What does "The Finder can't complete the operation because some data in ".DS_Store" can't be read or written. (Error code -36)" mean?

Why can't I copy from my WD MyPassport, external, 2TB drive? The message I get is that

It means that the drive has malfunctioned. Back up as much of the data on it as you can. You can try repairing the volume in Disk Utility, but the drive is suspect, even if the repair succeeds. If you ever have problems with it again, replace it.

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

The Finder can’t complete the operation because some data can’t be read or written.
(Error code -36)
What does this error code mean?

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

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

I'm going to try to keep this short and to the point.
I've been coming across this -32 error when copying files to ANY external device (USB sticks, external HDD etc). Larger files get the -32 error, small files transfer fine.
I can move files within my MacBook HDD no problem, however copying them cause the -32 error.
I brought my MacBook to the Apple store. Genius ran some diagnostics etc.
He suggested my hard drive was failing. -32 is an i/o error and loss of data was causing the file not to copy. It was still under warranty.
I contacted the manufacturer (Seagate), they sent me a new drive and I sent mine back.
I was excited that the issue wasn't going to be there anymore - however I was wrong.
My MacBook has also started freezing periodically, when I listen to music on iTunes they will stop playing for a while then resume.
Sometimes my MacBook will just completely seize up and I get the spinning ball for about two minutes.
Still, when copying files within my MacBook or to an external source, -32.
I am extremely frustrated. I'm going to make a trip back to the Apple Store and speak with the Genius again, but I have a feeling he won't be able to help.
Is there any fix for this? I see a lot of threads about the issue but no solutions.
My Time Machine backups take forever. I've heard that the files are corrupt, so does that mean every single file that's over ~5MB are corrupt? That seems impossible. Brand new files I download won't copy, which also makes no sense.
I'm ready to throw my MacBook in the garbage.
Thanks in advance.

The error can have many meanings:
1. A file is corrupted or damaged.
2. A folder is corrupted or damaged.
3. A filename is too long.
4. The filename contains illegal characters.
5. Copying to an MS-DOS filesystem which has filename lengths restricted to 31 characters for FAT32. It also does not recognize a number of characters that are legal on HFS+ including: ",',!,@,#,$,%,^,&,*,\,|
If you must transfer files to a PC I suggest you put them into a .zip archive with fully legal MS-DOS filenames.
The permissions errors are normal. They are innocuous messages that will recur each time you repair permissions.

External HD issue. Finder cannot complete the operation because some data..

Last night I had a drive throw the error "finder cannot complete the operation because some data in "<file>" could not be read or written. Error code-36". I thought it was a bad disk. Then tonight I plugged in a flash drive, formatted it on the machine and now I am getting the same error on that disk as well. Any thoughts???

Yes, you can have bad blocks or other physical damage on a usb drive, the same as a firewire, or eSATA. Just because you can reformat the drive, doesn't mean the drive is okay. You reformat, yet the problem recurs. That is a sign of a bad drive. If it were an OS issue then the reformat should fix it.
You might want to check the drives with a utility from Prosoft called DriveGenius It's the "Swiss Army Knife" of utilities, including the ability to repartition "on the fly" (A little scary for my tastes). But Prosoft is a trusted software manufacturer. Downloaded the trial (it has more bells & whistles than you can believe) But the trial will run all hardware tests without the repair feature, and give you a report.
Also, you can download and use Applejack for repair.
-mj

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

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.

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:
03.06.14 18:26:40,990 Finder[1154]: NSFileCoordinator: Sending of a providerCheckin message was interrupted. Details: Connection interrupted
Any idea what this means?

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

I recently did a clean install on a 2011 MacBook Pro with Mavericks. Went to install Adobe Acrobat 9 with the DVD media and about 3/4 of the way through the install, the install stopped and the following window appeared: The Finder can't complete the operation because some data in "Adobe Acrobat" can't be read or written. (Error code - 36). I've tried to install a few times and get the same message. Is Adobe Acrobat 9 incompatible with Mavericks. I've seen some posts on Apple Support Communities indicating that it is indeed compatible, but no explanation why the error pops up.

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?

