Merging the contents of two folders

[wesli_1]

So, there I was moving some files from a file server to my local hard drive, and suddenly it stopped and told me that I had insufficient priviledges to complete this operation. I went and fixed the permissions, and resumed moving the files. As expected, OSX asked me if I wanted to replace the existing folder in the destination location, so I clicked YES.

GRRRRRRR.... I thought it meant it was going to MERGE the two folders like it does in windows, but no.... it wiped the entire current contents of the destination folder!

Does anyone know if it is possible to make this behave like it does in windows, ie when you copy one folder over another one with the same name, it merges their contents?

 

[MisterMe]

So, there I was moving some files from a file server to my local hard drive, and suddenly it stopped and told me that I had insufficient priviledges to complete this operation. I went and fixed the permissions, and resumed moving the files. As expected, OSX asked me if I wanted to replace the existing folder in the destination location, so I clicked YES.

GRRRRRRR.... I thought it meant it was going to MERGE the two folders like it does in windows, but no.... it wiped the entire current contents of the destination folder!

Does anyone know if it is possible to make this behave like it does in windows, ie when you copy one folder over another one with the same name, it merges their contents?

The Mac has long established behavior. It treats folders (or directories) as objects. You were presented with a dialog to ensure that you really wanted to replace the first folder with the second. You confirmed that you wanted to replace the folder. Apple cannot be responsible for your not understanding clear language. If you want to merge the contents of two folders, you have to open one, select its contents, and then drag them to the second. You don't have to open the second folder.

As a newbie, you have to understand that you are not using your old platform. You have to learn how it works and not assume--often against contrary evidence--that the Macintosh is another dialect of Windows.

 

[crees!]

So in other words... "Sure, we'll help you out.. but you're gonna get slapped for it."