How to fix Error Code -8072 in Finder of Mac OS X

Question

How to fix Error Code -8072 in Finder of Mac OS X

Old files from Time Machine backups are stored on my Mac main drive, instead of the new external drive. When attempting to delete files from the old TM backup located on the main drive gets one up the following error message "The operation can not be completed because an unexpected error occurred (error code -8072)." Use MacOS Sierra.

Anybody have any suggestions for resolving this error message?

Posted on Oct 28, 2016 9:27 AM

Reply

Answer 1

braden85

Community Specialist

Oct 30, 2016 1:17 AM in response to helgefromeikong

Hi helgefromeikong!!

If you re unable to delete the old time machine backup files directly from the internal disk drive of your Mac running Sierra, try right clicking the folder(s) you wish to delete and select Get info. There you can verify the permissions for the folder you wish to delete. Be sure that you have read and write privileges for the folder.

macOS Sierra: If you don’t have the permissions to open a file or folder

After checking this, try right clicking and selecting Move to Trash.
You may also find these troubleshooting steps useful with resolving the issue.

You can‘t empty the Trash or move a file to the Trash

Thanks for posting your concern in the Apple Support Communities. Let us know how it works out for you. Have a great weekend.

Reply