MP 1,1-5,1 ExFAT External HDD Issue

[gslrider]

I have a WD 4TB external drive, formatted as ExFAT. I don't have an issue with it mounting, opening, reading or writing. The issue I have is, it does not remember the window settings that was last done.

Eg. I make Name the priority view, I drop down certain folders (clicking the arrow button to reveal files contained in the folder). If I reboot my computer, restart Finder, or disconnect the drive from my Mac Pro 5,1. When it mounts again, priority view goes back to Date, all the folders that were dropped down, are now closed again.

When I first started using this ExFAT drive, it remembered my settings (originally had it at Date priorit view). And the initial folders that I dropped down, have stayed dropped down. But any new folders since, close back up (as mentioned above). So it was working in the beginning. But not anymore. Not certain when this started happening. But I've had the drive for about 4 years, and only started noticing this issues 3 years ago. This also happens with ExFAT formatted thumbdrives.

I have updated my OS since (from 10.10.x, when I first got the drive. To 10.11.x. And now 10.13.x). I'm not sure if newer OS starting from 10.11, has changed the way my Mac handles ExFAT drives.

All the other external drives I have remember the last window settings I had. Although, these other externals are formatted as Mac OS Extended Journaled.

Is there a solution to an ExFAT formatted drive to remember last window setting? Without needing to reformat.

 

[joevt]

I think those folder settings are stored in .DS_Store files.
There is a preference that stops macOS from saving .DS_Store to some drives.
https://www.techrepublic.com/articl...ation-of-dsstore-files-for-mac-users-folders/
https://support.studionetworksoluti...-creation-of-DS-Store-files-on-network-shares
https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...les-on-usb-memory-cards-flash-drives.2286879/

You can use this command to see if the user preference file exists:
defaults read com.apple.desktopservices

This command shows all user preferences:
defaults read

This command shows non-user preferences:
sudo defaults read

Preferences can be stored in these folders:
/System/Library/Preferences
/Library/Preferences
~/Library/Preferences

Maybe the Finder can't write the .DS_Store file because you don't have permissions? You can disable permissions for an entire volume using the Finder Get Info window.