Finder Error code -36

Problem

You may get the following error when copying files to a USB drive:
“The Finder can’t complete the operation because some data in “” can’t be read or written. (Error code -36)”

Solution
Update to the latest version of your OS:

  1. In the top left hand corner click the Apple icon, then click Software Update.
  2. Install all the updates available.

2 comments

  1. This isn't fixed in 10.6.3. It's a Finder error that's been randomly turning up for several years now.If you run into it, DON'T PANIC. And certainly don't mess with your drive cables, reformat or replace your drive, upgrade your operating system or repair your permissions (I've seen all these suggestions).Open Terminal. Use cp to copy the file(s). If this fails (it never has for me), you DO have a problem. If it works, you may conclude, as I have, that Finder has a problem.– Chris

  2. Yes, the problem has appeared in Mac OS X for a while and sometimes you are better off running an Archive & Install of the operating system but I have seen this issue fixed by installing the update.
    However, that is a good tip to see if the error is only present in the Finder. I would reinstall the OS though if the problem was constant rather than having to go into Terminal each time it came up.

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