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

Since the upgrade to 10.9 I have the most annoying issue when copying files. I have a secondary drive for media in which I keeo my media on / Samples / Video etc. I keep an exact copy on 2 external drives.
95% I can't copy the the new media across my drives without a few restarts. I get the following:
The Finder can’t complete the operation because some data can’t be read or written.
(Error code -36)
This is not a permissions issue. I've checked every folder down the the exact file it calls on. Everyone has READ & WRITE. If I restart the computer after getting this message it will do a little bit more then get stuck on another folder or file and pop the message.
If I do smaller chuncks, it seems to do better but not all the time.
PLEASE someone, tell me you have seen this before and you have a workaround. This is killing me,
All HD are OS Extended Journaled - No FAT
MacBook Pro I7
16GB RAM
250SSD
450SSD
2TD Lacie FW800 External
is the equation right now
thanks in advance for any help

Please read this whole message before doing anything.
This procedure is a diagnostic test. It’s unlikely to solve your problem. Don’t be disappointed when you find that nothing has changed after you complete it.
The purpose of the test is to determine whether the problem is caused by third-party software that loads automatically at startup or login, by a peripheral device, by a font conflict, or by corruption of the file system or of certain system caches.
Disconnect all wired peripherals except those needed for the test, and remove all aftermarket expansion cards, if applicable. Start up in safe mode and log in to the account with the problem. You must hold down the shift key twice: once when you turn on the computer, and again when you log in.
Note: If FileVault is enabled, or if a firmware password is set, or if the startup volume is a Fusion Drive or a software RAID, you can’t do this. Ask for further instructions.
Safe mode is much slower to start up and run than normal, with limited graphics performance, and some things won’t work at all, including sound output and Wi-Fi on certain models. The next normal startup may also be somewhat slow.
The login screen appears even if you usually login automatically. You must know your login password in order to log in. If you’ve forgotten the password, you will need to reset it before you begin.
Test while in safe mode. Same problem?
After testing, restart as usual (not in safe mode) and verify that you still have the problem. Post the results of the test.

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.

Thunderbolt file copy - the Finder can't complete the operation because some data in can't be read or written.

I have a Promisse 4 disk Thundebolt enclosure. To this I did install 4 new 2TB Samsung disks. (it had 512GB disks before). After the disks were replaced a randomly get messages like "the Finder can’t complete the operation because some data in can’t be read or written". If I retry it sometimes work - sometimes dont work.
To close down on the problem I have mounted one disk as a single partition, and it still happen. Then I take the disk out, mount it in an USB enclosure and I have no problem. (I have more than once written the disk completly full using USB without any problem).
To me it seems like OSX has some weird problem with these big disks on thunderbolt. Any ideas?

Pretty sure it`s not the promise. It could of course be the FW in the Promise having problem with 2TB disks or the Samsung brand in some way.
Had 4 Toshiba disks in it until quite recently. No problem. They were running in RAID 0 for about 6 months.
I have right now 2 x 2TB disks in a RAID 0 in it with no problem. So - I am down two 2 possible answers
a) OSX don´t handle copy correct (or actually finder - have not tested cp from command line)
b) I have been unlucky and got 2 similar disks that have the same problem (2 of 4 disks - all brand new 3 weeks ago)
The one thing a find most annoying is OSX lack of telling what`s going on. The "Failed to read or write" error is stupid - tell me what`s the problem. Like "could not write to block XXXX". An os is also supposed to re-allocate bad blocks. However I see no way in OSX to see number of bad blocks etc. Is this possible?
When googling the error -36 it seems like this is something that has been troubling OSX for some time, but not that many users that have problems after 10.7 was released.
I think what I will do is to send in the disk for replacement - that will at least give some answers.

The Finder can't complete the operation because some data in "FILE NAME" can't be read or writen. (Error code -36)

I have a RAID that my Mac says is damaged. It does mount, so I want to copy as much of the data as I can. I tried SuperDuper!, but it crashed (or gave me error and stopped). I tried copying and pasting entire drive (1.75TB) but it stopped with this error, and same error happens with some of the files when I try to copy and paste (Drag and Drop) them individually.
I get this error: The Finder can't complete the operation because some data in "FILE NAME" can't be read or writen. (Error code -36)

Well, in pure Apple File System talk... -36 ioErr I/O error (bummers)
Not very helpful, but generally means a Drive quit being Readable or Writable since starting the operation...
http://fuzzy.wordpress.com/2006/12/10/ioerror-36/
If Disk Utility or fsck should fail to repair it, your best bet is DiskWarrior from Alsoft, you'll need the CD to boot from if you don't have another boot drive...
http://www.alsoft.com/DiskWarrior/
Might try the free trial of my favorite, Tri-Backup, it does a better copy/clone job in that it usually doesn't quit copying at every error, & has a nice log afterwards to try certain files agin if you wish....
http://www.tri-edre.com/english/products/tribackup.html

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

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.

What does "The Finder can't complete the operation because some data in ".DS_Store" can't be read or written. (Error code -36)" mean?

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