"Error Code -36" on a Mac | What Causes It and How to Fix It (2024)

MacOS users have the benefit to read and write to most formatted volumes. What this means is that your Mac can read/write most things, from the memory card in your camera to networked Windows machines. On some rare occasions, however, when trying to copy files, Mac users (often photographers) may encounter “error code -36”, which completely halts the copy process and sends users to the shores of Google.

[REWIND:HEDGE FOR MAC | BACKUP AND VERIFY FILES QUICKLY, AND WHY VERIFYING YOUR FILES IS IMPORTANT]

"Error Code -36" on a Mac | What Causes It and How to Fix It (1)

The errors that occur with a Mac are mostly few and far between, but when they occur one thing is for certain, the error is most definitely vague. The error, known as ‘-36’, or “The Finder can’t complete the operation because some data in “FileName” can’t be read or written. (Error code -36)”; happens when you’re trying to copy files from one location to another, like say a memory card to your hard drive.

"Error Code -36" on a Mac | What Causes It and How to Fix It (2)

See Also
Squibble

Although it could happen to any file, the main cause is to do withinvisible .DS_Store files. The “dot-underscore” are companion files that Mac OS X’s HFS+ filesystem creates for files when they get moved to FAT16 or FAT32 volumes, AKA thumb drives. Thesehidden files contain extra information, like which holds metadata like icon images and files. The problem can arrive when moving files from a Windows-compatible volume to a Mac and then back again, resulting in the dreaded “Error Code -36″.

If you run into Error Code -36 on a Mac, there’s usually a simple solution thanks to a handy command line tool called “dot_clean.” To use dot_clean, you’ll want to point it at the directory which is being copied and throwing the Error Code 36 – it’s as easy as drag and drop.

"Error Code -36" on a Mac | What Causes It and How to Fix It (3)

  • Launch the Terminal (Applications -> Utilities) and type– dot_clean –and a single space.
  • Dragthe flash drive or memory cardicon to the terminal window, and the/path/folder will be generated
  • Press ‘Enter’. The hidden ‘._’ files should be merged with their host files, and you can now copy files to the flash drive or memory card.

Thedot_cleancommand goes through all the files in a selected directory and tries to merge all the ._DS Store files with their corresponding resource files.

[RELATED: WHAT IS THE NEW APPLE FILE SYSTEM (APFS) & WHY DOES IT MATTER? WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW]

Later this year macOS High Sierra will bring a host of new features to Apple users, and one big change will come in the form of the Apple File System replacing the decades old HFS+ system. Not only will the will the new system make file transferring blazingly fast, but Apple has also said that it will fix many issues with the aging HFS+ system.

"Error Code -36" on a Mac | What Causes It and How to Fix It (2024)

FAQs

How do I fix error 36 on my Mac? ›

How to fix error code -36 manually
  1. Use Terminal. The solution to the error, in most cases, is to merge the files causing the problem with their parent files using a Unix command. ...
  2. Manually change file permissions. ...
  3. Use Disk Utility to run First Aid. ...
  4. Delete the. ...
  5. macOS update.
Oct 9, 2023

How do I get rid of error code on Mac? ›

Bonus part: How to fix most Mac error codes?
  1. Restart a file, or an application, when it's necessary, reboot your Mac.
  2. Keep your software on Mac updated, and update macOS to the latest version.
  3. Run First Aid in Disk Utility on your Mac.
  4. Clear system caches and delete junk files on your Mac.

What does error code 36 mean? ›

Error Code 36 appears when the system cannot read/write the data of a file and prevent it from deleting, copying, or transferring, and there can be the following potential reasons for creating error code 36 on your Mac: The external drive is not connected correctly or corrupted itself.

What does this operation can't be completed on Mac? ›

If you keep seeing the error message “the operation can't be completed because the disk is full” when you try to do something on your Mac, it's because, as the message says, your Mac thinks your startup disk is full. The solution is to check whether it really is nearly full, then create free space.

