Help with "The Finder can't complete the operation because some data in "iPhoto Library" can't be read or written. (Error code -36)" Any ideas on how to fix this?

While trying to copy my iPhoto Library (49.61 GB) to an external hard drive, I receive the error message "The Finder can’t complete the operation because some data in “iPhoto Library” can’t be read or written. (Error code -36)"
I need to move my library because I have no more disk space.  This was going to be step 1 followed by backing up to another EHD.
More details: iPhoto version 9.6 (910.29) OX X Yosemite Version 10.10.1 (Mid 2011 Mac Book Air).  EHD= WD Elements 1 TB (purchased at B&H Photo where the sales associate formatted it for a Mac).
Any step by step ideas for help are appreciated!  I've read through a few threads but need more step by step directions.

That error message is an I/O error which can mean a number of things, among them a bad file.  Here's a couple of fixes you can try:
1 - use the free version of  iPhoto Library Manager  to rebuild the library with the rebuild being created on the  EHD as follows:
Using iPhoto Library Manager  to Rebuild Your iPhoto Library
1 - download iPhoto Library Manager and launch.>Click on the Add Library button,
2 -  select the library you want to add from those in the selection window.
3 - make sure that in the rebuild window the checkbox  "Scavange orphaned photos" is checked.
4 - now that the library is listed in the left hand pane of iPLM, click on your library and go to the Library ➙ Rebuild Library menu option
5 - in the next  window name the new library and select the location you want it to be placed. Click on the Create button.
Note 1: This creates a new library based on the LIbraryData.xml file in the library and will recover Events, Albums, keywords, titles and comments. However, books, calendars, cards and slideshows will be lost.
Note 2:  Your current library will be left untouched for further attempts at a fix if so desired.
When iPLM finishes it will display a log file entry showing which files it was unable to use in the rebuild.  Open the old library with iPhoto, locate and delete the photos that iPLM listed in its log.  Then try dragging the library to the EHD again.
If the above fails continue with:
2 - create a new, empty library on the EHD.  Use the paid version of iPhoto Library Manage to copy the events (1-2 at a time) to the new library on the EHD.  At one point iPLM may run into the bad file and be unable to copy the event.  You can check iPLM's log to see what file it is.  Then open that library, delete the file and either try to copy the entire library by dragging and dropping or contine with the copying of events from the old library to the new library.

Similar Messages

  • The Finder can't complete the operation because some data in "iPhoto Library" can't be read or written.(Error code -36)

    I have a backup from Time machine of my iPhoto and I get the above error when I try to restore them. Thae backup was done with Mountain Lion and I upgraded to Mavericks. The backup is on an external drive.
    Again this is the error:
    The Finder can’t complete the operation because some data in “iPhoto Library” can’t be read or written.(Error code -36)
    I have also tried going to earlier dated backup and get the same error.
    Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank You

    That error message is an I/O error which can mean a number of things, among them a bad file.  Here's a couple of fixes you can try:
    1 - use the free version of  iPhoto Library Manager  to rebuild the library with the rebuild being created on the  EHD as follows:
    Using iPhoto Library Manager  to Rebuild Your iPhoto Library
    1 - download iPhoto Library Manager and launch.>Click on the Add Library button,
    2 -  select the library you want to add from those in the selection window.
    3 - make sure that in the rebuild window the checkbox  "Scavange orphaned photos" is checked.
    4 - now that the library is listed in the left hand pane of iPLM, click on your library and go to the Library ➙ Rebuild Library menu option
    5 - in the next  window name the new library and select the location you want it to be placed. Click on the Create button.
    Note 1: This creates a new library based on the LIbraryData.xml file in the library and will recover Events, Albums, keywords, titles and comments. However, books, calendars, cards and slideshows will be lost.
    Note 2:  Your current library will be left untouched for further attempts at a fix if so desired.
    When iPLM finishes it will display a log file entry showing which files it was unable to use in the rebuild.  Open the old library with iPhoto, locate and delete the photos that iPLM listed in its log.  Then try dragging the library to the EHD again.
    If the above fails continue with:
    2 - create a new, empty library on the EHD.  Use the paid version of iPhoto Library Manage to copy the events (1-2 at a time) to the new library on the EHD.  At one point iPLM may run into the bad file and be unable to copy the event.  You can check iPLM's log to see what file it is.  Then open that library, delete the file and either try to copy the entire library by dragging and dropping or contine with the copying of events from the old library to the new library.

  • The finder can't complete the operation because some data on iPhoto Library can't be read or written. Error code -36

    Hi,
    Installed a new startup drive and cannot access my photos. While copying/pasting iPhoto library from old to new drive I get,
    The finder can't complete the operation because some data on iPhoto Library can't be read or written.
    Getting help from Apple senior advisor caused more problems, was unable to boot up for a while. Back up now but still can't transfer iPhoto Library.
    Anyone seen this before?
    Thank you

    Linc and Larry, could you please have a look at this thread? Sorry, it is in German:
              Re: Fehlermeldung beim Verschieben von iPhoto
    The OP is trying to copy the iPhoto library to an external drive and getting "The finder can't complete the operation because some data on iPhoto Library can't be read or written. Error code -36". This happens even when copying to the same drive.  The destination drive is correctly formatted.
    The Console is showing a message I don't understand:
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  • Trying to copy iPhoto Library to external hard drive for backup.  Error message:  The Finder can't complete the operation because some data in "iPhoto Library" can't be read or written (Error code -36).

    Trying to copy iPhoto Library to external hard drive for backup.  Error message:  The Finder can't complete the operation because some data in "iPhoto Library" can't be read or written (Error code -36).

    That code is
    -36
    ioErr
    I/O error (bummers)
    Make sure the EHD is formatted OS X Extended (journaled) and run Disk Utilty on the EHD and repair the disk.  If that fails to help I'd try the following:
    Using iPhoto Library Manager  to Rebuild Your iPhoto Library
    Download iPhoto Library Manager and launch.
    Click on the Add Library button,                         
    navigate to your Home/Pictures folder and select your iPhoto Library folder.
    Now that the library is listed in the left hand pane of iPLM, click on your library and go to the Library ➙ Rebuild Library menu option
    In the next  window name the new library and select the external HD as the location of the newly rebild library.
    Click on the Create button.
    Note 1: This creates a new library based on the LIbraryData.xml file in the library and will recover Events, Albums, keywords, titles and comments. However, books, calendars, cards and slideshows will be lost.
    Note 2:  Your current library will be left untouched for further attempts at a fix if so desired.
    OT

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