Error Code 36 on Mac

What is error code 36 on Mac?

Error code 36 is related to the macOS file explorer tool, Finder. Typically, you’ll see an error message that reads something like “The Finder can’t complete the operation… Error code -36”. Normally, this happens when you’re trying to move, copy, delete, or otherwise modify files on your Mac, whether they’re stored in your computer’s internal drive or an external location.

Common causes of error code 36 on Mac

There are many potential causes for error code 36 on your Mac, but common ones include:

• Corrupted data, including hidden system configuration files.
• Software bugs and file system integrity issues in macOS.
• Problems with file permissions.
• Failing storage hardware, including hard disks and USB drives.
• Other hardware issues like faulty cables and broken USB ports.

1. Corrupted files or folders

Corrupted files and folders can prevent you from copying, moving or deleting files from your Mac. That’s when you may see the dreaded error code 36 message. Often, these files and folders are hidden because they contain macOS configuration data that most users don’t need to know about. These hidden files can make it more difficult to diagnose the cause of the error.

2. Issues with external drives

Sometimes, error code 36 can appear on MacBooks, iMacs, and other Macs due to external disk problems. Before doing anything else, we suggest taking a few moments to check your drive is properly plugged in and powered up. Try unplugging the drive and plugging it back in. We also recommend listening for strange noises or unusual amounts of heat coming from the drive—common symptoms of a broken or failing hard drive.

3. macOS permissions problems

macOS permissions determine who can do what with files and folders on your Mac. If you have the wrong permissions on a file or folder, it can cause error code 36 on your Mac. You might also be told you don’t have permission to open the application when you try to run an app. Permissions can be set to Read, Read & Write, Write Only, and No Access.

4. Problems with file system integrity

Issues with file system integrity are another factor to consider. If parts of your macOS installation get corrupted, it can cause all kinds of problems, including performance issues, instability, and error code 36.

A note from our experts:

 

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How to fix error code 36 on Mac

Now you know some of the most common causes of this problem, let’s look at how to solve error code 36 on Mac.

These are the most common fixes:

1. Run disk utility to repair your Mac.
2. Delete .DS_Store files.
3. Check file permissions.
4. Try using Terminal commands.
5. Update macOS.

1. Run disk utility to repair your Mac

Using the macOS Disk Utility, you can quickly and easily fix issues with your Mac’s system integrity. Just follow our instructions:

1. Open Disk Utility from Applications > Utilities.
2. Select your internal or external drive on the left, then click First Aid.
3. Click Run.
4. Read the message that pops up. If you’re ready, click Continue.

2. Delete .DS_Store files

You might be able to fix error code 36 issues by deleting .DS_Stores files with the Terminal command line tool. These are hidden configuration files, hidden in multiple locations across your Mac. If they get corrupted, they can cause problems with file operations like copying and pasting. This is what you need to do to delete .DS_Store files from your Mac:

1. Open Terminal from Applications > Utilities.
2. Type sudo find / -name ".DS_Store" -depth -exec rm {} \; and press Return.
3. Enter your admin password and press Return.
4. Restart your Mac and see if your error code 36 problem is fixed.

3. Check file permissions

Another way to solve error code 36 on Mac is to change file permissions. If you don’t have write permissions for a file or folder, you won’t be able to make changes like deleting or moving it. This is how we change macOS file permissions:

1. Right-click the file or folder you’re trying to modify and select Get Info.
2. Scroll down to the Sharing & Permissions section.
3. Look for your user name, and make sure your Privilege is set to Read & Write.
4. If you can’t change this setting, click the padlock icon and enter your admin password. Then try again.

Still having permission issues? We recommend reading our article on how to repair disk permissions on Mac for more solutions.

4. Try using Terminal commands

In our experience, one of the best ways to fix error code 36 on Mac is to delete ‘dot-underscore’ files and folders. These are hidden files and folders that have ‘._’ at the start of their file names. If these files get corrupted or locked, they can stop Finder from working properly. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Open Terminal from Applications > Utilities.
2. Type dot_clean. Tap Spacebar to leave an extra space at the end.
3. Using Finder, locate the folder containing the files you were trying to modify. Drag the folder into the Terminal window.
4. The folder’s file path will now be visible in Terminal. Press Return.

Now try to modify the files again, and hopefully, it should work this time.

5. Update macOS

Software updates are a key part of owning a Mac. Apple regularly releases performance and security fixes for macOS, which may solve problems like error code 36. This is how we update our Macs:

1. Open your macOS System Settings, and select General > Software Update.
2. Your Mac will automatically check for updates. If it finds one, click Update Now.
3. Follow the update process, then see if the error code 36 problem has been fixed.

Also, you might be interested in following our guide on how to update Mac systems for more detailed information, including how to do a backup before applying updates.

If in doubt, give us a shout

The steps we’ve outlined in this article might solve error code 36 on your Mac, but there are no guarantees. Issues with Mac file systems and file permissions can quickly get much more complicated, requiring more in-depth and tailored intervention.

MacKeeper’s Premium Services were created to help you in situations just like this. It gives you a direct link to our experts, so you can get real-time support, customized to your particular needs. We’ve solved more than a million problems, including malware and privacy issues, and we’re ready to help you any time, any day.