• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Digital Care

  • How to
  • MacOS
  • Error
  • iOS
  • Contact Us / Advertise
You are here: Home / Error / Fix: Mac Error Code 43 Permanently [3 Ways] – 2020 Guide

Fix: Mac Error Code 43 Permanently [3 Ways] – 2020 Guide

December 13, 2020 by Dan Dail 22 Comments

Mac is the second most widely used computer OS platform after Windows. Likewise Windows, Mac OS also has the bad side of errors. One frustrating error that Mac users experience is “The operation can’t be completed because one or more required items can’t be found. (Error code -43)” In this article, I will briefly explain how to fix Error code 43.

Contents

  • 1 What is Mac Error-43
    • 1.1 Causes for Error code 43
      • 1.1.1 (i) Illegal Characters
      • 1.1.2 (ii) No Shared Point
      • 1.1.3 (iii) Incomplete Download
      • 1.1.4 (iv) Locked or Active File
      • 1.1.5 (v) Hard Drive
  • 2 How to Fix Mac Error Code 43
    • 2.1 1. Reset PRAM or NVRAM
    • 2.2 2. Use Disk Utility
    • 2.3 3. Delete Locked Files

What is Mac Error-43

Error code 43 appears with a message reading “The operation can’t be completed because one or more required items can’t be found. (Error code -43).”

This error usually appears when you try to delete a file and transfer it to the trash or, when you try to move files around. However, not everyone encounters this error. According to the data collected, this error rarely occurs except on systems, OS X El Capitan or OS X 20.2. So, if you are facing this issue, you don’t need to worry as this error is easily fixable.

Causes for Error code 43

We are no computer science wizards and hence we don’t require to know every reason behind every error. Nevertheless, we should learn about the things that may or might cause Error-43 in your Mac in order to learn that how can you fix it. I suggest you to not skip this section and read through the reasons for the appearance of Error-43.
Often time we are the ones causing this error, so its better if we know about what’s behind the error to fix it and furthermore prevent it from happening.

(i) Illegal Characters

This error might be caused when there are one or more so-called illegal characters in their file name. Here is the list of characters considered illegal for that purpose: @ ! # % ^ $. Therefore, always try to avoid using these while naming your files. When you try to move some files having these characters in their name, the error may appear and you can simply fix it by renaming such files.

(ii) No Shared Point

Error-43 may also occur when there is no shared point for the certain selected file. This simply means that the finder cannot access the file that you are trying to move.

(iii) Incomplete Download

This error may also appear when the file you are trying to move is not fully downloaded. In order to avoid this error, always check if the file is downloaded completely before moving it to trash or anywhere else.

(iv) Locked or Active File

Error-43 can also happen when the file you are trying to move is either in use or is locked. In these cases, you should stop using the file or unlock it before moving respectively. Also, sometimes you need permissions from administrator order in order to move a file.

(v) Hard Drive

A problematic Hard Drive is also a possible reason for occurrence of Error-43 in your Mac PC. In this case, you must repair it without a delay.

How to Fix Mac Error Code 43

Like any other error, you need to fix this one too manually. To learn how to fix it, I  advise you to go through the stepwise guide to the methods I’m providing in order to apply them successfully. I’m presenting the 3 best methods available to fix Error-43 that will surely help you in one way or another.

1. Reset PRAM or NVRAM

PRAM or NVRAM stands for Parameter Random Access Memory or Non-volatile Random Access Memory respectively. It is a small amount of memory that Mac OS uses to save certain settings in order to access them quickly. Resetting PRAM or NVRAM works like charm for most of the systems. In order to do it, follow these steps:

Step-1: Firstly, shut down your Mac PC normally.

Step-2: While it shuts down, locate the Command, Option (alt), P and R keys.

Step-3: Turn on your PC again and press the Command + Option + P + R keys simultaneously before the grey startup screen shows up. That’s why I asked you to locate them beforehand.

Step-4: Hold these keys until you hear a startup sound three times and then finally release the keys.

This way you will reset the PRAM and it will further fix the Error-43 in your PC.

Note: In case you don’t hear the startup sound in Step-4, you should turn off your PC again and then follow the required steps. If the problem still persists, scroll down and try the next method.

2. Use Disk Utility

You should check the permission issue or directory corruption as the Error-43 is often related to corrupt or missing files. To do so, the Disk Utility tool comes into play. It is a built-in tool that deals with the drive related issues. You can try it by following these steps:

Step-1: Firstly, go to the Apple menu present at the top left part of your screen and click on Restart.

