Copy and Paste after changing file names

Robsmith · 03 Apr 2011

Hello,

I am having some problems with copying and pasting files. I was trying to copy a file and then change the name of the original file before pasting, so it wouldn't end up as myFile - Copy, but it seems that when I paste after changing the file name, windows can no longer find my file... I tried both the ctrl+c/ctrl+v method and the right click menu options but both had the same result. I get an item not found dialog box stating my items were no longer in the location they used to be and I should verify the items location and try again.

That doesn't make any sense to me because I just copied it... I assumed a temporary copy of the file would be held somewhere... you know... a copy of the original file... 'cause its a function called copy...

Anyway, is this normal? Have older version of windows done it like that and I just never noticed? Is there any way to change that behavior?

Thanks for any help you can give me on this,

-Robert

Mike Connor · 03 Apr 2011

Try the operation again after Explorer gives you the error. It works fine the second time. Seems to be a bug in Explorer on Windows 7.

If you want to avoid it altogether, use an alternative to Explorer, like Explorer++, or one of the other alternatives, there are a lot available.

Regards....Mike Connor

Imperfect1 · 03 Apr 2011

No matter what the reason was for the glitch in your process, I think it would avoid the problem altogether if you create the new file or folder first, re-name the original file or folder, and THEN copy and paste the file into the new folder.

MacGyvr · 03 Apr 2011

Why not let it name the file **** - Copy and then just rename the copy? Seems a lot simpler.

Kari · 03 Apr 2011

Mike Connor said:

Try the operation again after Explorer gives you the error. It works fine the second time. Seems to be a bug in Explorer on Windows 7.

It's not a bug in Windows, and it does not work if you tried to paste it hundred times, if renamed between COPY and PASTE operations.

When user presses CTRL+C or selects COPY from context menu, Windows does not yet copy the file. It just marks it ready to be copied until user presses CTRL+V or selects PASTE. Only then does the copy process start.

If user then renames the file or folder just copied (or rather marked to be ready to be copied), when then pasting Windows tries to find the file or folder to start copying process. If renamed, Windows naturally can no longer find the file or folder marked to be copied simply because it does no longer exist.

Step by step example:

User marks file Test_1.txt to be copied by selecting it and pressing CTRL+C or selecting COPY from the context menu. File is not yet copied, it's just marked ready to be copied
.

.
User renames file Test_1.txt to Test_2.txt
.

.
User presses CTRL+V or selects PASTE from context menu to paste the file earlier marked to be copied
.

.
Windows tries to find file Text_1.txt to be pasted, but because its name was changed, that filename does no longer exist
Windows gives an error message, telling user "Windows could not find this item", which is completely logical because it really does no longer exist
.

Notice that this also applies with CTRL+X or CUT, if the destination folder for PASTE is different than source folder.

Kari

Mike Connor · 03 Apr 2011

Indeed, that is perfectly reasonable and is doubtless ( or should be), the normal course of events. But I have a number of machines ( also belonging to other people), where the operation succeeds on the second try. If the file did not exist, it could not succeed, so something else must be going on. There are no other errors or strange behaviour on any of these machines.

I will do it and see if I can capture the sequence. I would like to know how and why it happens.

EDIT: PS. It only seems to work when at least two Explorer windows are open. I will keep trying variations and let you know what I find, if anything.

Regards....Mike Connor

Kari · 03 Apr 2011

Mike Connor said:

It only seems to work when at least two Explorer windows are open. I will keep trying variations and let you know what I find, if anything.

If it works for you when several Explorer windows are open (does not work me, though), then YOUR Windows has if not a bug, at least something odd.

Files and folders are really not copied when you select copy. It would be completely illogical if it worked. Instructing windows to "earmark" File_1 ready to be copied, then renaming it to File_2, Windows still has instructions to copy File_1 when user selects PASTE. However, due to renaming File_1 does no longer exist when user instructs Windows to paste, thus causing Windows to tell user that the file earlier marked to be copied does not exist anymore.

Kari

Mike Connor · 03 Apr 2011

Kari said:

Mike Connor said:

It only seems to work when at least two Explorer windows are open. I will keep trying variations and let you know what I find, if anything.

If it works for you when several Explorer windows are open (does not work me, though), then YOUR Windows has if not a bug, at least something odd.

Files and folders are really not copied when you select copy. It would be completely illogical if it worked. Instructing windows to "earmark" File_1 ready to be copied, then renaming it to File_2, Windows still has instructions to copy File_1 when user selects PASTE. However, due to renaming File_1 does no longer exist when user instructs Windows to paste, thus causing Windows to tell user that the file earlier marked to be copied does not exist anymore.

Kari

Oh yes, I follow the logic and agree with it, but that's not what happens on a number of machines, not just mine.

If I find anything I will let you know.

Regards....Mike Connor