Directory Not Accepting File or Folder with Certain Name: A Guide for iMac Users

Directory Not Accepting File/Folder with Certain Name: A Guide for iMac Users

If you're an iMac user running MacOS 12.7.2 and are experiencing issues when trying to copy a large folder (2TB) with many subfolders and encountering errors (less than 0.5%), you've come to the right place. This guide will help you understand the possible reasons for these errors and how to resolve them.

Understanding the Issue

The issue you are encountering may be caused by the file system used by your iMac. Specifically, APFS (Apple File System), which is the default file system for macOS High Sierra and later, has some limitations and restrictions when it comes to handling large files and folders.

Possible Reasons for the Errors

Here are some of the possible reasons why you are encountering errors when trying to copy a large folder with many subfolders:

• The destination disk is nearly full
• The name of the file or folder contains invalid characters
• The file or folder size exceeds the maximum file size limit of APFS
• The destination disk is experiencing issues or errors

Resolving the Errors

To resolve the errors, you can try the following steps:

Check the Destination Disk

First, check the destination disk if it has enough space to accommodate the large folder. You can do this by opening the About This Mac window, clicking on the Storage tab, and checking the used and available space.

Check the File/Folder Name

Next, check the name of the file or folder if it contains any invalid characters. APFS has some restrictions when it comes to file and folder names. The following characters are not allowed:

• :
• /
• \
• "
• <
• >
• |
• ?
• *

Check the File/Folder Size

Another possible reason for the errors is that the file or folder size exceeds the maximum file size limit of APFS. The maximum file size limit of APFS is 16 exabytes (EB), which is equivalent to 16 million terabytes (TB). If the file or folder size is within this limit, then the issue might be caused by something else.

Check the Destination Disk for Errors

Finally, check the destination disk for any errors or issues. You can do this by using the Disk Utility app. Here's how:

1. Launch the Disk Utility app (/Applications/Utilities/Disk Utility.app)
2. Select the destination disk from the left sidebar
3. Click on the First Aid button
4. Click the Run button to start the scan and repair process

Copying large folders with many subfolders can be challenging, especially if you're using a file system like APFS. However, by following the steps outlined in this guide, you can resolve the errors you are encountering and successfully copy the folder. Remember to check the disk space, file/folder name, file/folder size, and disk for errors before attempting to copy the folder again.

• The issue you are encountering may be caused by the file system used by your iMac (APFS)
• The possible reasons for the errors include disk space, file/folder name, file/folder size, and disk issues
• To resolve the errors, check the disk space, file/folder name, file/folder size, and disk for errors

References

• APFS (Apple File System) Overview
  https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208018

• About File Systems
  https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/about-file-systems-mh11965

• Resolve issues that prevent you from copying, moving or duplicating files on your Mac
  https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203184