Option-Command- Right Arrow?

[hotkey]

I have been using this keyboard sequence for years to mass-open folders. Recently I've tried using it for files/folders stored on external USB hard drives. I use Command-A to Select all, then I use Option-Command-Right Arrow - but nothing happens when processing on the external drives.

The process works fine for files/folders on the Mac hard drive and it also works on USB thumb drives yet only the Command-A works on the external hard drives?

 

[hotkey]

Anyone?

 

[997440]

If you haven't, try the sequence with the drives in *list* view.

 

[hotkey]

Yep I always use List view - doesn't work!

 

[997440]

I don't know the answer; just thinking out loud on things to try.

Did the drive ever successfully execute the sequence? Things to try if it did --

Boot into Safe Mode, test, reboot into normal mode, test.

Create a new user account for testing purpose so as to check if the issue is isolated to your user account.

Check the drive's permissions (heading = set permissions on your new backup drive).

Try using Disk Utility to Verify and/or Repair the drive.




If it's a new drive --

Try Safe Mode.

Try a new user account to test.

Check the drive's permissions (heading = set permissions on your new backup drive).

Try using Disk Utility to Verify and/or Repair the drive.

If it was already partitioned and formatted at the factory, check if it was done as GUID and Mac OS Extended (Journaled) respectively. If not, consider doing so yourself using Disk Utility. (If you need help with that, ask, someone will be able to guide you.)

Keep the same consideration in mind if you're using the drive's vendor software. It's possible it's causing a conflict.

 

[hotkey]

Nothing seems to make a dif. Command A selects all - Option Command Right Arrow does nothing - Option Command I pulls up the Get Info box. So...some of the keyboard shortcuts work - other do not.

I have 2 identical USB drives - 1 works the other does not.....

Is there another way to expand all folders at once - other than Option Command Right Arrow?

 

[997440]

[...]
Is there another way to expand all folders at once - other than Option Command Right Arrow?

Try in a slightly different way.

Place all the folders into one parent folder.
In List view, select the parent.
Command A to select each child.

Command Right Arrow to expand each child.
Command Left Arrow to collapse each child.

Option Right Arrow to expand each child and their sub-folders.
Option Left Arrow to collapse.

 

[hotkey]

That too works in 1 of the 2 attached drives.

 

[997440]

The only suggestions I have at this point will be repetitive. Per usual, back up the drive in case the drive is failing and/or before working on it.

Check the drive's permissions. (see post #5)

Use Disk Utility/First Aid to verify and/or repair the drive. Verify should tell you whether the drive is failing or not. Check the S.M.A.R.T status; if it's healthy it'll say verified. (see post #5)

If it still doesn't work to your expectation, use Disk Utility to initialize the drive. If it's to be used for OS X only:

Format = Mac OS Extended (Journaled)
Scheme = Guid Partition Map
(Click the Partition tab in DU's header to set up the number of partitions you desire)

Explanation and short vid here -- http://osxdaily.com/2012/01/04/format-an-external-hard-drive-or-usb-flash-drive-for-mac-os-x/

To make compatible with Windows and OS X, see here -- http://osxdaily.com/2012/04/22/format-drive-mac-pc-compatible/