"file could not be read or written" files grey.

Trying to re-sync iPhone to mac, iTunes is up to date and so is iPhone but 80% of the songs on iPhone are grey and are unplayable.
When trying to sync, anywhere from the 1st song up to the 14th (there are lots more songs but it doesn't ever load past 14) iTunes freezes for about 5 minutes and the message "iTunes could not copy "song" to the iPhone because the file could not be read or written" appears.
The files it is talking about work perfectly when played on iTunes but still don't sync.
I have tried deleteing enough music so that I can sync the entire library and even restoring the phone but nothing has worked.
Help.
iPhone 4 with software 5.1.1
iTunes version 10.6.3

I had this same message appear today when i was putting new music on my ipod touch 4th gen. The only difference is that I wasnt using an external drive. I was using the one on my computer. This is the first time i have had this problem

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ITunes sync problem: file could not be read or written

I am running itunes 10.5.2 on OSX 10.7.2 on a 2.53 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Macbook
A week ago i did a so called "clean install" on my Mac, making sure to back everything up on one external drive, and clone the disk on another before beggining. I started with snow leopard and then installed the upgrade from the app store. I then reinstalled all of my software, loaded my photos, setup my preferences and devices, and finally directed itunes to the media folder on my external drive.
I had been using the external drive for itunes for a couple of years: on the previous system and even my previous desktop, with no problems whatsoever.
All my songs apps etc. showed up and there seemed to be no issue.
Then I tried to sync my iphone 4s and it started off okay, but about halfway through the message "could not sync ___ song to iphone because the file could not be read or written". When i located the song in question it was where it should be and even played properly in itunes. The second try would bring about the same error only with a different song. This went on several times before I realized something was really wrong.
I made sure to change the permissions for all itunes folders, music folders, even the external drive itself to have read & write permissions for all fields, and checked the box to include all internal files. I also tried resetting my iphone, syncing through another usb port, and running permissions checks on the main drive.
Thinking it could be a broken hard drive, I tried moving my aperture folder to the internal drive and all 30 GB transfered no problem. But when I tried to move the itunes folder to another drive, it stopped midway through and the finder gave me "error -36" saying that some song could not be transfered because "the file could not be read or written".
