Post by: kimmer on May 09, 2012, 10:08:36 PM
I have several folders in my dock, and they all work as stated with one exception -- the "Documents" folder. It opens and no matter what letter I type, nothing is highlighted.
- I've removed the folder and replaced it several times.
- I've deleted "com.apple.dock.db" (from user library / prefs).
- I've moved most items so that it only contains a few items.
- I've got other folders with more items and I can "search/highlight" those folders.
- I have folders set to sort by name, by kind, by date, etc and they all work.
- I have folders set as folder, some as stack.
- View content as fan, grid, list, auto.
Post by: jchuzi on May 10, 2012, 05:40:11 AM
Post by: kimmer on May 10, 2012, 12:29:59 PM
Before I drive myself crazier than I am, is anyone else able to do what I can't with the documents folder in the dock?
Post by: Xairbusdriver on May 10, 2012, 02:36:57 PM
QUOTE
is anyone else able to do what I can't with the documents folder in the dock?
Not sure if I have this setup the way you want and I, frankly, don't ever use the Dock for much of anything, but here are a couple of shots showing how this folder is set up and what I get by pressing the "A" key.[attachment=2585:Docked_D...settings.jpg]
[attachment=2586:Docked_D...nt_Stack.jpg]
Would you like other settings? I'm willing to do some more screen shots rather than mow the lawn! [attachment=2586:Docked_D...nt_Stack.jpg]
Post by: jchuzi on May 10, 2012, 03:10:15 PM
This may be a long shot, but it won't hurt to try.
Post by: Paddy on May 10, 2012, 04:56:17 PM
QUOTE(kimmer @ May 10 2012, 01:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Before I drive myself crazier than I am, is anyone else able to do what I can't with the documents folder in the dock?
Yup - no problem at all. I use the Dock to get access to my applications folder all the time - the Documents folder has so much stuff in it, that I usually use the Finder, but it works just fine to type the first letter of the file name in the Dock folder - it takes me to the first thing starting with that letter, as one would expect.
Post by: kimmer on May 10, 2012, 06:55:10 PM
However, I seem to have an answer, although I don't consider it a solution and I'm still puzzled. From my original post:
QUOTE(kimmer @ May 9 2012, 08:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Behavior in question: Click on a folder in the dock. It opens and the user can then type a letter and the first item starting with that letter is highlighted.
I have several folders in my dock, and they all work as stated with one exception -- the "Documents" folder. It opens and no matter what letter I type, nothing is highlighted.
I have several folders in my dock, and they all work as stated with one exception -- the "Documents" folder. It opens and no matter what letter I type, nothing is highlighted.
- I've got other folders with more items and I can "search/highlight" those folders.
Just for fun I moved every doc from 2011 and prior out of the folder leaving 35 items in the "Documents" folder. Now the folder works as other dock folders do. Moving the docs back caused the folder to no longer work. So it seems that there is a limit on the DOCUMENTS folder, but not on other folders (see my orig. post where I state that I have other folders with more items and those folders work correctly). I find this strange behavior. It means that I can't store all my docs in that folder. Many items are there because a program places stuff there, so it's not truly MY folder. Really an irritation as far as I'm concerned. I think I'll set up a series of document folders (with diff names) and move MY docs into MY folders.
Post by: Xairbusdriver on May 10, 2012, 07:04:36 PM
QUOTE
Many items are there because a program places stuff there, so it's not truly MY folder.
I think that's exactly what Apple designed it for. You can always create your own folders, anywhere you want, any time you want, but Apple expects developers to use 'standard' methods of handling documents: Put them in the Documents Folder (or in a "NameOfApp Documents" Folder in the Documents Folder).Now, are you saying that if you have more than 36 items in the top level of that folder or if you have more than 36 items anywhere in the folder (inside various other folders) that you hit the 'limit?' I doubt that 36 is the magic number but there may actually be a limit: Why would anyone ever need more than 760Kbs?
Post by: Paddy on May 10, 2012, 07:15:30 PM
QUOTE(kimmer @ May 10 2012, 07:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks, XABD and Jon. I tried both of your suggestions, didn't change the behavior.
