I have a folder that was transferred from my previous computer, and when I try to delete it, it reads that there are 40 items in the folder, but I can't see them. When I try to delete it in the trash, a pop up states that I cannot continue because the files cannot be read or written (error code -36). I just want to delete this folder off of my computer because I have no idea what is going on.
MacBook Pro (15-inch Early 2011)
Here is an article on it
If you haven't already done so, reboot and try again. If you still have problems, post your Mac OS version.
May I chirp in? Hello Chellingtons; when an item is in the trash, you cannot open it. I suggest drag it to desktop and double-click on it, then see what is shown (a window should open). If it does show things, I suggest then drag to trash the items individually instead of the entire folder at once.
I also suggest you do as Linc Davis asks and give more information to the masters!
Thank you for everyone's concern!
It's the strangest thing, the folder is empty when it's opened, but it takes forever to load, which worries me. When I get the info on the folder, it shows there are multiple items..
My Mac OS version is X, 10.6.8.
Also, here's a screenshot of the entire situation.
Hello again. See the bottom of the left most column in the screen shot you sent? Click on the arrow next to where it says 'sharing and permissions' and see if you can make it say that you can read AND Write.
If it is not a write, then that is why you cannot do things with it.
OOH- I googled your error code and find this page and then clicked a link to the next one: http://www.gla.ac.uk/~gwm1h/Error_Codes/
http://www.gla.ac.uk/~gwm1h/Error_Codes/Codes_0_to_-99.html and this says:
| -36 | ioErr | I/O error |
No, I do not know what that means.. i'll try to find out
Back up all data now, as your drive may be failing.
Boot from your installation disc. Launch Disk Utility from the Utilities menu. Select the startup volume, then click Repair Disk. If any problems are found, repeat.
Most likely, this step won't solve the problem. In that case, make another full backup to a different external hard drive, then erase the volume and restore from one of your backups.
I checked and it says that I can read and write this folder.
I also backed up everything, and I'm going to try to repair the disk.
Thanks again for everyone's help.
I have never seen LincDavis be wrong- he is a Master. But without intending offense to him, I hope he is about this.. failing drives are the least fun in computerdom that I have suffered through... other than bad logic boards anyway.
I see the gear at the bottom of the latest screenshot, and wonder what does it offer if you click on it- some actions..maybe even delete... cursor on it, click and hold for menu to pop up
I clicked on the gear, it's basically useless. Would I have better luck taking my computer to an Apple store soon? I'm not the best with computers and don't want to mess mine up..
Oh sorry about that. Well, considering Mr D's credentials, maybe the apple store is the safe way to go- but just in case, do as he says...
I will bow out. I am really new with computering..
I was copying about 7 files from one drive to another creating backups. I dragged them one at a time to the new drive and still kept getting the -36 error message. Then I decided to copy each file, let it finish, then copy the next file, let it finish, etc. This finally worked and the computer copied to files no problem. Don't know why this worked, but it did, and I hope it helps you.
Patrice
What does error code -36 mean?
