Dropbox Error code -36.

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Dropbox Error code -36.

I use Dropbox to store duplicated files for backup but recently I have started to get the error message:

'The Finder can’t complete the operation because some data in “University Coursework” can’t be read or written.

(Error code -36)'

I am using Snow Leopard version 10.6.8 and I always ensure that my software is updated. I have also run a 'First Aid' on my harddrive but everything is coming back as fine.

Does anyone know how to solve this problem? I have contacted the support team at Dropbox but they said that the Error code is to do with Apple and not them.

I am able to use basic applications on a computer - Pages, Word etc but my knowledge of the in depth workings of a Mac is lacking.

Thank you in advance for any help you can give me,

James

iMac, Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Jun 7, 2012 3:53 AM

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Answer 1

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BDAqua

Level 10

239,453 points

Jun 7, 2012 12:54 PM in response to Photo_Jim

Hi Jim,

There's 2 -36 errors, one to do with Windows/Fat32, the other HFS.

For error -36, might try this...

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=301580

Well, in pure Apple File System talk... -36 ioErr I/O error (bummers)

Not very helpful, but generally means a Drive quit being Readable or Writable since starting the operation...

http://fuzzy.wordpress.com/2006/12/10/ioerror-36/

Also a bad character in a folder or filename can cause it, like a colon or backslash in HFS.

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Answer 2

X423424X

Level 6

14,265 points

Jun 7, 2012 9:29 PM in response to Photo_Jim

Photo_Jim wrote:

I have also run a 'First Aid' on my harddrive but everything is coming back as fine.

Does that mean your ran Disk Utility to repair/verify your drive(s) and it found no problems?

Generally -36 is the general I/O error that occurs when bad blocks are accessed on a drive. So I am surprised DU found nothing if that is what you used.

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Answer 3

Photo_Jim Author

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Jun 8, 2012 3:50 AM in response to X423424X

X423424X

I ran the Disk Utility on my hard drive - because that is where my DropBox is stored - and it said everything was fine.

Surprisingly though, when I uploaded the files from My Documents to DropBox they uploaded without a problem. Although prior to that I cleaned the files through 'Terminal' because I transfer files between Mac and PC and PCs apparently leave extra '.files' behind that can cause problems.

I think the main problem lay with my USB memory stick which I have subsequently unitentionally killed off doing a secure wipe. Oh well...

Thank you for your response though.

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Answer 4

Photo_Jim Author

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Jun 8, 2012 3:54 AM in response to BDAqua

BDAqua,

Thank you for your response. I think it might be because I tranfer files between Mac and PC because I discovered that there is no problem transfering files created on my Mac to DropBox.

As I mentioned to X423424X, I have now unintentionally knackered my USB stick. I'm just a luddite.

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Answer 5

BDAqua

Level 10

239,453 points

Jun 8, 2012 12:29 PM in response to Photo_Jim

Your no more of a luddite than I am! 🙂

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