Mac: Error -50 - how to fix the problem
Mac error -50 can occur especially when copying. In this practical tip we will show you how to fix it.
1st variant: -50 error with wrong file names
When copying between the FAT32 and Mac OS X file systems, unsupported file names can lead to errors.
- Special characters such as / \ * '"|> are usually not permitted in file names and can therefore generate errors. Change the file names before copying by selecting the corresponding file and pressing the Enter key.
- Choose a new name without the special characters and start copying again.
Variant 2: -50 errors with problems in the file system
If the -50 error is not due to the name of individual files, there may be a major problem with the file system access rights. You can check these and have them automatically repaired using the following steps.
- Start the "Disk Utility" program. You can find it in the Programs folder or in the Launchpad in the "Utilities" folder.
- Then select the appropriate partition on your hard disk in the program. This is usually called "Macintosh HD" or "Macintosh SSD".
- In the "First Aid" tab you will find the button "Repair access rights of the volume". Start the process.
- The process should be complete after about 2 to 3 minutes. Then restart your Mac for security and start copying again.
We'll give you more practical tips on other features of the Disk Utility in Mac OS X.