"Macintosh HD" can't be read or written. (Error code -36)

Hi all, I deleted some bad backup I made in my HD, so I put it in the trash but I can't not empty it because of this error, I was wondering if somebody can help me with this.
"The Finder can’t complete the operation because some data in “Macintosh HD” can’t be read or written.
(Error code -36)"

99% of the time this is an indication that the hard drive is dying. -36 means that that there was an I/O error. Generally, it means that there are bad blocks on the drive as it has begun to malfunction and may become inaccessible at any time.
It can also mean cabling problems or some other esoteric problem, but for an internal drive it is almost always physical malfunction.
It appears the best course of action is to buy another hard drive and rescue everything off your internal disk as fast as you can. Of course, if you have a full backup you are safe and only need to replace the malfunctioning drive with a new one and restore back to where you are now.
Rusty Little
Alsoft, Inc.
Makers of DiskWarrior

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I have been exporting lightroom webgaleries to my iweb site without any problem. Suddenly I get the error message "finder can't complete the operation because some data can't be read or written" - error code -36 - thoughts?

i have been exporting lightroom web galleries to my iweb site without any problem. Suddenly I get the error message "finder can't complete the operation because some data can't be read or written" - error code -36 - and the move to the sites folder on my idisk fails..... thoughts?

Try this community: MobileMe on my Mac: MobileMe: Apple Support Communities.
And you can continue to use iWeb for some time to come. The following will explain:
It's now confirmed that iWeb and iDVD have been discontinued by Apple. This is evidenced by the fact that new Macs are shipping with iLife 11 installed but without iWeb and iDVD.
On June 30, 2012 MobileMe will be shutdown. HOWEVER, iWeb will still continue to work but without the following:
Features No Longer Available Once MobileMe is Discontinued:
◼ Password protection
◼ Blog and photo comments
◼ Blog search
◼ Hit counter
◼ MobileMe Gallery
All of these features can be replaced with 3rd party options.
I found that if I published my site to a folder on my hard drive and then uploaded with a 3rd party FTP client subscriptions to slideshows and the RSS feed were broken. If I published directly from iWeb to the FPT server those two features continued to work correctly.
There's another problem and that's with iWeb's popup slideshows. Once the MMe servers are no longer online the popup slideshow buttons will not display their images.
Click to view full size
However, Roddy McKay and I have figured out a way to modify existing sites with those slideshows and iWeb itself so that those images will display as expected once MobileMe servers are gone. How to is described in this tutorial: #26 - How to Modify iWeb So Popup Slideshows Will Work After MobileMe is Discontinued.
In addition the iLife suite of applications offered on disc is now a discontinued product and the remaining supported iApps will only be available thru the App Store from now on.
HOWEVER, the iLife 11 boxed version that is still currently available at the online Apple Store (Store button at the top of the page) and those copies still on the shelves of retailers will include iWeb and iDVD.

The finder can't complete the operation because some data in "VIDEO_TS.BUP "can't be read or written (error code-36)

the finder can't complete the operation because some data in "VIDEO_TS.BUP "can't be read or written (error code-36)

I faced the same problem and i fixed it by going to applications - utility - disk utility and fixing the errors.

While transferring several files to the G-Raid, the G-Raid device locks up with the following warnings: "The Finder can't complete the operation because some data in (whatever file) can't be read or written (Error code - 36)."

While transferring several files to the G-Raid, the G-Raid device locks up with the following warnings: "The Finder can't complete the operation because some data in (whatever file) can't be read or written (Error code - 36).” NOt sure this is a G-Raid problem, can anyone help?

This is likely a problem with the drive itself. This error indicates unspecified I/O errors with the drive, which can be from a hardware fault, or a formatting issue. If the drive has valuable data on it, then try connecting it to another PC to get the data off, and then try fully partitioning and formatting the drive with Disk Utility. If this corrects the error then you should be able to use the drive again as it was likely a formatting issue, but if the problem continues then it is likely a hardware fault and the best solution is to be safe and replace the drive.

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

While trying to recover an aperture library I get the following error "The Finder can't complete the operation because some data in "DSC_0435.NEF" can't be read or written (Error code - 36)".

I've managed to look at the folders inside of the library and have pinpointed the image that has the error, but I can't delete it while on time machine. How can I get rid of this picture so I can bring back the aperture library back to my laptop?

The Time Machines Backup is formated as Mac OS Extended (Case Sensitive, Journaled), my mac is formated as Mac OS Extended (Journaled).
The names on the file are all Uppercase
When I try to copy the Aperture file, it copies about 70% of the file (it's about 33GB in size), and halfway through I get this error.
I'm able to copy 99.99% of all of the images if I open the Aperture Folder using the "show package contents" under the backups using finder (Time Machine Backups>Backups.backupdb>CQ Macbook Air>2012-04-30-070933>HD.....>Pictures>Aperture Library). The only file I can't copy is that picture, which I'm totally ok with deleting, but Finder won't delete it for me. If nothing else works, I could copy the individual masters and re-create the folders, however I'd hate to do this as I would have to go through 10,000+ pics

I tried to backup computer contents, but could not because "finder can't complete the operations becaus some data in "....JPG" can't be red or written (error code-36)" What is this?

Question: I tried to backup my computer contents, cut coun't because "finder can't compelte the operation because some data in ........JPG (an iphoto image)
can't be read or written (error code -36) What is this error and how can I correct it?
Thanks,
betteyp

I am backing up on two different drives...one is on the time machine...the one I am having trouble with is a passport that I back up manually. I have not gotten a notice from the backup on the time machine that there is an error.
Before this error occured....the "event" that the photo was in emptied without me doing anything. This has happened before, when the total number of pictures that I have downloaded for the day, the events emptied overnight without me doing anything (????????)
Can you explain more what is happening.....
Thanks

"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
able to copy the current project.
Thanks for any ideas..

