5 Simplest Ways to Fix Mac Finder Error Code 36

On some rare occasions, when you try to copy files or folders to or from an external drive, you may encounter error code 100060 or error code 36 on Mac. The Mac error code 36 won't let you complete tasks such as copying, transferring, or deleting files.

You may feel frustrated and don't know what to do. If you're looking for solutions to fix the Mac error code 36 issue, then you're in the right place. Here, we'll show you what error code 36 on Mac is, what causes it, and how to fix it.

What is Mac error code 36

Unlike the error code 8058 on Mac, the Mac error code 36happens when using Finder to copy, transfer files from, or to an external hard drive, USB flash drive, sd card. The full error is usually read as: The Finder can't complete the operation because some data in "FileName" can't be read or written. (Error code -36).

The filename mostly is.DS_Store, but it can happen with just about any file on a Mac. DS_Store files, an abbreviation of Desktop Services Store files, are automatically created by Finder in browsed directories.

These files are used to store the custom attributes of its containing folder, such as the position of icons or the choice of a background image. If these files are damaged or corrupted, error code 36 on Mac could occur.

What causes error code 36 on Mac

Apart from damaged or corrupted DS_ Store files, there are still other reasons that could trigger error code 36 on Mac. Generally, the possible reasons for Mac Finder error code 36 include:

Fortunately, you can use the next 5 solutions to fix the annoying Mac error code 36 problems.

How to fix Mac error code 36

Before proceeding to the solutions to fix the Mac error code 36, here are some basic preliminary operations to do to help you fix the issue quickly.

If the Mac Finder error code 36 problem still persists, try the following solutions to fix it:

Solution 1: Run the dot_clean command in Terminal

After the operation is complete. Repeat the action that was previously causing error code 36 on Mac and see if the problem is now resolved.

Solution 2: Unlock Folder/File

Finder error code 36 may also occur when your account has no privilege to change anything to that folder or file. If you are the Mac owner, log in using your administrator account and change the file property which will enable full access to that files. Follow the instruction below:

In case you're still facing the error code 36, move down to the next potential fix below.

Solution 3: Run First Aid in Disk Utility

Just like what was mentioned before, Macintosh error code 36 is related to missing or corrupt files caused by hard drive issues. Running First Aid in Disk Utility is always a good option to fix the hard drive issues. It will work for an internal drive or an external hard drive where the error code 36 occurred. Just do the following:

Now, check if the Mac Finder error 36 has been resolved.

Solution 4: Update macOS

Some users who've experienced mac error code 36 reported that The Mac error code 36 issue is specific to some old macOS versions, particularly macOS version 10.9.2 and below. And they found updating their Mac computer to the latest available version helped fix the issue.

To update your Mac, you can check the steps below.

Your Mac computer shall automatically reboot after the updates have been installed successfully. Try to copy files to or from an external drive to see if the Macintosh error code 36 still exists. Also, this method can help you fix other Mac error code issues, like Mac error code 41.

Solution 5: Delete the.DS_Store files

Error Code 36 on Mac is often linked with the corrupted.DS_Store files. So, if you are prepared to fix the error code 36 issue, here is a quick guide that will allow you to delete all.DS_Store files manually via the Terminal utility:

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