In case it helps I have included the Console log from on of my attempts to syc.
Any ideas? Thanks for your time and effort in helping.
Jan 9 16:49:23 Rolf-Lufts-MacBook-Pro kernel[0]: disk1s3: I/O error.
Jan 9 16:49:53: --- last message repeated 1 time ---
Jan 9 16:49:57 Rolf-Lufts-MacBook-Pro kernel[0]: disk1s3: I/O error.
Jan 9 16:55:03 Rolf-Lufts-MacBook-Pro kernel[0]: 0 0 AppleUSBCDC: start - initDevice failed
Jan 9 16:55:03 Rolf-Lufts-MacBook-Pro kernel[0]: USBMSC Identifier (non-unique): 57442D574D41565530363531313730 0x1058 0x1003 0x175
Jan 9 16:55:23 Rolf-Lufts-MacBook-Pro kernel[0]: disk1s3: I/O error.
Jan 9 16:55:53: --- last message repeated 1 time ---
Jan 9 16:55:56 Rolf-Lufts-MacBook-Pro kernel[0]: disk1s3: I/O error.
Jan 9 16:56:26: --- last message repeated 2 times ---
Jan 9 16:56:52 Rolf-Lufts-MacBook-Pro kernel[0]: disk1s3: I/O error.
Jan 9 16:57:26 Rolf-Lufts-MacBook-Pro kernel[0]: disk1s3: I/O error.
Jan 9 16:57:56: --- last message repeated 1 time ---
Jan 9 16:57:56 Rolf-Lufts-MacBook-Pro kernel[0]: disk1s3: I/O error.
Jan 9 16:59:07 Rolf-Lufts-MacBook-Pro kernel[0]: disk1s3: I/O error.
Jan 9 16:59:15 Rolf-Lufts-MacBook-Pro kernel[0]: IOSurface: buffer allocation size is zero
Jan 9 16:59:39: --- last message repeated 4 times ---
Jan 9 16:59:39 Rolf-Lufts-MacBook-Pro kernel[0]: disk1s3: I/O error.
Jan 9 17:00:23 Rolf-Lufts-MacBook-Pro kernel[0]: disk1s3: I/O error.
Jan 9 17:00:53: --- last message repeated 1 time ---
Jan 9 17:01:23 Rolf-Lufts-MacBook-Pro kernel[0]: disk1s3: I/O error.
Jan 9 17:06:40 Rolf-Lufts-MacBook-Pro kernel[0]: IOSurface: buffer allocation size is zero
Jan 9 17:14:34 Rolf-Lufts-MacBook-Pro kernel[0]: IOSurface: buffer allocation size is zero
Jan 9 17:17:18: --- last message repeated 3 times ---
Jan 9 17:17:18 Rolf-Lufts-MacBook-Pro kernel[0]: IOSurface: buffer allocation size is zero
Jan 9 17:21:46 Rolf-Lufts-MacBook-Pro kernel[0]: disk1s3: I/O error.
Jan 9 17:22:16: --- last message repeated 1 time ---
Jan 9 17:22:44 Rolf-Lufts-MacBook-Pro kernel[0]: disk1s3: I/O error.
Jan 9 17:23:14: --- last message repeated 1 time ---
Jan 9 17:23:14 Rolf-Lufts-MacBook-Pro kernel[0]: disk1s3: I/O error.
Jan 9 17:23:48 Rolf-Lufts-MacBook-Pro kernel[0]: disk1s3: I/O error.
Jan 9 17:24:18: --- last message repeated 1 time ---
Jan 9 17:24:22 Rolf-Lufts-MacBook-Pro kernel[0]: disk1s3: I/O error.
Jan 9 17:24:52: --- last message repeated 1 time ---
Jan 9 17:28:04 Rolf-Lufts-MacBook-Pro kernel[0]: disk1s3: I/O error.
Jan 9 17:28:34: --- last message repeated 1 time ---
Jan 9 17:28:37 Rolf-Lufts-MacBook-Pro kernel[0]: disk1s3: I/O error.
Jan 9 17:29:07: --- last message repeated 1 time ---
Jan 9 17:29:07 Rolf-Lufts-MacBook-Pro kernel[0]: IOSurface: buffer allocation size is zero
Jan 9 17:29:12 Rolf-Lufts-MacBook-Pro kernel[0]: disk1s3: I/O error.
Jan 9 17:29:42: --- last message repeated 1 time ---
Jan 9 17:30:06 Rolf-Lufts-MacBook-Pro kernel[0]: IOSurface: buffer allocation size is zero

