How to fix npm ERR! code EEXIST npm ERR! EEXIST: file already exists, mkdir 'project-name' in npm | DevErrors

How to fix "npm ERR! code EEXIST npm ERR! EEXIST: file already exists, mkdir 'project-name'"

1Remove the existing directory

Delete the conflicting directory:

bash

# Check if it exists
ls -la project-name

# Remove it
rm -rf project-name

# Retry
npx create-react-app project-name

Windows:

powershell

Remove-Item -Recurse -Force project-name

2Use a different project name

Simply choose a unique name:

bash

# Instead of:
npx create-react-app my-app

# Use:
npx create-react-app my-app-v2
# or
npx create-next-app my-new-project

3Clear npm cache

If error shows cache path:

bash

npm cache clean --force
npm cache verify

# Retry
npm init

4Delete npm cache directory

For stubborn cache issues:

bash

# Linux/macOS
rm -rf ~/.npm

# Windows
Remove-Item -Path "$env:APPDATA\npm-cache" -Recurse -Force

# Reinstall
npm cache verify
npm init

5Check for running processes

Kill competing npm processes:

bash

# Linux/macOS
pkill -f npm
pkill -f node

# Windows
taskkill /IM npm.exe /F
taskkill /IM node.exe /F

Wait a moment, then retry.

Advanced notes

Prevention tips:

1. Use unique, descriptive project names
2. Create parent directory first:

bash

mkdir -p ~/projects/new-app
   cd ~/projects/new-app
   npm init -y

3. Check before creating:

bash

[ -d "my-app" ] && echo "Directory exists!" || npx create-react-app my-app

4. Regular cache maintenance:

bash

npm cache clean --force  # Monthly