If you’re getting the Error Code -36 ”.DS_Store can’t be read or written” error when trying to copy files from one location to another, it’s usually because of file system differences between the source and destination. Here’s how to fix it.
If you’re seeing the error code -36 when trying to copy or move files on your Mac, it might be because of hidden “.DS_Store” files that are preventing the transfer.
The “.DS_Store” file is a hidden file that’s created by the Mac OS X Finder. It contains information about the contents of a folder, such as the position of icons or the choice of background image.
While “.DS_Store” files are generally harmless, they can cause problems when you’re trying to copy or move files. If you’re getting the -36 error, it’s likely because there’s a “.DS_Store” file in the folder you’re trying to copy or move.
Fortunately, there’s an easy fix for this problem. You can use the Terminal application to delete the “.DS_Store” file and then try copying or moving the files again.
Here’s how to do it:
1. Open the Terminal application. You can find it in the Utilities folder in the Applications folder.
2. Type the following command at the prompt, replacing “path/to/folder” with the path to the folder that contains the “.DS_Store” file:
3. Press Return.
4. Type the following command at the prompt, replacing “path/to/folder” with the path to the folder that contains the “.DS_Store” file:
5. Press Return.
You should now be able to copy or move the files without seeing the -36 error.
Table of Contents
What is Error Code -36?
Error code -36 is a common error that can occur when you are trying to copy or move files on your Mac. The error typically occurs when the file you are trying to copy is corrupt or damaged. There are a few ways to fix this error, but the most common way is to use a file recovery tool.
If you are still seeing the error after using a file recovery tool, then you may need to delete the .DS_Store file that is causing the problem. This file is typically located in the root directory of your hard drive. To delete the file, open the Terminal and type the following command:
sudo rm -rf ~/.DS_Store
This will delete the .DS_Store file and should fix the error code -36.
What Causes Error Code -36?
According to Apple, Error Code -36 is caused by “mismatched files” that are preventing the normal operation of your Mac. This is typically caused by downloading or copying files from one location to another, either on your own computer or from another computer. When these files are moved, the data inside them can become corrupted, which in turn can cause Error Code -36 to appear.
There are a few ways to fix this problem, but the most common is to use a file recovery program to recover the lost data. This will allow you to copy the files to a new location and avoid the Error Code -36 message.
If you don’t have a file recovery program, you can try using the Terminal to fix the problem. First, launch the Terminal and then enter the following command:
sudo rm -rf ~/.DS_Store
This will delete the .DS_Store file that is causing the problem. Once the file has been deleted, you should be able to copy files without seeing the Error Code -36 message.
How to Fix Error Code -36
Have you ever encountered the following error message when trying to copy or move files on your Mac?
“The Finder can’t complete the operation because some data in “.DS_Store” can’t be read or written. (Error code -36)”
If you have, you’re not alone. Many Mac users have reported this same error when trying to transfer files to and from external drives and other storage devices. The good news is that there is a relatively simple fix for this error.
Here’s what you need to do:
1. Connect the external drive or other storage device to your Mac.
2. Open a Finder window and navigate to the location of the files you are trying to copy or move.
3. Select the files you want to transfer.
4. Right-click on the selected files and choose the “Copy” option from the pop-up menu.
5. Now open a new Finder window and navigate to the destination location where you want to copy or move the files.
6. Right-click in the destination window and choose the “Paste” option from the pop-up menu.
7. You should now see the files being copied or moved to the destination location.
If you still see the error message after following these steps, it is possible that the files you are trying to copy or move are corrupt. In this case, you will need to use a file recovery tool to recover the data from the corrupt files.
Conclusion
The error code -36 is usually caused by corrupt or damaged preference files. These files store information about the way the Finder organizes and displays files and folders on your computer. When these files become corrupt or damaged, it can cause problems with the way the Finder displays and accesses files and folders.
One way to try and fix this problem is to delete the preference files and then recreate them. To do this, you first need to quit the Finder. Once the Finder is closed, open the Finder Preferences window. In the Finder Preferences window, click the “Advanced” tab. In the “Advanced” tab, find the “Show all file extensions” option and select it.
After selecting the “Show all file extensions” option, close the Finder Preferences window. Next, open the Finder and go to the “Go” menu. In the “Go” menu, select the “Go to Folder” option. In the “Go to Folder” window, type “/Library/Preferences/” and click the “Go” button.
In the “/Library/Preferences/” folder, find the following files:
– com.apple.finder.plist
– com.apple.desktopservices.plist
– com.apple.sidebarlists.plist
Delete these files and then restart your computer. After restarting your computer, the Finder should recreate these preference files and the problem should be fixed.
Resources
If you’ve been getting the “Error Code -36” message when trying to transfer files from your Mac to another device, it’s because of a hidden file called “.DS_Store.” The “.DS_Store” file is automatically generated by the Finder application on your Mac and is used to store information about the files and folders in the current directory.
Unfortunately, the “.DS_Store” file can sometimes become corrupt, which can cause the “Error Code -36” message to appear. Fortunately, there’s an easy way to fix this problem.
Here’s what you need to do:
1. Open the Finder application on your Mac.
2. Click on the “Go” menu and select “Go to Folder.”
3. Type “/.Trash/” in the “Go to Folder” window and click “Go.”
4. Locate the “.DS_Store” file in the Trash and delete it.
5. Try transferring the files again.