Step-2: After your PC restarts, press and hold the Command + R key simultaneously until you see the Apple logo.

Step-3: Now click on the Disk Utility option and then Continue.

Step-4: Go to the left side panel and select the disk you wish to repair (disk where the file you want to move is present). Then press the First-Aid button and continue with the Disk Utility check process.

Step-5: Disk Utility may give you several reports and you must take action accordingly.

Possible Reports

If it suggests that your disk is about to fail, immediately backup all your data and buy a new disk to replace it. While, if the Disk Utility tool is reporting that there are no issues or the issues are resolved then you can simply exit the tool. In this case, you can view the resolved issues by clicking on Show Details.

Or,

Disk Utility tool may also report “overlapped extent allocation” error. This says that there are several files occupying the same spot on your system. One of them might be corrupt, you should locate it in the DamagedFiles folder and repair or delete it.
One more possible outcome is, “The underlying task reported failure.” In this case, try running the First Aid tool again and if the problem still persists, backup your data and format the disk.

This might have solved your problem and you can comfortably delete files now. If the error is still there, scroll down.

3. Delete Locked Files

If the locked files are the main cause for Error-43 in your Mac PC, this method will work out perfectly for you. In this way, you can delete them without unlocking them first. Follow these steps:

Step-1: Firstly turn on your system and then follow this path: Application-> Utilities-> Terminal.

Step-2: In the Terminal, type and execute the following command:
chflags -R nouchg .

Step-3: Now empty the Trash. You can do so by double-clicking the Trash icon, pressing Command + A key to mark all the files and then dragging the files you want to delete from Trash to Terminal.

Note: In case you are unable to see the Terminal window, arrange Finder window, so that you can see at least a part of Terminal window. Once done, press Return key on the Terminal and then empty the Trash.

Done. By doing this, you have deleted the locked files creating conflict and fixed Error code 43.

Conclusion

These were the 3 best methods available in order to fix Error code 43 in the Mac OS. These must have fixed the issue you were facing while deleting or moving files. Otherwise, you may also go through the official Apple support thread. Hope I helped for what you arrived here. Have a nice day, Folks!

Related Posts:

  • How to Fix Mac Error Code-36 Permanently - 2020 GuideHow to Fix Mac Error Code-36 Permanently - 2020 Guide
  • [SOLVED] How to Fix iTunes Error 9 in 5 Ways - 2020 Guide[SOLVED] How to Fix iTunes Error 9 in 5 Ways - 2020 Guide
  • How to Fix Itunes Error 0xE8000065 [5 Ways] - 2020 GuideHow to Fix Itunes Error 0xE8000065 [5 Ways] - 2020 Guide
  • 5 Ways to Fix No AirPrint Printers Found Error - 2020 Guide5 Ways to Fix No AirPrint Printers Found Error - 2020 Guide

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Wahyu says

    July 10, 2018 at 1:36 pm

    What if the file I want to save is email to NAS, what should I do.
    Where should I share a folder in an email.

    Reply
  2. TAB says

    July 11, 2018 at 12:56 pm

    Your directions worked perfectly! I reset the PRAM and that did it. Thank you so much for your assistance.
    It’s great to be able to fix things on my own., and it’s good to know there are folks out there willing to help
    to do that.

    Reply
  3. Frank S says

    July 21, 2018 at 9:55 pm

    The first step worked for me. Thanks

    Reply
  4. BJT says

    July 25, 2018 at 5:56 pm

    Thank you so much! Resetting the PRAM did the trick when I had no idea what I was going to do! You saved me a trip to the Apple Store.

    Reply
  5. Michael says

    July 26, 2018 at 7:06 am

    Thank you – step one worked for me as well

    Reply
  6. Melanie says

    August 11, 2018 at 1:31 am

    Thank you! Resetting my PRAM worked like magic!

    Reply
  7. JBurton says

    August 11, 2018 at 6:25 pm

    Worked!

    Resetting the PRAM did the trick!

    Thanks Y’all

    Reply
  8. Ken says

    August 12, 2018 at 5:40 am

    I bought a 6-pack of highly rated 16GB flash drives off Amazon. I couldn’t copy anything to them and kept getting that error 43 (2011 iMac running High Sierra). They seemed to be formatted correctly for FAT32, though. I googled error 43 and arrived here. Used your suggestion of using Disk Utility and clicked First Aid. Now they work fine. Thanks. Weird, I’ve not had an issue with new, purchased flash drives before.

