error
Can any one help
Satish Ramnani

If you've installed a system modification called "TotalFinder," remove it according to the developer's instructions after backing up all data. Log out, log back in, and try again.
Otherwise, open the Info dialog on both the source and the destination volumes. What is the Format of each? For example, it might be "Mac OS Extended (Journaled)".
For some other possible solutions, see:
operation can't be completed because an...: Apple Support Communities

Trying to delete file from trash but get this: The operation can't be completed because the item "File name" is in use. All other files delete except this one. Please help

Trying to delete file from trash but get this: The operation can’t be completed because the item “File name” is in use. All other files delete except this one. Please help

Maybe some help here:
http://osxdaily.com/2012/07/19/force-empty-trash-in-mac-os-x-when-file-is-locked -or-in-use//

Data folder can not be opened in finding " AirPort Time Capsule " The operation can not be completed because the original item for " data" does not exist .

Hi
I have a " AirPort Time Capsule " (firmware 7.7.3) When I try to open the data folder in "finder". Then I got the message " The operation can not be completed because the original item for " data" does not exist". I have a lot of data and I can understand why I get this message?
Anyone who can help? Thanks..
Br. Bo

Get a USB drive of 2TB or more.. assuming your TC is 2TB. Either preformatted Mac or plug into your Mac and format it standard Mac OS Extended Journaled in disk utility.
Do a full archive of the TC. You do this using airport utility. Do not click the erase disk.. I marked in green.. just the archive.. that is to backup the internal disk to the USB disk. It is not fast.. take it that the process will go at around 40-50GB/hr.
Once you complete the archive .. it is a direct image of the data on your TC.. you can then plug it into your computer directly.. and then try and open the files you lost.. if you cannot open them.. open disk utility and fix the permissions.
http://osxdaily.com/2015/01/13/repair-disk-permissions-mac-os-x/
Or try the methods apple recommends..
OS X Yosemite: Set permissions for items on your Mac
It is possible to fix things on the USB drive because it is locally mounted.. but you cannot fix it on TC which is network drive.

The operation can't be completed because one or more required items can't be found. (Error code -43)

When I attempt to add files to...or copy to the desktop of my mac, my icloud (idisk ..the blue icon on my desktop) is giving this error:
The operation can’t be completed because one or more required items can’t be found.
(Error code -43)
I've been searching for info on that error code, but I'm not find anything on (many different error codes, but not -43).

I get an error -36.
I did the dot_clean in the terminal.
Did not fix it.

Trying to reload firefox and getting this message, when moving to the applications folder: "The operation can't be completed because you don't have permission to access some of the items."

Been having problems with Firefox/internet for several days, and all my updates seemed current. I decided to try to reload and have removed the other icons/download attempts from the app file. When I try to drag the icon into apps, I now get this message:
The operation can’t be completed because you don’t have permission to access some of the items.

* Download a new copy of the Firefox program: http://www.mozilla.com/firefox/all.html
* Trash the current Firefox application to do a clean (re)install.
* Install the new version that you have downloaded.
Your profile data is stored elsewhere in the [http://kb.mozillazine.org/Profile_folder_-_Firefox Firefox Profile Folder], so you won't lose your bookmarks and other personal data.

Cannot delete file: The operation can't be completed because the item "DataReferences" is in use.

I have a My Book TB Drive where all of my Time Machine backups go to. I decided to delete some older version of backups. They ended up in my trash can. When I deleted the items in my trash can, all of them erased with the exception of one file. This file refuses to go! I have tried "Empty Trash", "Secure Empty Trash" and holding the Option Key + "Secure Empty Trash". Each time the I get the following error: The operation can’t be completed because the item “DataReferences” is in use.
If I unplug the My Book TB Drvie, the file dissapears from the trash can. If I plug it back in, it reappears.
I am not sure what to do anymore. Any suggestions?
Thanks!
MacMini
Mountain Lion (Error originated in OS X)
My Book TB (External Hard Drive)

I found an article on how to allow third party apps. Posted it below just in case if anyone is interested.
http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f11-software/your-security-preferences-allow-i nstallation-only-apps-mac-app-store-and-identified-developers-12789/
Anyhow, I was able to do the double click on the trash it.I tried the "fast" version and the "really stuck" version and unfortunately, none of the options worked.
Any other suggestions?

The operation can't be completed because the item "folder name" is in use

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