Mac files lose their file properties, permissions, and comments if you copy them to the virtual machine's desktop by using a drag-and-drop operation (825409)

SYMPTOMS

When you copy a file to a virtual machine by dragging the file icon onto the virtual machine's desktop, the file properties, permissions, and any comments that are assigned to that file are removed.

When the file is dragged back onto the Mac desktop, its file properties, permissions, and any comments that are assigned to that file are not restored.

CAUSE

This behavior occurs because the guest operating system does not support the use of resource forks, and the file does have a file name extension. This is expected behavior; it is the same as what occurs when your transfer files between a Mac and PC over a network.

Under Mac OS X, as long as the file name includes the file name extension (such as .doc, .ppt, or .xls), when you copy the file back to the Mac computer the file properties that are associated with that file are restored. The Ownership & Permissions settings will be the ones that were set to the file when it was on the virtual machine guest operating system.

Under Mac OS 9 and Mac OS X, items like the preview images for the icon and the comments that are in the Get More Information window for the file are lost because they are part of the resource fork.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, use the Shared Folder feature of Virtual PC. By using the Shared Folder feature of Virtual PC, you can move or copy files to the shared folder and not lose any file-related information. To do so, follow these steps:

On the Virtual PC toolbar, click Share Folder.
Locate the Mac folder that you want to share.
Set the drive letter for the shared folder.
If you want to always share this folder, click to select the Share every time check box.
Click Share.