I had this same message appear today when i was putting new music on my ipod touch 4th gen. The only difference is that I wasnt using an external drive. I was using the one on my computer. This is the first time i have had this problem

"the finder cannot complete the operation because some data in [name of iMovie file] could not be read or written (Error Code 26)

Hi all,
I have an iMovie project in iMovie HD 6.0.3. (Mac OS 10.5.8)
It plays, but I cannot copy the file (including saving it to a flash drive). I get either a message
"the finder cannot complete the operation because some data in [name of
iMovie file] could not be read or written (Error Code 26)" or the
message "A project file is missing. The file [name of the QuickTime
movie inside the project.dv] couldn't be opened and is being skipped."
This happened suddenly, I was able to save a backup version numerous
times while working on the project.
I followed some of Karl Petersen's advise on apple discussions. I opened
the package contents, and everything seems to be there. The source file
(original QuickTime movie) is there and can be opened and played. I
replaced the current project file with the backup in the package
contents, but that did not change anything. I was able to export the
movie timeline into a new project as a single clip, but would like to be
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Thanks for any ideas..

Make sure all drives are formatted as "Mac OS Extended". (Journalling preferred, but not necessary).

The File Could Not Be Read or Written?

I am trying to sync some songs to my iPod Touch (brand new, by the way) and occasionally I hit a song where I get the error message that the "file could not be read or written."
I set iTunes to only sync checked songs and video. I mark the problem song as "corrupted" in the notes and then uncheck it. When I sync again, it skips that song and the sync continues until it finds another song that is "corrupted."
Strangely though, I can play the song on my iMac with no problems. I just can't sync it to my iPod.
How do I fix this?

I had this issue and couldn't figure out what it was for the life of me. I am running windows 7 and the latest version of itunes. I tried multiple reinstalls of itunes and restores of the ipod. I finally got it fixed by following this guide.
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1539
Apparently there was an issue with my .dll files. Hope this helps.

I have the 20gb iPod that I need to put music back onto with my new computer. It starts to sync then it says "ITunes could not copy the song to the iPod because the file could not be read or written. ????

I have a 20gb iPod that needs music from ITunes. On my new computer I am trying to sync but I get error message "could not copy to iPod because file could not be read or written. Attempting to copy to the disk failed. The disk could not be read from or written to." I have tried several times and have reset to factory settings.

Is the new PC running XP as well, Chalotte?
If so, I might start with the following document (your error message is a possible symptom of the issue too):
iTunes displays -50 error message when syncing iPod on Windows XP

HT203180 I have bought several tv seasons from the itunes store. Recently some episodes will not sync with my ipad. The error message is that the file "could not be read or written". Previous episodes of the same series synced successfully.

I have bought several tv seasons from the itunes store. Recently some episodes will not sync with my ipad. The error message is that the file "could not be read or written". Previous episodes of the same series synced successfully. Also while watching the same episode on my laptop (Mac Book Pro) it freezes.

I had this same message appear today when i was putting new music on my ipod touch 4th gen. The only difference is that I wasnt using an external drive. I was using the one on my computer. This is the first time i have had this problem

ITunes could not copy "Beethoven's Symphony No 9 (from "A Clockwork Orange")" to iPhone "Heywood Floyd's iPhone" because the file could not be read or written

Hello, i am having the following problem...
"iTunes could not copy "Beethoven's Symphony No 9 (from "A Clockwork Orange")" to iPhone "Heywood Floyd's iPhone" because the file could not be read or written" [ ... and yes, Heywood Floyd is an avatar name..]
With this...
a. it occurs when I try to synch my iphone with iTunes.
b. I have tested the "Beethoven's Symphony No 9" files that I have found on my iTunes, and my iPhone, as there is a copy of "Beethoven_ Symphony No. 9, _Choral_" folder that is the concert from Bernard Haitink & London Symphony Orchestra;
c. This is where is get weird, a sort of Jack Torrance moment, they only file related to "A clock work orange" is 06 A Clockwork Orange - Ode to Joy.m4p...
So what is happening, and how can I resolve this, as I am not able to synch between my mac and my iPhone....

Check the media source drive for errors.
See also Repair security permissions for iTunes for Windows. Not sure it is relevant but can't hurt.
If iTunes is confused about what media is and is not on the device take these steps:
Backup the device.
Restore as a new device.
Restore from the earlier backup.
tt2

How I can diable in firefox dialog box "download error could not be saved, because the source file could not be read. " when file not downloaded

How I can diable in firefox dialog box "download error could not be saved, because the source file could not be read. " standart download manager when file not downloaded

It is possible that anti-virus software is corrupting downloaded files or is interfering otherwise.
Try to disable the real-time (live) scanning of files in your anti-virus software temporarily to see if that makes downloading work.
See:
*http://kb.mozillazine.org/Unable_to_save_or_download_files
You can try to set the browser.download.manager.scanWhenDone pref on the <b>about:config</b> page to false.
*http://kb.mozillazine.org/about:config

Attempting to copy to the disk failed. The disk could not be read from or written to", and "itunes could not copy to the ipod because the file could not be read or written" WTH?

