The operation can’t be completed because an unexpected error occurred (error code -8003).

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Level 1

9 points

The operation can’t be completed because an unexpected error occurred (error code -8003).

I am puzzled by this error occasionally occurs when copying a file from a usb thumb drive. The OS is Catalina 10.15.1

The error is obtained when copying files from a folder on the USB to a folder on the HD. I can copy them to the Downloads folder. From then copy from the Downloads folder to the initially intended folder. I can open the files with an application with no issues then save to the HD folder.

Possibly related is an issue with iBooks - in that I cannot open a ePub loaded into iBooks. I can not load a ePub into iBooks.

However, if I restart the iMac all these issues go away.

The user has administrative rights. I am guessing that somewhere along the line some of the users permissions are being changed.

It is a pain but at least I've found an inconvenient solution. Hopefully someone has a way to fix this.

Cheers

iMac 27" 5K, macOS 10.15

Posted on Nov 8, 2019 7:30 AM

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Answer 1

Nov 18, 2019 5:45 AM in response to HelgaLiisa

Update: for me it seems to be entirely resolved after today's Microsoft Office for Mac update (16.16.16 for both Word and Powerpoint).

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Answer 2

cainneach Author

Level 1

9 points

Nov 25, 2019 7:12 AM in response to cainneach

I've solved my issue by turning the PC off overnight. When I do this I haven't seen the 8003 error again and iBooks functions just fine. Suspect the error is the result of the date change.

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Answer 3

Nov 12, 2019 5:45 AM in response to cainneach

I have a similar issue: I cannot copy files within Finder and receive the error code -8003 when doing this (remark: in contrast to previous posts on this error code, my issue is not limited to Trash).

The issue temporarily goes away after rebooting, but returns swiftly.

Other issues that seem to be related:

I cannot open Office for Mac files from my hard drive (the office app responds but doesn't open any files)
I cannot save previously opened Office for Mac files from my hard drive (error message: "The file .... couldn't be opened.")

What I can do:

copy a file in two steps: first copy gives error messages but seems to make a ghost file; second copy asks to replace ghost file and then copies the file for real
copy a file onto cloud drives

Can someone help me out?

macOS 10.15.1

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Answer 4

cainneach Author

Level 1

9 points

Nov 12, 2019 8:04 AM in response to HelgaLiisa

As to whether this will be of any assistance, I am not sure. One factor I left out of my initial post as it didn't seem relevant is that after doing the upgrade to 10.15 I created a new user for me and moved all my files from the user before the upgrade to the new user. This was done in steps and between each copy I briefly tested functionality.

Currently my PC is on all the time. The error code -8003 now mostly occurs shortly after login and requires a reboot to clear it.

The only app that did not function after the upgrade was MS Office 2016 and I had the same issues that HelgaLiisa noted. I did try to reinstall after removing it and did not solve the problem. This is still unsolved as I quit trying primarily because I use LibreOffice which works just fine and fits my needs.

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Answer 5

Nov 12, 2019 8:08 AM in response to cainneach

This is just to say that I did not make a new user, nor did I move around files as cainneach describes.

I can use MS Office 2016, as long as I work on files which are saved on a cloud (currently happy using it with files stored on dropbox).

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The operation can’t be completed because an unexpected error occurred (error code -8003).

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