"Error-36" code aborts transferring iTunes library to external?

[Per Hansa]

I am attempting to transfer my iTunes library to an external hard drive in order to free up space. Shortly after the transfer begins I get an "Error Code-36" saying Finder "can't complete the operation because some data can't be read or written". I've spent several hours researching previous threads and have tried the following solutions:

1) Typed the "dot_clean" command in the terminal window for my iTunes folder.
2) Ran "First Aid" under disk utility for both my internal and external drives.
3) Ensured the "permissions" are compatible for both the iTunes folder and the external hard drive.

Here are the stats for the involved players: Computer is a 2014 MacBook Pro running High Sierra 10.13.6. External Hard Drive is a "WD My Passport for Mac" formatted as MAC OS Extended (Journaled).

If it's due to corrupted files within iTunes I would be fine with a solution that would exclude those files during the transfer, but right now it aborts the transfer each time it receives the "error-36" for a file. Is there any way to clean out all corrupted files from iTunes, or a command that will allow Finder to continue the transfer despite not being able to transfer a handful of corrupted files? Attaching a few photos to provide more visual info. Thank you!

 

[Fishrrman]

It sounds like one or more (probably several) files in the iTunes folder are corrupted.

You should understand that when the finder attempts to copy a large number of files, all it takes is ONE CORRUPTED FILE, and the entire copy process will be aborted.

Of course, identifying those corrupted files may seem to be an all-but impossible task.

I have a solution for you, but there will be certain "pre-requisites".

It will require a separate drive, or an empty partition on another drive.

You will need CarbonCopyCloner, which is FREE to download and use for 30 days.
Get it here:

Download CCC | Bombich Software

www.bombich.com

How to get it set up:
Open CCC. Accept the defaults.
CCC's main window has three "boxes".
On the left, put your source drive (the one that has the iTunes music folder).
In the middle, put your target (either the external drive or select the empty partition).
IGNORE the box on the right -- you don't need it.

Set the "safety net" to OFF.
Under the source drive, there ought to be a popup window that shows "copy all files" by default.
You want to click on that and select "copy SOME files".

Now, a new sub-window opens.
It wants you to UNCHECK the files/folders you DO NOT WANT TO COPY.

What you're going to do next takes time, but you have to do it.
You need to "go into" this, and UNCHECK EVERYTHING EXCEPT the iTunes music folder.
That's all that you want copied.
It's going to take some time to work your way through the list, but that's what you've got to do.

When it's done, click "done" to get back to the main window.
Click the "clone" button and "click through" to start the process.

CCC should now copy only the iTunes music folder (because you unchecked everything else).

READ CAREFULLY:
Remember what I wrote about the finder aborting when it finds a corrupted file?
CCC DOES NOT DO THIS.
Instead, if CCC encounters a bad file, it "skips it", and goes on to the next good file and KEEPS ON COPYING. CCC will make a note of the bad files, and when the entire cloning job is finished, it presents you with a list of bad files that didn't copy, so you know which ones they are and can decide what to do about them.

If it was me, I'd just "leave them behind" and "go with the good stuff".

Once CCC has done its thing, you'll now have an iTunes folder that has "known good" files inside. You should be able to use the finder with it now, since CCC "culled out" the bad files.

Good luck.

 

[Per Hansa]

Thanks Fishrrman, you're always good with the replies and I appreciate it! I'm sorry I never got back with a reply--I was unavailable to attempt the solution for several weeks, and in the meantime decided to go ahead and upgrade the MacBook. It served me well for 7 years!
So with the new platform I'm no longer desperate to create space, but I'm still cataloguing your solution for future issues with transfers. Hopefully it will help someone else as well. Thanks again!