Burn Folder aliases not pointing to the correct file (#2)
Burn Folder aliases not pointing to the correct file (#2)
We continue coverage of an issue where Mac OS X's Burn Folders -- which rely on aliases -- record the wrong files, or no files at all.
To recap, when blank media is inserted in a Mac OS X 10.4.x system, a Burn Folder is created, which generates aliases linked to data dragged into it. The files are then burned when the disk is ejected or the "Burn" button is pressed.
In problematic cases, the aliases contained within Burn Folders are incorrect, resultant in the wrong files or directories being copied to the optical media.
One reader writes:
"First time I dragged a folder full of images to a Burn Folder and proceeded to burn a DVD. Then I discovered that although all the aliases were named correctly, they all pointed to the first file! In other words, I had burned about 300 images with different names but all had the same content. I checked the aliases in the burn folder and discovered the problem.
In some cases, a simple restart can fix the issue. The same reader continues: "Interestingly, after restarting and trying again, I checked the aliases and this time they were correct and I was able to successfully burn the DVD."
MacFixIt reader Rod corroborates:
"Yes, I experienced this problem this morning, placing AIFF files in the DVD icon for burning and adding additional material from other areas of the boot drive. Not only were some files on the DVD the wrong files, but some were totally missing from individual folders.
"A reboot fixed the problem and two additional burns of different material after the reboot did not have any issues."
A general problem with aliases? Meanwhile, MacFixIt reader John reports experiencing other issues with aliases in Mac OS X 10.4.x (Tiger), indicating that this issue may not be specific to Burn Folders.
"I did once have a burn that simply didn't copy most of the files even though the aliases were present in the burn folder.
"This may be a more general problem with aliases, and not just burning optical media. In both Panther and Tiger I have seen aliases mysteriously change the items they refer to."
Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.
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