    Reply
  9. phil says

    September 8, 2018 at 6:38 pm

    Hello!

    Many thanks for doing us all a solid and providing this insight and service. Error Code 43 solved on MacBookPro running 10.13.5

    Best,
    Phil

    Reply
  10. D. Pedley says

    September 11, 2018 at 10:56 am

    Resetting the PRAM worked for me too.
    Thanks guys!

    Reply
  11. vc janu says

    October 5, 2018 at 6:42 pm

    Resetting the PRAM worked for me

    Reply
  12. David A says

    October 23, 2018 at 5:27 pm

    The first step worked for me, thank you very much! So simple…

    Reply
  13. Eliza says

    November 15, 2018 at 11:20 pm

    Thank you so much, Ive been struggling with this problem for ages

    Reply
  14. Gamaliel says

    December 7, 2018 at 9:15 pm

    I followed the same steps and in my case nothing worked. I’m trying to erase a Time Machine Backup that I drag and dropped to the trash can and can get rid of it. Please help…!!! MacOS 10.12.6. Time Machine was on an external partitioned hard drive from Glyph brand new.

    Reply
  15. Amy McCarty says

    December 8, 2018 at 3:07 pm

    Thanks! This worked well to allow me to delete some files that had earlier resulted in the Error 43.
    I followed your instructions to reset the PRAM/NVRAM and after that, I was able to delete the troublesome files.
    Thank you!

    Reply
  16. Anastasya says

    December 30, 2018 at 1:43 pm

    Thank you so so much!!!!

    Reply
  17. MitchK says

    January 29, 2019 at 1:26 am

    My issue wasn’t cleared with PRAM reset. The error was initially generated when attempting a 4TB copy of 119,000 files from a Synology NAS, to a ExFat 4TB NVMe RAID volume in my MacPro. I got past the bulk of the issue by searching the 119,000 files for “illegal characters” in the file names… about a dozen files had some of the characters not allowed to move over to an ExFat volume. That only took 2 minutes.
    Error 43 still persisted however :-/
    So I used Carbon Copy Cloner (instead of the Finder) to attempt the 4TB data move and eureka, CCC informed me that because I was moving files from a Case Sensitive Volume to a volume that ignores case sensitivity, I was warned that file names that were the same but differed ONLY by if or not caps or lower-case were involved, would be omitted. I’m not the least bit worried that ANY of my files within the same folder having names that differ ONLY in case, I’d never have such a scenario.
    SO in conclusion, it would have be expected and NICE if the Finder in High Sierra could have just informed me of the issue and allow me to initiate an “I’m ok with that” command… instead of preventing me from copying even one single byte of data of the 4TB. CCC copied the data in 3.5 hrs … average of nearly 500MB/second, no problems at all once it let me give the A-O-K to the warning.

    Reply
  18. Starshadow says

    February 12, 2019 at 3:59 am

    Thank you so much! Resetting my PRAM worked like a charm!

    Reply
  19. Bob says

    March 18, 2019 at 12:15 pm

    Is there some reason for rebooting to open disk utility?

    Reply
  20. Sidney Goldstein says

    March 30, 2019 at 8:22 pm

    Solution: restart then change the permissions on USERS folder. Amen. Worked great for me.

    Reply
  21. Stephan says

    June 7, 2019 at 12:38 pm

    Thanks a lot for the explanation of reasons for the error code 43 message. In my case it was a seldom used SD card where the lock switch was engaged accidentally (chapter iv). Easy fix 🙂
    Max OS HighSierra 10.13.6

    Reply
  22. Debbie Gilman says

    September 29, 2019 at 6:39 am

    Thank you! Resetting the PRAM did the trick. So appreciated!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar




Recent Posts

  • How Artificial Intelligence Is Changing the Way Companies Recruit Clients – 2021 Review
  • Best Digital Tools To Organize Your Self-Employed Business in 2021
  • How do I Find Dropshipping Suppliers in the US – 2021 Guide
  • 4 Latest Technologies in Machine Learning & Text Analysis in 2021
  • 7 Smart Ways to Combine Online and Offline Marketing in 2021
  • The Technology Behind Electric Scooters – 2021 Review
  • 6 Tips for Finding Affordable IT Support Services in 2021
  • Role of the Internet in Business Communication in 2021
  • 9 Ways to Tell if Your Phone Has Been Hacked – 2021 Review
  •  Is The New Samsung Galaxy S21 Worth The Money – 2021 Review

Pages

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions

© 2021 · digitalcare.org ·