However, I seem to have an answer, although I don't consider it a solution and I'm still puzzled. From my original post:
Just for fun I moved every doc from 2011 and prior out of the folder leaving 35 items in the "Documents" folder. Now the folder works as other dock folders do. Moving the docs back caused the folder to no longer work. So it seems that there is a limit on the DOCUMENTS folder, but not on other folders (see my orig. post where I state that I have other folders with more items and those folders work correctly). I find this strange behavior. It means that I can't store all my docs in that folder. Many items are there because a program places stuff there, so it's not truly MY folder. Really an irritation as far as I'm concerned. I think I'll set up a series of document folders (with diff names) and move MY docs into MY folders.
However, I seem to have an answer, although I don't consider it a solution and I'm still puzzled. From my original post:
QUOTE(kimmer @ May 9 2012, 08:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Behavior in question: Click on a folder in the dock. It opens and the user can then type a letter and the first item starting with that letter is highlighted.
I have several folders in my dock, and they all work as stated with one exception -- the "Documents" folder. It opens and no matter what letter I type, nothing is highlighted.
I have several folders in my dock, and they all work as stated with one exception -- the "Documents" folder. It opens and no matter what letter I type, nothing is highlighted.
- I've got other folders with more items and I can "search/highlight" those folders.
Just for fun I moved every doc from 2011 and prior out of the folder leaving 35 items in the "Documents" folder. Now the folder works as other dock folders do. Moving the docs back caused the folder to no longer work. So it seems that there is a limit on the DOCUMENTS folder, but not on other folders (see my orig. post where I state that I have other folders with more items and those folders work correctly). I find this strange behavior. It means that I can't store all my docs in that folder. Many items are there because a program places stuff there, so it's not truly MY folder. Really an irritation as far as I'm concerned. I think I'll set up a series of document folders (with diff names) and move MY docs into MY folders.
Well, I hate to shoot holes in your theory, Kim, but I have a mere 522 items (folders mostly, but some stray items as well) in my Documents folder, and every single one of them show up in the Dock folder and I can get to the first item for each letter of the alphabet...not that this really makes life a whole lot easier, what with 522 items. Sheesh...I knew I needed to do some housekeeping, but YIKES. The MBP has a much more *modest* 286 items in its Documents folder and it behaves as expected as well. (So that covers both 10.6 and 10.7 for you...). Have you tried moving just one item back - do them one by one perhaps and see if maybe there is one that, for some strange reason, the Dock just doesn't like?
Post by: kimmer on May 10, 2012, 08:55:01 PM
My pictures folder (also in my doc) has thousands of items and it works. I'm totally stumped.
Post by: Xairbusdriver on May 10, 2012, 09:07:55 PM
That's one reason I use the Dock so little, it simply provides such a small space for seeing what's where. Having even one Finder window open (even without colored icons in the Sidebar) will show you everything that's in that stack, in much less space, no matter how it's sorted. Of course, if you like icons instead of actual names... Want to drill down into one of the folders? Click. It's done. No typing even needed, the arrow keys can do it all (probably also in that 'stack,' I've never tried it). I've been using the 'columns' view since well before OS 7, I can't remember when 'Greg's(sp) Browser' was first implemented but it is almost exactly the same thing as what we have in a Column View (command-3) Finder window. <-end of rant-> I do remember that the app (probably an 'extension, back then) was around before the term was used with an app to surf the web! The column view is actually a Unix method of files display. But you certainly have a problem with your Documents behavior. Have you tried (excuse me if you already stated this) deleting the ".DS_Store" file? It doesn't sound like you have this problem with any other folder, so I don't think any System/Finder .plist is going to affect it.
Post by: kimmer on May 10, 2012, 10:55:15 PM
QUOTE(Xairbusdriver @ May 10 2012, 07:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Remember that you aren't limited to a single typed letter. You do have to be fairly fast but typing a few more letters of the can sometimes help you get to the exact item.
