Error Code -36 When Attempting to Move Files

I have an iMac currently running Catalina 10.15.6 and have encountered the following error message when attempting to copy video files from my iMac to an external hard drive:


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


This is rather frustrating as I am would like to free up hard drive space by moving these files to my external hard drive. Can anyone offer assistance on this issue? Thank you.






iMac Line (2012 and Later)

Posted on Jul 28, 2020 2:30 PM

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10 replies

Jul 31, 2020 9:01 AM in response to Old Toad

Thank you, OT, for the feedback.


As I have never used the Terminal App, I am cautious and would like a confirmation before proceeding.


The example in the article you shared says to drag the flash drive/memory card icon to the Terminal Window:


  • Will this work similarly with a folder, as in my case the files are all in a folder on my Mac?


  • Also, and remember I have never used Terminal App before so this may be stupid to ask, but after the process runs, am I copying the corrected files from their original folder/location or from within the Terminal App? This may be evident once I try this, but was not sure and thought I would ask.


Thanks.

Jul 31, 2020 10:22 AM in response to Old Toad

I did... and again the previous error, that started it all, displayed:


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


  • So, I am curious about the ability of my destination (External Hard Drive - WD 5 TB) and its formatting: Mac OS Extended (Journaled).


  • The files I am attempting to move include file types that have worked/played on my Mac with no problem: MPEG-4 and QT Movie.


  • My thought is that these files should move there in its current formatting, but clearly something is not working.


Thanks.

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Error Code -36 When Attempting to Move Files

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