macOS users have the ability to read and write to most formatted discs. This means your Mac can read and write nearly anything, from the memory card in your camera to networked Windows PCs. However, in rare instances, Mac users (primarily visual content users) may obtain “error code -36” while attempting to copy files, stopping the copy process and preventing them from continuing with their life. On a Mac, issues are rare, but when they do occur, one thing is certain: the mistake is unclear. The error is “-36,” which means “The Finder can’t finish the operation because some data in “FileName” can’t be read or written.” (Error code -36)” happens while moving files from one location to another, for example, from a memory card to a hard drive. If you encounter Error Code -36 on a Mac, you can usually repair it with a command-line tool called “dot clean.” Simply point dot clean to the directory being copied while throwing Error Code 36 – it’s as easy as dragging and dropping. To repair Mac error code 36, follow the instructions outlined below.
Step by step process – How to fix Mac error code 36
- Go to “Launchpad”.
- Find and click on “Terminal”.
- Type out “dot_clean” along with a space.
- The /path/folder will be formed when you drag the flash drive or memory card icon to the terminal window.
- Press the ‘Enter’ key.
- Finally, after merging the concealed ‘._’ files with their host files, you can copy data to the flash drive or memory card.
Dot clean allows you to restore the file in the original format enabling you to copy files effectively disabling error 36. The dot clean program searches all of the files in a given directory. DS_Store files and tries to combine them with their matching resource files.
Later this year macOS High Sierra will bring a host of new features to Apple users, and one big change will come in the form of the Apple File System replacing the decades-old HFS+ system. Not only will the new system make file transfers lightning-fast, but Apple has also stated that it will address many of the problems that have plagued the outdated HFS+ system.
What is dot_clean for Mac
The Finder in Mac OS comes with a useful archiving option (named “Archive” in Mac OS prior to “Leopard,” and “Compress” in 10.5 and higher) that can be found in the contextual menus as well as the File menu. This function creates a ZIP archive of all chosen files and folders for simple transfer to hard drives, network shares, and internet folders. Some users have reported issues with the archive process on Snow Leopard, where it would stall forever and fail to complete the compression.
Alternative fixes for Error 36
In terms of general performance and content management, Mac computers are well-known as dependable, speedy devices. Many Mac users like the near-perfect data management and quick file transfers. Finder error code 36, which states that an action could not be completed because files could not be read or written to, might arise on occasion. This is an uncommon problem that can affect Mac machines running any version of the OS. Despite the fact that this is a rare occurrence, there are a few options. Thankfully, this error isn’t usually caused by hardware or software failures.
The problematic file (which can’t be read or written to) almost always has a dot-underline (._) extension. ‘.DS Store’ is a frequent example of such a file. Additional information, such as icon pictures and related data, is stored in these hidden folders. Error 36 happens when these files are moved from a Windows-compatible disc to a Mac and vice versa. Although using a built-in command line window and the dot clean function is the most expedient approach, the cause of Finder’s error 36 may be anything from viruses to malware to damaged files to trash files. We discuss the most effective techniques for resolving this annoying issue, regardless of the reason, in this post.
Permissions should be checked, and a safe boot should be performed
Mismatches in folder permissions and sharing settings, as well as difficulties with external devices, are additional typical causes of error 36. When attempting to transfer, check the rights and sharing parameters of the folder associated with error 36. Select Get Info with a right-click or Control-click on the folder. Look for Sharing & Permissions at the bottom of the expandable list, expand it, and see if your user account has read and write permissions. If you don’t have Read & Write privileges, click on the status of the privilege and choose it.
If you are unable to alter the permissions, you may need to sign in with an administrator account. Another alternative is to start your computer in Safe Mode, which is beneficial in a variety of scenarios; attempt this mode to resolve error 36. To start a Mac in Safe Mode, it must first be turned off. Restart it once it has totally shut down. Hold down the Shift key until you see the Apple logo after hearing the start-up bell. Attempt to relocate the folder once the Mac has completely loaded. If this solves the problem, restart the computer as normal.
In depth – Step by step process – How to fix Mac error code 36
Step by step breakdown:
- Go to “Launchpad”.
Launchpad is illustrated by 9 icons in a box. This symbolises the app drawer for mac. Click on it to access the applications including Outlook.
- Find and click on “Terminal”.
If it’s not in the main app drawer it will be located in a folder called “other”, look there for system tools such as “Terminal”.
- Type out “dot_clean” along with a space.
- The /path/folder will be formed when you drag the flash drive or memory card icon to the terminal window.
- Press the ‘Enter’ key.
- Finally, after merging the concealed ‘._’ files with their host files, you can copy data to the flash drive or memory card.
That’s it for this Blog thank you for taking time out to read our content, please feel free to email our team about how it went if you followed the steps or if you need more help with the questions we answered in this Blog.