changing a folder into a file

[chocobana]

I have a file (without an extension) that OS X has decided is a folder. I'm wondering how I can put the appropriate file extension back on it.

(I tried renaming the file with File Info, but that just changes the folder name. The directory "/" at the back remains there.)

Thanks in advance.

 

[louishen]

where is the folder, was it it the applications folder by any chance

 

[chocobana]

Nope. It's in a folder on my desktop now.

 

[toMACsh]

Does it open as a file or a folder?

"OS decided" doesn't describe what is going on.

 

[chocobana]

It opens as a folder. Finder shows it as a blue folder, and I can only view its contents, which has nothing, but the folder itself is 4mb. I can't get it to open with any other application either.

 

[toMACsh]

If you highlight this "folder" and do Get Info, does it give you any useful information, like what application created it? Does Get Info tell you it's a folder?

What do you think it's supposed to be? ...and why?

 

[chocobana]

Get Info tells me it's a folder. I went into Terminal and did a Filetype (I forgot the exact command) on it, and it says it's a folder too. Doesn't say what application created it though.

I'm pretty sure it's a .mp3 file because someone sent it to me. And I got my friend to send it again with a proper extension appended, and it works now.

But I'm asking because I know it's possible in windows, and was just wondering if there's an equivalent on Mac, and just in case it happens again.

 

[toMACsh]

I'm pretty sure it's a .mp3 file because someone sent it to me. And I got my friend to send it again with a proper extension appended, and it works now.

Aha! That's it. It wasn't saved to the correct format, so changing the extension won't help. Came from a Windows user, did it?

With the Mac OS, extensions are optional. If I create a Word file and save it without an extension, then want to send it to a Windows user, I add the extension by changing the filename. That works.

 

[chocobana]

Haha, yes it came from a Windows user.

But can I change a folder back to the correct format on the Mac OS?

I know how to change/add an extension on other files, but how do I do it with a folder?

 

[toMACsh]

Folder extension? What might the purpose be for that? I've never heard of anyone using an extension on a folder name. You can add one, but what would it do for you??

 

[technologist]

The only kind of files that can become folders (and vice versa) are packages, like applications and iPhoto libraries. These are actually folders that are "sealed up" to look like single files. A corrupted package will turn back into a regular folder.

An MP3 file is not a package and cannot be turned into a folder. Whatever you have, it's not and never was an MP3.

You really need to figure out what this folder was supposed to be. Ask the person who sent it to you how he/she got it.

 

[chocobana]

Hm. Well she managed to fix it and send it to me again. I don't know where she got the file though.

Would it be possible to get at the contents of a corrupted package then? I know I can get applications to "show package contents", is there a similar function?