"Alfred.alfredpreferences" already exists

[Kikker]

I am trying to backup my Alfred.alfredpreferences file for safekeeping. Problem is I can not copy it. 

 

"The operation can't be completed because item with name "Alfred.alfredpreferences" already exists." is the dialog i get. But I can ensure that is not the case since I try to copy it to a new folder. Same issue when I try to copy it to a other mac.

 

[Vero]

@Kikker Where are you copying the preferences to in order to back them up? And what is giving you this error, macOS Finder or a third-party app?

 

 

[Kikker]

Did try to copy the file to my desktop, other document folder, even a other Mac over network. Alway get the same error. Also did try to zip it and get a similar error. Standard finder on MacOS Catalina.

[Vero]

@Kikker Even when a file already exists, the normal macOS behaviour is to ask whether you want to keep both, stop or replace.

Rather than just try copying to a network location, start by creating a new folder on your Desktop, then drag your Alfred.alfredpreferences file to this new folder where there isn't already a preferences file. 

 

If I'm misunderstanding what you're trying to achieve in copying your preferences, could you please provide more details?

[Kikker]

I really are getting "The operation can't be completed because item with name "Alfred.alfredpreferences" already exists" as dialog. No to a folder, other mac, external drive and so on. As in screenshot below.

 

I want to copy my Alfred.alfredpreferences file as a backup since I have spent lots of time configuring it. Note the screen shot shows my finder dialog.

 

Edited December 24, 2021 by Kikker