How To Fix Mac Error Code 43 Permanently

How to Fix Mac Error Code 43 Permanently

Mac OS is an efficient operating system compared to most other OS systems. However, the Mac has its fair share of problems, like any system.

One of the biggest ones is the Mac Error Code 43 that appears when you try to delete or move a file. The problem is that the technicality does not happen on Mac Pc but on MacBooks.

Furthermore, it affects Mac OS X 10.2 and Mac OS X EI Capitan users. Therefore, if you are facing this issue, we will help you to fix it permanently.

What is the Mac Error Code-43?

Contents

Before you can fix the problem, it helps to know what causes the issue. Usually, the dialogues are displayed as follows:

“The operation can’t be completed because one or more required items can’t be found. (Error Code-43)”

So when does it happen? The error code-43 occurs when you attempt to delete or move files to the trash. Alternatively, it can also occur if you move one from one folder to another. However, the error does not arise every time. It only happens when one or two files you are moving or deleting have a problem.

So how does the error occur? The problem is no single cause makes Error Code-43 arise, and can be various causes. According to research, it happens for the following reasons:

Illegal characters
Corrupted downloaded files
Protected or locked files/folder
A file in use
There is no shared point and file from the windows

Illegal Characters

The first step if you face a Mac Error Code-43 is to check the files/folders you tried to delete or move. If the file/folder contains illegal characters ([ ] { } ( ) ! ; ” ‘ * ? < > |,: (colon), / (forward-slash), \ (backward-slash),¢, ™, $, ®.) it could be the cause of the problem. Furthermore, a file must not have more than 31 characters in the title. If it does, you need to rename the file and try again to move or trash it.

Corrupt Download Files

Before deleting or moving a downloaded file, you must ensure it has completed the download.

Protected or Locked Files/Folders

When a file or folder is protected or locked, you cannot move or delete it. You must log in as Admin to unlock it before trying to remove/move the files/folders.

File in Use

You cannot delete/move a file/folder if it is open, which also applies to most other operating systems. You will need to stop using it and check where the file is open to close it and try again.

There is No Shared Point

The Mac Error Code-43 can appear if the file you saved has no shared point and the finder app cannot access the file/folder.

No File from Windows

Your Mac is not able to read a Windows file/folder. When you transfer from a Windows system to your Mac, it can cause this issue to happen.

How Do You Fix the Mac Error Code 43?

Here are some simple methods to stop the error from happening again.

Force Quit Finder

A risk-free and easy way to fix Error Code-43 on Mac is that the finder might have a bug. So if you force quit the finder and relaunch it, the problem should be fixed. Steps on how to do this:

Open the menu from your MacBook Desktop
Look at the options and navigate to the Force Quick Finder and select
Select it on the list and click relaunch to proceed

After completing the task, you can try to delete/move the file again to know if the error codes are fixed. Alternatively, if the problem remains, you can reset the PRAM/NVRAM.

Rest the RAM or NVRAM

PRAM (Parameter Random Access Memory) or NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random Access Memory) is essential in the Mac system. They are a small amount of memory stored on Mac PC and MacBooks. Memory comprises information needed for the computer. When resetting the RAM/NVRAM, the error code-43 is fixed and does not harm the system. Steps to follow:

Make sure all applications are closed and shut down the computer as normal
Once the systems are off, look at the following four keys Command, Option (Alt), P, and R
Start the laptop and press all the keys simultaneously and hold for 20 seconds
Alternatively, you can wait to hear the startup sound three times and release the keys

If this method does not remove the error, you can look at the next step.

Check the Disk Utility

Another reason Error Code-43 can arise is when you try to delete/move missing or corrupt files. You can repair the issue using this method:

Close all the apps and open the menu
Select the restart button and allow the system to turn off
Once it restarts, you need to hold the “Command+R” keys until the logo appears
Now choose the disk utility and click continue
Select the disk you tried to move/delete the file
Click First Aid and continue
Wait until the check disk utility completes

After completing the process, you will see the following:

An “Overlapped extent allocation” means the file occupies the same spot, and one is corrupt. You must go to the Damage Files folder and repair or delete it.
“The underlying task reported failure” means that the disc utility check failed, and you must select First Aid again to check the process. If this fails, backup the data and format or erase the disk.
“Your disc or drive is about to fail” may seem like an alarming warning, and it is. You need to take your device to an Apple MacBook Service Center to have the hard disk replaced.

Unlock Folder

When files/folder is locked, you must unlock them before moving or deleting them. Here are some easy steps:

Select the folder/file and right-click on it
Click on get info and open up the information
Now navigate to “Sharing & Permissions”
Change it to “Read & Write” for all users
The file or folders unlocked

If the issue continues, you must delete the locked file by opening applications and selecting utilities. Now select the Terminal App, and once launched, type the command “chflags – R nouchg” in and press enter. Provide your admin password, and press enters again. Drag and drop the locked files from the trash to the terminal window. The data are deleted permanently.

Force Delete Protected Files Using “RM” Command

Here is a simple solution to delete protected files:

Go to applications and select Utilities
Open the Terminal app and type the following “RM(space)Protected File Location Path”
Now drag and drop the file into the terminal and press enter
The protected files removed

Clean Out a Window Files

Before you start the process, you need to copy the location of the Windows file:

Open the application and pick the utilities
Click on the Terminal App
Type in “Dot_clean” and leave a space
Paste the location of the data after space and click enter to clean the file
Now you will be able to remove the file anywhere on the system

If you find that any of the above did not help remove the Mac Error Code-43, you may have a hardware issue, and best to take it to the nearest Apple provider.

Final Thoughts

We hope that you find one of the methods to help remove the Mac Error Code-43. If any steps do not help, we recommend you take your device to the Apple MacBook Service Center for repairs.