Error code -36 when copying files

Here is the solution that was recommended to me and worked. It is interesting. Perhaps someone can take this solution and run with it.

It's all about hidden files and Windows.

Download Tinkertool, open it, and "show" hidden files (1st checkbox). Now delete all hidden files, even within folders or packed files (.DS_Store is okay to keep there). Try to do whatever transfer you were attempting before - the error won't show up now.

The key now is to create a permanent fix, or a script or something that will either change the permissions of these hidden files (on a large scale, so you don't have to do this within EVERY folder) or delete the hidden files.

Message was edited by: Lorenzini

Ok Folks, this might not work for everyone, but I bought an WD external HD. And just plugged in using firewire cable that came with it. Moved some files, then with no further change started getting error code 36....and trawled the forums.

Guy at work recommended going into Applications/Utilities/Disk Utility and reformatting the external drive....(back up move data first obviously)...and since I did that....the copying avi files and what ever else has been working since....

As I say may not work for everyone, but having tried all other possible solutions suggested on this and other forums, this has been the only thing that has worked for me.

I got my new iMac a few days ago with 10.6.2 Previously, I was using 10.4.11 (Tiger).

I tried copying some files to a USB flash drive and got the -36 error.

The odd thing is I get the error only when I try to copy a folder. I can copy individual files within a folder to the flash drive with no problem. Even if the folder has only two simple text files, I get the error.

Many of my folders have subfolders which in total contain thousands of individual files, so it's not practical to copy each individual file to the flash drive.

I've used the flash drive as a backup device. So now I'm burning the folders and files to a CD or DVD. Thankfully, I don't get an error code when I burn CDs and DVDs.

Apple--- WHERE ARE YOU? Why hasn't this problem been fixed? Why can I copy an individual file but not a folder?

SOLUTION! I found a Solution! It is the best one out there so far! I have been having a problem last few weeks about the mac error -36. I searched and searched and found out different reasons what was causing the -36 error. at first I thought it was my external hdd so I had it exchanged. Same problem! when transferring files to my ext hdd a month ago it worked fine but now i get the same error over and over unless I transfer each file seperatly. since i upgraded my mac software to 10.6.2 i have had this problem. so heres the solution- PATHFINDER.

Its just like finder but in this sense much better because there is no -36 error. It fixed the problem from day 1 that I downloaded it. I thought i would share this info because I had such a terrible time finding a solution...

download pathfinder!

Yes I confirmed I have been working on this for months.,
So far it Pathfinder works
Thanks Mac Guy 03

I had this problem, and it seems that the cause for me was the corruption of the hidden "._*" files that get stored on a ms-dos formatted usb drive. If you clear out those files using the dot_clean console command it seems to work (at least for me). Check out this link for more info:

http://www.macyourself.com/2010/01/07/solution-to-finder-error-code-36-in-10-6-w hen-copying-folders/

Here is how I fixed it.
Applications/Utilities/Disk Utility
Select your flash drive.
Select partition.
Choose mac format.
Let it partition.
Choose to partition the entire drive.
NOTE: it will erase all that is on the drive, but getting rid of that code 36 error is a delight.