I recently bought my son who is special needs an iPod shuffle gen 4 and nothing but complications. I kept getting error message saying it could not be read from or written to. Then it would not even charge up. I let ig charge on computer for 6 hours it turned green. Then I went to check it out and it went to orange then nothing. So, I took it back to the storea and got another. I am home excited for my son and nothing it is doing the same thing! Someone please help me I am ready to swear off iPod period!

I had this issue and couldn't figure out what it was for the life of me. I am running windows 7 and the latest version of itunes. I tried multiple reinstalls of itunes and restores of the ipod. I finally got it fixed by following this guide.
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1539
Apparently there was an issue with my .dll files. Hope this helps.

ITunes could not copy " song " to the iPhone " iPhone name " because the file could not be read or written.

Hi All,
Computer-
MacBook Pro
Processor 2.3 GHz Intel Core i5
Graphics Intel HD Graphics 3000 384 MB
Software Mac OS X Lion 10.7.4 (11E53)
Phone-
Iphone 4s Model MC922LL
14GB
-iTunes version 10.6.3 64-bit.
-Happening since os x update 10.7.4. No issues with os x 10.7.3.
-It will look like it's sync'ing the song both on the mac and the phone, but it's greyed out on the phone where it shows the progress of the song coming over. It will then give the above error after about 5 minutes. Can't play the same song through itunes on the mac as well. It will play for a milisecond then hang iTunes and at other times the entire macbook pro so I need to hard shutdown. About 500 songs out of 6000 so far I've found the issue. Doesn't seem to be any from the itunes store, just cd's I've ripped onto my mac but I'm not positive on that as I can't test all songs with the time it takes to reboot (found the 500 by trying to sync all songs and having itunes random pick them). Also noticed that on a single album most songs will be fine but then others have the issue. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!
Chuck

Ok, so I dont think that I have ever been more mad at a program than I am right now. So I had about 120 songs on my iPhone that I all bought myself, but about 80 of them were on my computer. So I imported them into my iTunes library then I tryed to sync all my music back on; including the other forty songs. But when I did that, all of the 80 songs wouldnt sync. They work perfectly fine on iTunes, but they will just not sync! I have tried dragging them into playlists and everything. I am not new to iTunes, and I completely understand why people steal music and jailbreak their devices. All the stupid copyright laws and sharing stuff mixed with a poorly written program makes everything so difficult! I completely understand why people try to root their iphone and manually drag the songs on, because there isn't something saying "no! don't do that! Even though you bought the song you can't do that!" If Apple was so concerned with copyright, then they should really try to fix iTunes and make it easier for people to use, because otherwise, they are really turning people away from paying for their music. I know quite a bit about computers and have been around, and if iTunes is messing with me, I am positive that it would be insanely confusing for an old person, or someone who just wants to put music on their iPod and doesnt want to deal with all this stuff that he has no idea about. Well, sorry about the huge long complaint, but it is so annoying, and I am sure that many people will agree with what I just said! Oh and if anyone does have advice, feel free to let me know. Thanks.

Failed iPhone sync as iTunes states random song files "could not be read". I politely ask for your help!

Hello
Been having this problem for awhile now:
When I attempt to sync my iPhone, iTunes will start syncing but after every few songs it syncs, iTunes interrupts the sync with a message saying the file could not be imported since it could not be read. I can go to that song iTunes can't import in my list of music and play it in iTunes and verify that it isn't corrupted.
Does anyone know what the issue is? Here is what I have tried so far:
* Restore entire iPhone
* Remove iTunes and all preferences, re install and re import music library
* Change file import settings to iTunes Plus AAC conversion (Not sure this even does anything)
* Manually converting EVERY song (Shift+Clicking) to AAC
* Attempt to sync music manually (e.g. only checked items)
The message is as follows: iTunes could not copy "such and such song" to the iPhone because the file could not be read. This error happens with a different song each time I remove the previous one indefinitely, I have over 3000 songs, and it would take me days before I could manually remove each song iTunes deems unworthy of syncing (if at all). And this ONLY happens if I am fortunate enough for iTunes to even attempt to sync the tracks, usually it just skips that step entirely saying it's been completed, with no music actually transferred...
I am leaving on an international trip soon and I very much want to have hard copies of my music with me, I've been wracking my brain for ages now and haven't been this frustrated since freshmen year of highschool.
(╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻
* iPhone 5S - iOS 7.1.1
* Windows 8.1
* iTunes 11.2.2
TL;DR: Everytime I try to sync my songs onto my iPhone, I get an error message that says "iTunes could not copy "(song name)" to the iPhone because the file could not be read or written." and then it stops syncing completely, so the rest of the songs after that don't get put on my iPhone. File is playable and not corrupt.

