error 36 failed to write to library, FCPX

Thanks, Luis and Tom for your contributions to my problem.

Here is some background data:

I use a MacBook Pro 16, a new model purchased July 2020, with OSXCatalina 10.15.6, Final Cut Pro 10.4.8 (latest version), i9Core, Radeon 5500. My HDs are: Home: Seagate 5TB, ExFAT, Destination: Seagate 5TB, Journaled Extended (and for the most recent attempt: Seagate 4TB/ExFAT). Connections from HDs to MacBk are through Lention and CharJen hubs, with Thunderbolt.

I attempted a workaround on 22 AUG thinking the formatting of the HDs might interfere with successful copy. So, I formatted a spare HD (Seagate4TB) to ExFAT. This would make the home and destination formats the same. The transfer still failed.

"The Finder can't complete the operation because some data in "TangoFine1.fcpbundle" can't be read or written. (Error code -36)"

Here are some additional clues.

• I read on a forum that Catalina will not support older 32bit apps. The last time I successfully copied was from my working HD (ExFAT) to a HD with Journaled Extended. The library at that time was written using FCPX10.4.6.

• Since that transfer, the changes I have made are:
  • Began editing with MacBk Pro/Catalina
  • I upgraded FCPX to 10.4.8

• One error message read: "The Finder can't complete the operation because some data in "Frame 0 - 1023" can't be read or written. (Error code -36)"

• In my attempts to copy the library with differing and similarly formatted HDs (ExFAT to Journaled, and ExFAT to ExFAT respectively), in both instances the breakdown occurred at the 2.19 TB mark out of a 3.19TB file (about 3 hours left).

• I also got an error graphic with a little black icon titled "EXEC" and words "Frame 0-1023". Would this suggest a specific clip in FCPX?

Do these clues help?

As for workarounds, Luis suggested removing generated files. I cannot locate that command. When selecting the library in my HD folder, this command does not appear in my “File” options. Am I looking on the wrong place? Can you be more specific?

(Would executing this command remove any of my movie edits?)

Is there a software app that can copy my library even with the offending problem? At least I would have a backup while pursuing a solution.

Many thanks for your attention. I hope we can get to the bottom of this.

Luis,

Thanks. I will apply this solution shortly and repost..

However, in response to your note:

"Select the library, do the command below and check All Render Files, as well as Optimized and Proxy Media. "

Just to clarify, what is the "checking" action? What will I look for? Is it a matter of attempting to open the file to see if it executes?

Thx, Mike

Luis,

Thanks for your followup. LOL...I misinterpreted that "check" suggestion. Only after opening the command did I see the names and the accompanying checkboxes...duh;-)

Yet, the important news is what happened. When executing the suggestion:

Select the library, do the command below and check All Render Files, as well as Optimized and Proxy Media.

At first, selecting the library, the "Share" video failed, but I had not checked the proxy and optimized boxes. But, I noticed a similar command was available for "Project." So, I executed this command, and this time, checked the boxes. Voila' I was able to Share the movie files for this project to a 960x540 resolution! I cannot tell you how excited this made me feel.

I will remove generated files to include proxy/optimized) from the Library, and attempt to Share the project to the full resolution, and also attempt to copy my library to my backup hard drive. (I am thinking this drive should be formatted to Journaled Extended to keep the files in Mac compatible formats). Once this is done, I will use the Journaled Extended HF for all future work.

I will post a note on whether this step is successful.

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge!

I am ecstatic!

Luis,

Just a quick update. With the help you provided, I was able to successfully transfer my FCP Library to other hard drives for backups. Thank you so much for your assistance and knowledge. Tech folks like you are vital who voluntarily share your expertise!

Mike