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Error Code -36 while copying files from external

mrgreeneyes

mrgreeneyes

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Oct 7, 2007
849
57
Gatineau,Canada
i have a random set of folders that when i try to copy from my external drive gives me an error saying it cannot be copied or written. and it gives me a error code -36.

i looked online and it seems to be something to do with zsh permissions, i tried different solutions but nothing seems to allow me to copy those folder/files from the external drive to my macbook.

anybody else have this similar issue?
 
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Sometimes, when you try to copy files or move them to another location on your Mac system, your finder will display “Error Code 36” which won’t let you perform any data transfer. Usually, Error Code 36 occurs when Finder can’t read/write data from any file. Here, are a few DIY troubleshooting methods that you can try to fix the issue:

1. Run the Dot_Clean command from Terminal
2. Ensure the file permission is read/write
3. Repair the storage drive using Disk Utility
4. Recover data using Mac data recovery software

Hope it helps!
 
kibepo73 said:
Sometimes, when you try to copy files or move them to another location on your Mac system, your finder will display “Error Code 36” which won’t let you perform any data transfer. Usually, Error Code 36 occurs when Finder can’t read/write data from any file. Here, are a few DIY troubleshooting methods that you can try to fix the issue:

1. Run the Dot_Clean command from Terminal
2. Ensure the file permission is read/write
3. Repair the storage drive using Disk Utility
4. Recover data using Mac data recovery software

Hope it helps!
Click to expand...
i did the Dot_clean command from terminal, it still doesnt work.
i decided to just delete the folder.

EDIT: i did a chmod 755 on the folder and tried to copy it off the external so far it is working.
 
Last edited:
OP:

I'll offer a suggestion, may or may NOT help, but worth trying.

1. Mount the external drive that's giving you trouble on the desktop, let its icon appear.
DO NOT open the icon.

2. Click on the drive icon ONE TIME to select it, then summon up the "get info" box (command-i).

3. At the bottom of get info, click the lock icon and enter your administrative password.

4. Put a check into "ignore ownership on this volume" (sharing & permissions).

5. Close get info.

NOW try copying a few files/folders from the drive.

Does this change anything?

What this does:
by ignoring [original] ownership, the copied files will now "come under the ownership" of the account you are [currently] using.

Please try this and get back to us.
 
mrgreeneyes said:
no i havent tried it, i looked but i am a little confused how to use the command
Click to expand...
Open Terminal (Application- Utilities – Terminal), write cp -R, space, drag & drop a folder from the external drive, space, drag & drop a destination folder or write ~/Desktop to copy the folder to your Desktop.
mrgreeneyes said:
i just did a chmod 755 on the folder,
Click to expand...
App to set permissions BatChmod https://lagentesoft.com/batchmod/

App to copy files Ultracopier https://ultracopier.herman-brule.com
Both are free.
 
Hi! I have the same issue. Maybe there are any solutions that haven't been suggested yet? Nothing helped so far
PS. I have M2 MacBook Air macOS 14 Sonoma
 
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