How copy files without finder stopping every time it hits error code -36?

I'm trying to copy thousands of files from an external windows hard drive to my mac. The problem is, the hard drive is damaged, and every time the finder reaches a file that, according to the error message, "can't be read or written," it stalls, for what feels like about a minute or two, then gives me the error message, "The Finder can’t complete the operation because some data in '[file name]' can’t be read or written. (Error code -36)" and halts the copying process. I can then press return and re-initiate the copying process where the finder left off. The problem is, I'm getting tons of these error messages, and since I have thousands of files to copy, this process is becoming extremely time-consuming.

Does anyone know a way to copy all of the files without the finder halting every time it hits a file it can't copy--in other words, skipping the files it can't copy without halting the process and bothering me with constant error messages? I tried Carbon Copy Cloner, but it doesn't work because the external hard drive is not HFS+ formatted. A friend who has a PC tried using Windows to repair the disk, to no avail. And Disk Utility won't let me try to repair the disk (the option is grayed out, I imagine because it's not HFS+ formatted).

Any suggestions? I don't care much if there are some files I can't copy--it's just music and pictures--I just want a quick and easy way to copy as many files as possible without having to re-initiate the process every time the finder hits a file it can't copy.

Thanks.

Mac OS X (10.6.5)

Posted on Jan 9, 2011 10:57 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jan 9, 2011 11:30 AM

I believe the ditto command in Terminal will skip unreadable files.

Open Terminal (Utilities folder) and type man ditto to find out how to use it.
The basic is ditto source_dir dest_dir
1 reply

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

How copy files without finder stopping every time it hits error code -36?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.