What is the key code 36 on a Mac? ›

Mac Error Code -36, commonly presented as 'Error -36,' represents a filesystem error that typically arises during attempts to copy or relocate files from one location to another. The error message may appear: 'The Finder cannot complete the operation because some data in 'FileName' cannot be read or written.

How do I fix error messages on my Mac? ›

If either app doesn't sign in successfully, try these solutions.
  1. Check your internet connection. Make sure that your Mac is connected to the internet. ...
  2. Check for a service outage. ...
  3. Check your Date & Time settings. ...
  4. Make sure that your software is up to date. ...
  5. Reset NVRAM. ...
  6. Check for third-party software. ...
  7. Learn more.

How to resolve error code? ›

To solve an error code:
  1. Check for the error message/code.
  2. Do some research about the error message/code.
  3. Apply the solution and see if it would make any difference.
  4. If not, repeat step 2.
Apr 9, 2023

How do I reset my Mac code? ›

"Reset it using your Apple ID"
  1. After entering your password up to three times, if you see the option to reset using your Apple ID, click it. ...
  2. What happens next depends on how your Mac is set up. ...
  3. Enter your new password information, then click Next. ...
  4. When the password reset is completed, click Restart.
Apr 9, 2024

What is declined error 36? ›

The customer's card issuer has declined the transaction and requested that your customer's card be retained. You should check transactions processed after any declined transactions receiving this particular error to monitor for fraudulent transactions on alternate cards.

What is the error code E 36? ›

With error code E:36, there's a problem with the water drain of the appliance. There might be a blockage in the drain tube, hose, or pump. Make sure there are no bends in the drain hose first.

What is event error 36? ›

Event ID - 36. The time service has not synchronized the system time for %1 seconds because none of the time service providers provided a usable time stamp. The time service is no longer synchronized and cannot provide the time to other clients or update the system clock.

How do I run Mac in repair mode? ›

On your Mac, choose Apple menu > Restart. Immediately press and hold one of the following key combinations until you see the startup screen: Command-R: Start up from the built-in macOS Recovery System.

How do I fix my Mac file system? ›

Recovering a corrupted file system on a Mac involves several steps: Disk Utility: Use this built-in tool to repair minor issues. Go to Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility and run "First Aid" on the affected drive.

How do I recover a corrupted Mac? ›

How to Fix a Corrupted Hard Drive on a Mac
  1. Repair the Corrupted Hard Drive Using Disk Utility. ...
  2. Initiate the FSCK Command. ...
  3. Try Free Software to Recover Mac Hard Drive Data. ...
  4. Recover from a Time Machine backup drive. ...
  5. Hire a hard drive recovery service for Mac. ...
  6. Try Connecting the Drive to Another Computer.
Jan 30, 2023

How do I fix a MAC address error? ›

If you simply entered the wrong MAC address, you can fix it by deleting the device and re-adding it with the correct MAC address. To delete the device, click the trash icon. Once you have deleted the device, you can then re-add the device using the correct MAC address.

How do I fix disk full error on Mac? ›

Move or delete files
  1. Delete music, movies, podcasts, or other media, especially if it's media that you can stream or download again as needed.
  2. Delete files in your Downloads folder. ...
  3. If you use the Mail app for your email, choose Mailbox > Erase Junk Mail from the menu bar in Mail.

How do you fix this version of macOS cannot be installed? ›

How to fix “macOS could not be installed on your computer”
  1. Check if your Mac is compatible. It is the very first thing to try. ...
  2. Set the correct date and time. ...
  3. Re-download the installer file. ...
  4. Free up space. ...
  5. Try to update macOS in safe mode. ...
  6. Reset the NVRAM. ...
  7. Go to recovery mode. ...
  8. Run First Aid.
Nov 8, 2023

How do I fix a Mac installation error? ›

  1. Check the connection. If you download and install the software under a weak internet connection, you may receive the installation failed prompt. ...
  2. Move the installation file. ...
  3. Make sure to download the compatible application file. ...
  4. Check the permissions. ...
  5. Check the update of the macOS. ...
  6. Reinstall macOS.
Aug 27, 2024

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