Tried that. No go. I personally don't care for the "finder window in column" view. For me, it's very inefficient. I love that our Mac OS allows us so many ways to accomplish things.
QUOTE
But you certainly have a problem with your Documents behavior.
Agree that I do have a problem with this folder. I even tried to move it to the trash and I couldn't. It only duplicated itself. Go figure.
QUOTE
Have you tried (excuse me if you already stated this) deleting the ".DS_Store" file? It doesn't sound like you have this problem with any other folder, so I don't think any System/Finder .plist is going to affect it.
No, don't even know where it is and searching doesn't show it. I'll try that if you tell me where to find it. This is what I've deleted:
com.apple.dock.db and com.apple.dock.plist.
Post by: jb on May 10, 2012, 11:49:00 PM
and put an alias of your "Documents" folder in the Dock. May be then you'll be able to put an "unlimited" number of files
in the "Documents" folder by dragging whatever new file over the Dock "Documents" alias.
jb
Post by: kimmer on May 11, 2012, 03:32:53 AM
Post by: jchuzi on May 11, 2012, 05:37:36 AM
QUOTE(jb @ May 11 2012, 12:49 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Instead of putting your "Documents" folder in the Dock, put it where it is supposed to be, i.e. in your Users folder,
and put an alias of your "Documents" folder in the Dock. May be then you'll be able to put an "unlimited" number of files
in the "Documents" folder by dragging whatever new file over the Dock "Documents" alias.
jb
Just to be clear, all items in the dock (files, folders, applications) are aliases. If you accidentally (or deliberately) remove something from the dock, the original remains in its proper location and can always be restored to the dock.and put an alias of your "Documents" folder in the Dock. May be then you'll be able to put an "unlimited" number of files
in the "Documents" folder by dragging whatever new file over the Dock "Documents" alias.
jb
Post by: Paddy on May 11, 2012, 07:49:29 AM
1. Try repairing permissions
2. Restart (I assume you've probably tried this at some point)
3. Login as different user and see if the behaviour persists or not
4. Run Onyx and clear caches etc.
You might also want to run Disk Utility and verify your drive. Strange behaviour can definitely result from a corrupted drive and/or a failing drive.
Do those things one by one and test after each.
Post by: Xairbusdriver on May 11, 2012, 09:25:19 AM
QUOTE
I'll try that if you tell me where to find it.
Finder->Preferences->Advanced->Show all filename extensions
QUOTE
This is what I've deleted:
com.apple.dock.db and com.apple.dock.plist.
As I meant to say, those affect Finder and the Dock on the whole. Those apps are operating normally. It is just that one Folder/directory that is having this problem, not all folders/Dock items. That's why I suggested deleting the .DS_Store file even though it basically is just a database of where items are to be displayed in any window. I'm just hoping that it may also control this misbehavior. It will be automatically rebuilt as soon as you delete it, just like the Finder restarts when you Quit it.com.apple.dock.db and com.apple.dock.plist.
BTW, you cannot, normally, delete a System owned file via Finder. "'Documents' can’t be modified or deleted because it’s required by Mac OS X." It's not nice to TRY to fool Mother Mac!
Post by: kimmer on May 11, 2012, 12:14:50 PM
QUOTE
So, Kim, if you just try to drag your Documents folder off the Dock (no need to drag it to the Trash) it doesn't go "poof" in a little cloud of dust like it should?
No, it poofs. It's an alias and behaves properly. Other than not being searchable by letter(s).
QUOTE
Finder->Preferences->Advanced->Show all filename extensions
Already checked. I still can't seem to find that preference. Is it a hidden file?
Okay ... is this the correct way to find/remove this file?
http://www.wikihow.com/Remove-.Ds_Store-Files-on-Mac-Os-X
Post by: Xairbusdriver on May 11, 2012, 02:03:26 PM
Post by: kimmer on May 11, 2012, 07:24:49 PM
QUOTE(Xairbusdriver @ May 11 2012, 12:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Haven't looked at your link yet, waiting to pick up the Grand daughter at school, but I think you need to have a finder window open to see the actual file. And it may be greyed like ones you'd think you can't touch. But it is easily deleted without even entering your admin password. However, in Snow Leopard, you may not have that preference. Try setting your Finder view to Columns first... Just for a few moments, I wouldn't think of asking you to do something more efficiently than you want! ;p
Okay, I tried columns and I'm still not seeing this file.
