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lip5016

macrumors regular
Original poster
Jul 11, 2014
173
26
Can you move a file once it starts downloading without messing up the download? I am using the most updated versions of OSX Mavericks and Google Chrome. Typically when I download stuff, the download begins in my "Downloads" folder (and typically adds a ".download" at the end of the filename, to indicate it's downloading and not complete yet). Sometimes it helps with my workflow to position downloads into certain folders or harddrives, as soon as I begin the download. Would moving this ".download" file from it's original starting position to another location on my Macintosh HD (or on my external HD) affect the download in any way? Is it able to continue downloading properly if I were to move it? I am just asking because some of these files are applications that I need to be able to run 100% properly without any corrupt data. Please let me know. Thanks!
 
Why would anyone want to move a file that is downloading?

Unless there is some fancy footwork going on somewhere, I can not imagine you can mess with something in process.
 
Why would anyone want to move a file that is downloading?

Unless there is some fancy footwork going on somewhere, I can not imagine you can mess with something in process.

Example:

I am a music producer. I just downloaded a new synth expansion pack. The pack was 1.2gb, and was going to take about 8 minutes to download. I have to place the expansion content into a specific directory on my computer for it to work. I am busy working and don't want to forget to do it, so I'd like to do it as soon as the download starts. My Google Chrome downloads default to the "Downloads" folder on my Macintosh HD. See where I'm going with this..?
 
Example:

I am a music producer. I just downloaded a new synth expansion pack. The pack was 1.2gb, and was going to take about 8 minutes to download. I have to place the expansion content into a specific directory on my computer for it to work. I am busy working and don't want to forget to do it, so I'd like to do it as soon as the download starts. My Google Chrome downloads default to the "Downloads" folder on my Macintosh HD. See where I'm going with this..?

Wouldn't it be better to let the download finish and let a script do the moving? Or what if you right click on the download link and select SAVE LINK AS and select the folder you want to download it to?
 
It is certainly possible on OS X to write a program which can download a file in a way you want. I do not believe that current browsers work that way though. At any rate, you can use the 'save as' option to save the files to a specific location. Or have an automator script. Or something else.
 
I just tried it and it didn't work; the download appeared to continue but failed at the end with "cannot write file".

If this is important then I suggest that you submit a feature request to Apple; it's technically possible to accomplish it (RISC OS could do it, if anyone remembers that) so the trick is for Apple to get enough requests.
 
Can you move a file once it starts downloading without messing up the download? I am using the most updated versions of OSX Mavericks and Google Chrome. Typically when I download stuff, the download begins in my "Downloads" folder (and typically adds a ".download" at the end of the filename, to indicate it's downloading and not complete yet). Sometimes it helps with my workflow to position downloads into certain folders or harddrives, as soon as I begin the download. Would moving this ".download" file from it's original starting position to another location on my Macintosh HD (or on my external HD) affect the download in any way? Is it able to continue downloading properly if I were to move it? I am just asking because some of these files are applications that I need to be able to run 100% properly without any corrupt data. Please let me know. Thanks!
Why not simply use save as? That'll accomplish exactly what you want, without ever having to move the file at all.
 
I do not know what is more sad.

1 - That someone really has a first world problem of waiting until a file downloads to MOVE IT.

or

2 - That I actually replied to this.
 
I do not know what is more sad.

1 - That someone really has a first world problem of waiting until a file downloads to MOVE IT.

or

2 - That I actually replied to this.

The best part of this thread is that the OP is talking about a download that's only going to take eight minutes. :D

I think the answer is "no", based upon the way I know UNIX to work. If OS X/Safari has hooks to allow this, that's cool. Weird, but cool. Too weird to exist, though - so I'd rather go on believing it's impossible.
 
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