Hi skyvandyk,
It sounds like one of your music files may have been corrupted at some point and when trying to sync that song the iPhone is unable to do so. I know this must be a frustrating issue for you.
What I would suggest is that you first attempt to sync your iPhone without that particular song. To do this you will need to manually manage the music that goes to your iPhone. This article will tell you how -
Managing content manually on iPhone, iPad, and iPod
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1535
If the song was purchased from the iTunes store you can delete it and download again at no cost, if it is still available. See this article -
Download past purchases
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2519
If the song came from a CD or another source you may have to get it again from that source.
Thanks for using Apple Support Communities.
Best,
Brett L

Cannot move any files into trash to delete them. I get a Trash warning box saying "The Finder cannot complete the operation because some data in 'file name' could not be read or written.(Error code - 36)".Macbook has so much data it is almost not working

Cannot move any files into trash to delete them. I get a Trash warning box saying "The Finder cannot complete the operation because some data in 'file name' could not be read or written.(Error code - 36)".Macbook has so much data it is almost not working.
I have tried reseting to factory settings by removing battery and holding down the power switch for more than 5 sec but this does nothing.
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated as I think with so much unwanted data on the desktop and other places the whole os will crash very soon.
Thanks, Rick

The hard drive may be dying anyway, or the directory damaged because it is so full. You should never let the hard drive get over 85% full.
A -36 error is a read/write error.
All you did with the power is reset the SMC. Does nothing to reset everything to factory settings.
Do you have your original 10.4 installer discs for the MacBook?
Is your data backed up?

My LR 4 suddenly no longer recognized my memory cards. I am using the same cards and cameras but consisitently get the error message:"files not imported because the files could not be read. they are jpg and nef files...I am stuck without my workhorse! Any

My LR 4 suddenly no longer recognized my memory cards. I am using the same cards and cameras but consisitently get the error message:"files not imported because the files could not be read. they are jpg and nef files...I am stuck without my workhorse! Any advice is helpful. This has never happened in 6 years

answered in your other thread LR 4 suddenly no longer recognizes files.

In trying to update I received this message: Firefox 3.6.3(2).dmg.part could not be saved, because the source file could not be read.

In trying to download an update I first received: "There were problems checking for, downloading, or installing this update. Firefox could not be updated because: No data was received (please try again)" It also gave a link to download manually. When I tried from the Firefox website I got: /Users/(deleted for privacy)/Desktop/Firefox 3.6.3(2).dmg.part could not be saved, because the source file could not be read.
Try again later, or contact the server administrator. I tried this 3 times.
== This happened ==
Not sure how often
== Mon around 11 am, central time, May 17, 2010

I have tried downloading the file several times and get the same message: "No data received." I have no other system problems, I navigate well to other sites, but I'm unable to download this upgrade. Any suggestions?

Cannot save webpage (.html file) because get error sayting that a " .js" file could not be saved, because the source file could not be read. Any ideas where my problem is? Thx.

Every time I attempt to save a webpage (.html format) I get a message indicating that some .js-type file was not saved because the source file could not be read.
I did some "cleanup" of add-ons because there were so many. Is it possible I deactivated one that I need to read .js files, or could/would it be something else?
Thanks.

Please help.
It is getting worse
Adobe flash player is crashing. I already uninstalled and re installed the latest ver. Also it is hanging randomly.
Please help.

"file could not be read or written" files grey.

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