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

Data in File cannot be read or Written - Error code -36

Any clues?
Anyone?
Copying file, any file from any source, local, Drobo FW800 or USB to an external, USB HDD, Samsung 2TB Sata.
and I get the error message.
Copying the same file to any other drive works fine.
The 2TB drive cureently has 130GB and report 1.87TB free.
Have re-partitioned 'naughty drive'
Have run 'naughtry; drive through Verify and Repair - no problems
Have run 'naughtry; drive through DiskWarrior - no problems detected
Oh yes tried rebooting Mac as well.
Also, switched drive to separate bay in 4 bay DAS box.
Sounds like this drive is off for a trip to Samsung - still under warranty.
But before I do - suggestions?

Nah, no such luck.
Couple of things,
Just re-partitioned the 2TB drive into 150GB and 1.85TB
I have sucessfully transferred more than 130GB to the 1.85TB partition.
So it looks like a physical problem with the drive.
Also, my new 27inch iMac is going crazy, 15 minute boots, now only loads on drobo, Finder keeps locking up etc etc etc
Going down hard

Hi guys, an empty folder is stuck in my trash & I get this message: "The Finder can't complete the operation because some data in the folder can't be read or written. (Error code -36). It won't shift no matter how I try to Secure Empty trash. Any ideas?

Hi guys, an empty folder is stuck in my trash & I get this message: "The Finder can’t complete the operation because some data in the folder can’t be read or written. (Error code -36). It won't shift no matter how I try to Secure Empty trash. Any ideas?

The Time Machines Backup is formated as Mac OS Extended (Case Sensitive, Journaled), my mac is formated as Mac OS Extended (Journaled).
The names on the file are all Uppercase
When I try to copy the Aperture file, it copies about 70% of the file (it's about 33GB in size), and halfway through I get this error.
I'm able to copy 99.99% of all of the images if I open the Aperture Folder using the "show package contents" under the backups using finder (Time Machine Backups>Backups.backupdb>CQ Macbook Air>2012-04-30-070933>HD.....>Pictures>Aperture Library). The only file I can't copy is that picture, which I'm totally ok with deleting, but Finder won't delete it for me. If nothing else works, I could copy the individual masters and re-create the folders, however I'd hate to do this as I would have to go through 10,000+ pics

IPod Classic 80gb can't be read or written to...

I've had it since 2007 worked fine and all of a sudden when I went to sync it- it deleted everything and now it says "Can't be read or written to". I've tried restoring the software but it didn't help.

Looks like a iPod Hradisk problem
Can you do the iPod Disk Diagnostics as posted by tt2, it wont fix your problem but helps in troubleshooting.
Have a nice day!

How can I sync movies to my iPod Touch when I get a message saying the movies can not be read or written? I just bought the movies yesterdayfrom iTunes with no problem.

I purchased four movies from iTunes yesterday and want to sync them to my daughter's new iPod Touch. I have been able to sync apps, music, contacts, etc. but keep getting a message stating the movies can not be read or written. I was able to sync one movie, a digital copy that I used the code to copy from iTunes earlier today without a problem. Can anyone help?

thanks for helping, I am able to watch the movies in iTunes, but, I can't choose the create iPod or iPhone version in the advanced menu. Do you have any other suggestions?

The disk can not be read or written to!

So this is the setup:
Latest version of iTunes running on the wifes PowerBook under 10.4.X
I’m using a new 4th Gen iPod Nano and I’m trying to sync the iPod to the library. Its gets about 400meg in and then comes up with error ‘The disk can not be read or written to etc etc...’ It stops at the same time every time.
The library is split between 70% CDs and the other 30% is are tunes copied over from my iTunes library.
I’ve authorised her Mac to play them so there should be no issue there (I think) as purchased tracks do play in her iTunes.
I’ve tried repairing permissions
Restoring the iPod and making sure the FW is up to date
Changing USB ports
What else can I try?
Thanks in advance.

Hello Sean,
Have you also tried reformatting the iPod using the tools provided by Windows?
[Erase Your iPod The Super Fix for Most iPod Problems|http://www.methodshop.com/gadgets/ipodsupport/erase/index.shtml]
Worth a shot. Hope it helps.
B-rock

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.

"The Finder can't complete the operation because some data in "For Desta 008 SUR-BPBO-00019.tif" can't be read or written. (Error code -36)

i'm trying to backup MacBook white 10.6.3 manually to my external HD but it gives me this error,"The Finder can’t complete the operation because some data in “For Desta 008 SUR-BPBO-00019.tif” can’t be read or written. (Error code -36). i tried taking the HD out, but it gives me the same error, so pls tell me what to do, i need the backup fast.

Aint you quick to jump to conslusions? So becasue one thing isn't working of the hundreds of things I donwloaded doesnt work, my drivers are broken?
Ok then, let me download some other things to make sure
Minecraft: it worked ✓
Firefox: it worked✓
Synthesia: it worked✓
iExplorer: it worked✓
Pencil: it worked✓
Flash: it worked✓
Synfig was made in 2006, so it's not unlikely that it might not work for some people. By 'some people', I mean me. I was just asking if it was something on my side, but if that's all you got, I think it's highly unlikely that it's my fault. I don't even want it anymore, I got Flash Professional. I was just wondering. I could have sworn you used to write more detailed answers before jumping striaght to conclusions. 'Did this happen to you on anything else?' or maybe even 'Why don't you complain to them?' would have been fine.

"Macintosh HD" can't be read or written. (Error code -36)

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