How folder action scripts work

    A folder action script can run when you
    • open or close a folder
    • add items to or remove items from an open folder
    • move or resize a folder window

    Folder action scripts only run when there's a visible change to the contents of a folder, including folders within a folder.

    For example, adding an item to an open folder window can run a folder action script. Adding an item to a closed folder will not run the script because the visible contents of the folder do not change.

Security issues with folder action scripts

    Folder action scripts can do just about anything, including
    • create, move, duplicate, and delete files and folders
    • mount and unmount disks
    • read and set control panel settings
    • make network connections
    • print files
    • search disks and volumes
    • connect to World Wide Web sites
    • start up and control scriptable applications
    • send email

    To prevent your computer from being controlled from a remote location, folder action scripts will only work if they are
    • located on a hard disk or removable media attached to the computer that runs them
    • located on a mounted remote volume, with an alias to the script located in the Scripts folder (or Folder Action Scripts folder) in the System Folder of the computer that runs them

    WARNING: If you aren't sure about the source of a script, don't use it. Use only scripts that you write yourself or have acquired from a reliable source.

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