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Unknown1 · Apr 10, 2001, 04:09 PM

I just got a 6300 for a Power Color Classic project and was copying some files from my SCSI zip drive (from my PC, the Zip disk is PC format) to the desktop and they just disappeared! I know I should have pressed 'option' to copy but where'd they go?

A desktop file appeared on my Zip disk, so I'm sure they are in there somewhere and not really erased from the disk. If I had my Macs for Dummies book around it would probably answer this easily but I lent it out.

Any ideas?

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Russell - Unknown1 - Idaho, USA

[email protected] <- main [email protected] <- backup
http://worldzone.net/recreation/unknown1/
http://unknown1.xoasis.com <- mirror of above

Gregg · Apr 10, 2001, 10:11 PM

Most likely they are on the Desktop of the Zip disk. Put the disk back in and see if they appear. To copy a file from a removable disk to the hard drive, you should drag its icon to an open folder, not to the desktop. Similarly, if you delete something (drag it to the Trash) from a removable disk, and do not empty the trash before you remove the disk, your Trash icon will be "fat" the next time you insert the disk, because that discarded file is still there. Caution: selecting "Empty Trash" while a disk is in the drive will also remove anything that you placed in the Trash from your hard drive at the same time.

yoyo52 · Apr 11, 2001, 12:27 AM

I've had Mac formatted documents turn into plain PC icons by putting them on a PC formatted zip disk. Be careful!

And hear Gregg--he's right about having to move the files to a folder rather than to the desktop.

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iSilver · Apr 11, 2001, 09:25 AM

why "should" you not copy to the desktop? I have never had a problem doing this.

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Gregg · Apr 11, 2001, 05:13 PM

hi ho silver! If you're able to copy a file from a removable disk to the desktop of your hard drive, without holding down the option key, you have a unique setup. Neither of my Macs will do that. Are you sure? ....Pop in a disk, drag a file out of it's window directly to the desktop, then put the disk away. The file you put on the desktop should disappear. You should have noticed that the file's icon disappeared from the window you dragged it out of, and the progress bar did not appear. If you hold down the option key and drag the file, a + will appear with it, and you will see the progress bar (briefly if it's a small file). Then your icon will appear in both places. Only then do you have a copy on the disk and on your hard drive.

Unknown1 · Apr 12, 2001, 12:38 AM

I was TRYING to copy the file. I forgot to press option and the file SHOULD have moved to the desktop (maybe). It didn't, it disappeared and a desktop folder (with the contents of the Zip disk) appeared on the Zip disk.

I have not been able to find the files, maybe they are now 'hidden files'. I guess I'll have to download them again. They were Netscape 2.2 and 'Oscar the Grouch' (trash can animation).

I got my Macs for Dummies Book back today and it suggests that I may have accidently dropped the files into another folder... I also found The Grouch on another floppy I lent out with the book!

Thanks for all the advice though.

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Russell - Unknown1 - Idaho, USA

[email protected] <- main [email protected] <- backup
http://worldzone.net/recreation/unknown1/
http://unknown1.xoasis.com <- mirror of above

Gregg · Apr 12, 2001, 01:49 PM

If the files were accidently dropped into another folder, you'd be able to find them with Sherlock (or Find File). I take it that's not the case. If they don't show up when you put the zip disk back in, that's really strange. How about cleaning up the desktop of the zip disk? Have you tried that?

Unknown1 · Apr 12, 2001, 04:26 PM

Yep, rebuilt Zip desktop, nothing. What I didn't notice is the amount of free space on the Zip. If it didn't change after the 'disappearance', the files are still there hidden.

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Russell - Unknown1 - Idaho, USA

[email protected] <- main [email protected] <- backup
http://worldzone.net/recreation/unknown1/
http://unknown1.xoasis.com <- mirror of above

Apr 13, 2001, 04:30 AM

First things first: update your OS to something from the last decade.

Second things last: dragging files to the desktop from a removable media doesn't copy them, it merely changes their location on the media's "desktop folder". Put the zip disk back in the drive, and the files should appear on the desktop. If not, then it's probably due to the fact that system 7 was before zip disks...does it even have an extension to read the damn things? You need to upgrade your cave-man tools before diving into any of this stuff.

Haha, just kidding, I'm drunk and belligerant. I'm gunna go shoot myself HAHAHAHAHA!

WillyB · Apr 13, 2001, 09:23 AM

Originally posted by Mangy:
I'm gunna go shoot myself HAHAHAHAHA!

I hope you 're joking, right?

Unknown1 · Apr 13, 2001, 10:35 AM

With the right Zip Tools driver they will work with System 6!
But I see. Something is wrong when the icons don't appear on the DESKTOP like they should. Oh well, I think it's taken care of now, I'll try it again to see if I can geet it to happen again.

BTW System 7.5.5 = 1995 = Windows 95 = Macintosh 1984

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Russell - Unknown1 - Idaho, USA

[email protected] <- main [email protected] <- backup
http://worldzone.net/recreation/unknown1/
http://unknown1.xoasis.com <- mirror of above