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FIX: The destination already contains a folder/file named..

6 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

Windowssometimes has the strangest issues one could imagine. Even the simplest UI commands, like copy-paste, can sometimes fail you. Luckily, those errors are not common and are simple to address.

For example, theThe destination already contains a folder/file named…error pop-ups from time to time. Affected users are unable to copy or even merge the folder and files on the chosen destination.

In order to help you address this, we prepared a list of the most applicable solutions. If you’re having a hard time resolving the issue at hand, make sure to check them out below.

How do I fix The destination already contains a folder named..?

1. Restart Windows Explorer

This and similar errors can have various causes, starting with the smallest ones and reaching tocritical HDDorsystem issues.

The simplest cause for the error lies in the Windows Explorer inability to execute an ordinary task due to clipboard issues.

As it’s the essential built-in part of the Windows shell, you certainly can’t reinstall it. What you can do is restart it.By doing so, you’ll clear the cache and, hopefully, fix thecopying error.

2. Check for hidden files

What ifThedestination already contains a folder/file named..error is not an error at all? Some folders or files might be hidden, especially if you’re merging or copying to system folders.

And one single file can create the problem and prevent copying/merging. In order to address this, we recommend enabling hidden files.

That way you’ll know whether there’s or there isn’t the file or folder with the same name at the destination.

Afile search toolcan be used also to open hidden files in Windows 10.

This type of software allows you to search for text, pictures, music and video files. You can also search e-mails and contact addresses from Outlook and browse favorites and history in Internet Explorer.

The program searches MS Office, HTML, PDF, text and OpenOffice files. Using categories it can distinguish between file categories such as music, photos, videos or e-mails from Outlook or Mozilla programs.

3. Run SFC

Even the slightest corruption of system files can lead to inconsistencies in the performance. Since this problem’s core is somewhere with the system, we recommend running theSystem File Checkerutility.

The SFC is the system utility tool run through elevatedCommand Prompt. Its main purpose is to check the integrity of the system files.

Once run, it should identify and fix the majority of the problems concerning the system files.

4. Use Command Prompt to transfer files

If Windows Explorer won’t work and you are in a dire need to copy something from the destination A to destination B, you can use the robocopy command in Command Prompt.

This command is a great way to copy large chunks of data while retaining the access permissions and copying all subdirectories in the process.

5. Check storage for errors

This error would be the last thing on your mind if it turns out there’s astorage erroron your HDD. On the other hand, if you’re copying files to USB flash drive, these errors are quite common.

These get corrupted all the time and it’s rather simple to fix them. Of course, this only works if the hardware part is still performing.

6. Scan for malware

Possible malware interference is also a viable reason for Explorer’s mischief. Making sure that your PC is protected from the effects of the malware presence is of utmost importance. In this case, we recommend a deep scan.

You can do so with the built-in protective softwareWindows Defender, or with a third-party antimalware solution. If you want to get a third-party anti-virus, your best options are the ones we identified inthis comprehensive articlewith the best antivirus for Windows 10.

They all perform well, have been tried in real-world settings, and have received positive feedback. To be clear, each of them is unique and can discover different difficulties depending on your PC and regular usage habits.

7. Reset the system to factory settings

In the end, if the error is persistent, the only viable solution is turning to recovery options.System Restoreshould work just fine, but it’s not enabled by the default.

Which mean that there’s a good chance you don’t have available restore points. On the other hand, factory reset works like a charm.

It refreshes your system similarly to clean reinstall but you get to keep your files and installed applications.

In case you are aware of any alternative solution for the The destination already contains a folder/file named… error in Windows 10, please do share it with us. You can do so in the comments section below.

[wl_navigator]

FIX: The destination already contains a folder/file named..#

How do I fix The destination already contains a folder named..?#

1. Restart Windows Explorer#

2. Check for hidden files#

3. Run SFC#

4. Use Command Prompt to transfer files#

5. Check storage for errors#

6. Scan for malware#

7. Reset the system to factory settings#