Post by: Xairbusdriver on May 11, 2012, 09:14:41 PM
QUOTE
I'm still not seeing this file.
You will never see it until you can see files starting with a period. Sorry about my missinformation about file extensions. My bad. I think either Onyx or Cocktail can provide that capability. But I thought there was a pref in OS X that allowed it. Perhaps it's not even a solution to your misbehaving Dock iteration of the Documents folder. :headbash: Let me do some web surfing......later
OK, here is the Terminal command to allow seeing the .DS_Store (and all other 'hidden' files). Actually there are two commands
1. defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles TRUEThe first command changes the value stored in the string of the "com.apple.finder.plist" in the very first key of the dictionary from FALSE to TRUE. That's what "defaults write" means. The text after that command is the name of the .plist but without stat=ing the plist part (it's simply understood, by definition of the command). After the plist name is the "key" being changed. The last text is the value that you want to be inserted. In this case, it's a string. In many other places it's simply "<true/>" or "<false/>". Simple XML text that indicates YES/NO or TRUE/FALSE.
2. killall Finder
The second step doesn't have to be done in Terminal, you can also use the Force Quit command or even Activity Monitor. As you know, the Finder will automatically restart itself since the OS is pretty useless without all its functionality (a Finder window being just one thing it does).
As a matter of fact, you don't even need Terminal to use the first command. If you have a PLAIN TEXT editor, you can open the "com.apple.finder/plist" and edit the "FALSE" (that's usually there) to "TRUE" and save the file (without even the ".txt" suffix!). Now, Quit Finder any way you want. Open a new Finder window and you'll see the .DS_Store" file in every folder listing.
CODE
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<!DOCTYPE plist PUBLIC "-//Apple//DTD PLIST 1.0//EN" "http://www.apple.com/DTDs/PropertyList-1.0.dtd">
<plist version="1.0">
<dict>
<key>AppleShowAllFiles</key>
<string>TRUE</string>
<key>BackupProgressWindowLocation</key>
<string>{1080, 353}</string>
<key>BrowserWindowState</key>
<array>
<dict>
<key>...
<!DOCTYPE plist PUBLIC "-//Apple//DTD PLIST 1.0//EN" "http://www.apple.com/DTDs/PropertyList-1.0.dtd">
<plist version="1.0">
<dict>
<key>AppleShowAllFiles</key>
<string>TRUE</string>
<key>BackupProgressWindowLocation</key>
<string>{1080, 353}</string>
<key>BrowserWindowState</key>
<array>
<dict>
<key>...
Whether this has anything to do with your problem is still an unknown, of course.
When you tire of seeing all the hidden files, just change that "TRUE" back to "FALSE" with whatever method you used to change it in the first place. And Quite Finder, again.
This is about as simple as I can make it and if you use copy and paste, doesn't even require typing in Terminal.
Post by: Paddy on May 12, 2012, 11:11:41 AM
Post by: kimmer on May 12, 2012, 12:30:33 PM
XABD, thanks.
I'll work on this later today.
Post by: kimmer on May 12, 2012, 04:24:18 PM
- Permissions repaired and nothing showed for my Documents folder (but sure did have a lot of other stuff repaired!).
- Deleted the .DS_store file and the system rebuilt it.
- Restored all my files in the Documents folder as they were before, and it's still not working correctly.
I've now added files back and removed files and I've narrowed the culprit down to 1 or more of 216 files that I've always needed to clean up.
Guess now is the time.
Post by: jchuzi on May 12, 2012, 04:40:19 PM
Post by: kimmer on May 12, 2012, 07:54:18 PM
Post by: jchuzi on May 13, 2012, 08:12:20 AM