Error: "Can't move directory over directory". Phil Bull philbull@gmail.com 2009 GNOME Documentation Project Creative Commons Share Alike 3.0 Theme installation fails

When you try to install a new theme in the Appearance preferences window, you may receive this error:

Installation for theme <Theme Name> failed. Can't move directory over directory.

This means that the theme you are trying to install is already installed.

If you cannot see the theme anywhere in the Appearances window, it may have been deleted. However, some files could have left behind which prevent it from being installed again.

Press AltF2.

Type nautilus .icons and click Run to open the folder where mouse themes are stored.

Delete the folder which corresponds to the theme you are trying to install.

Try to install the theme again.

Cursor themes are stored in the .icons folder in your Home folder. Other parts of themes (such as window decorations) are stored in the .themes folder. These folders are hidden.