Copying data to ext HD or memory sticks keeps failing

Been trying to copy data over to over drives and keep getting finder message stating that the folder I am copying over already exists! Now the folder doesn't fully exist as it is being copied over. The folder isnt hidden unless there is a setting im missing..... Im having a crap week with OSX this week! uh! For example I am copying a folder of office docs called office docs over to an ext hd with no folder on it called office docs. a couple of seconds into it and it stops gives me a message and say Finder cannot complete the operation as folder office docs already exists. It doesnt even prompt to replace.

where is the folder you are trying to copy located on your main hard drive? is it in your home directory somewhere? if yes run the following terminal command and try copying again (copy and paste please)
dot_clean -m ~
if it's located somewhere outside your home directory please specify where.

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