How To Fix Mac Error Code 36? Quick Hacks

Got Mac Error Code -36 at the time of transferring files onto a memory card or a Flash drive? Thinking about how to fix this? Do not panic. In this post, we will provide you some easy solutions which will help you to fix this issue in no time.

Caused mainly due to the inappropriate maintenance of the Operating System, the complete error message that comes with this code reads as:

“The Finder can’t complete the operation because some data in “FileName” can’t be read or written. (Error code -36)”

So you need to ensure that you do not forget to update the system files, remove irrelevant software, erase file leftovers, etc.

If these general troubleshooting tips do not work and you still get the error code -36 on your Mac, you need to turn to the specific fixes we have discussed here. 

What Causes Mac Error Code -36

Mac OS X Snow Leopard users sometimes experience an issue in relation to a copy of directories to Windows-based format volumes in Finder. Generally, the issue arises from the companion files, “dot-underscore” that is created by the filesystem, Mac OS X’s HFS+, for files when they are shifted to volumes of  FAT16 or FAT32.

Also, the problem is witnessed at the time of the movement of folders from a Windows-compatible volume to a Mac and vice-versa.

Methods to Solve Mac Error Code 36

To resolve Error Code 36 on your Mac, try out the methods below. You need not perform all, just start trying sequentially from the top till your problem gets sorted. 

Also Read: Apple Error 4013

Use the Terminal Application

In order to get this issue fixed, simply run a dot-clean utility for deleting the “dot-underscore” files from your memory card or flash drive. Below are the steps for using the dot-clean utility:

1. Firstly, open Terminal and enter the text, “dot_clean” along with a single space after that. 
2. Next, drag the memory card or flash drive icon button into the terminal window. The appropriate pathway and folder syntax will get added to the terminal window command.
3. Lastly, hit Enter. The files which are hidden ‘_’ will get deleted and you will be able to copy files to the memory card or flash drive.  

The dot_clean command goes through the entire files in a chosen directory and it merges all the ._DS Store files along with their equivalent resource files. And running this command usually fixes this issue. If however, the error persists, move to the next fix. 

Look for the Shortcomings

At times, it happens that lack of sharing options, permissions or any other issue in the external media leads to Mac Error code 36. To fix this do as directed:

1. Examine the Permissions so as to copy the files in the Finder. Browse Permission and sharing options and tick it to Everyone. Please note that before doing this, make sure your account has readability access to these specific files.
2. Also, look for if any problem exists in the external media and the stability of all the connections.
3. Lastly, turn off the Mac and perform the booting in Safe Mode. After that, try to copy your files. If you are able to copy, restart your computer normally. If you can’t, then too restart your computer normally.   

Relaunch PRAM

To reset your PRAM, perform the necessary steps below:

1. First of all, turn off your Mac.
2. Next, press simultaneously Command+Option+P+R keys.
3. Then turn your Mac on and click Command+Option+P+R keys before the showing of the grey startup screen
4. Until you hear three times a startup sound, hold those keys and then release them.

Remove the Locked Files

1. Go to Application and then Utilities and select Terminal.
2. In the Terminal, type commands chflags -R nouchg on it.
3. Next, double-click the Trash icon button located at the bottom Dock.
4. Click Command+A in order to select all the files in the trash. 
5. After that, drag the files you wish to delete to Terminal from Trash
6. If you cannot see the Terminal window, organize a Finder window, for seeing at least a portion of the Terminal window
7. Once you are done, click on the Terminal, Return key and clear the Trash.

We hope, this post helped you in getting what you were looking for. The error code -36 on your Mac should be gone if you have followed the fixes and performed them correctly. If you are aware of any other fixes, you can mention them in the comments.