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

**Code:** `Finder error code -36` · **Category:** macOS · **Seen on:** macOS

Finder hit a read/write problem while copying — usually metadata files (`._*`, `.DS_Store`) on non-Mac file systems or a failing disk.

## Meaning

Common on external drives formatted FAT/exFAT/NTFS or network shares. Clean the metadata: `dot_clean /Volumes/NAME` and delete `.DS_Store`. Check the disk with First Aid, try another cable/port, or copy with `rsync`/`ditto` to see the underlying error.

## Common causes

- AppleDouble `._*` metadata conflicts on FAT/exFAT
- Corrupted file or bad sector
- Flaky cable/port or failing drive
- Network share path/length problems
- Disk nearly full

## Quick fix

1. `dot_clean -m /Volumes/NAME`
2. Disk Utility → First Aid on the drive
3. Copy with `rsync -av src dst` to reveal the error

## Detailed fix by platform

### macOS

1. `dot_clean -mv /Volumes/NAME && diskutil verifyVolume /Volumes/NAME`

## How to diagnose

1. **Drive** — Format and health?
2. **Files** — ._ metadata?
3. **Tool** — rsync result?

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Source: [WhatIsMyError](https://whatismyerror.com/errors/macos/finder-error-code-36)