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How to Fix Error Code -43 on Mac

Fix Error Code -43 When Relocating/Deleting Files On Mac

Sometimes error code 43, associated with file transfer issues on Mac devices, will pop up. This error code may occur when you delete a file, move it to the Trash, move files from one folder to another, or transfer files from or to a USB drive. It can also be related to incompatible file name characters. The best way to avoid error 43 would be to rename your files and avoid symbols in general.

How to fix error code 43 on Mac

The same error will occur if the file has not been downloaded fully. The most common cause of partial download is the loss of internet connection. Another reason can be an incomplete source file. There is also a chance of a timeout. It can also be the cause of the file being used by one or more system applications. Open Terminal and type "loss | green -i [files name]". This will show a list of all open files and the processes that opened them.

Bellow, you'll find troubleshooting steps that will help you eliminate Mac error code 43.

Video on How to Fix Error Code -43 on macOS

Table of Contents:

Force Quit Finder

Some users have reported Error Code -43 was easily fixed by force quitting and relaunching the Finder.

1. Go to the Apple menu at the top left part of your screen.
2. Click on "Force Quit".

Force quit finder

3. FindFinderin the list of applications.
4. Choose "Relaunch".

Relaunch Finder

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PRAM Or NVRAM Reset.

NVRAM (Nonvolatile Random Access Memory) is your Mac's small memory to store specific settings and access them quickly. PRAM (Parameter Random Access Memory) stores similar information, and the steps for resetting NVRAM and PRAM are the same.

1. Shut down your Mac. Before turning it back on, locate the following four keys on your keyboard: Command + Option + P + R.

Shut down Mac

2. Turn on your Mac, and as soon as it starts to boot, press all four keys simultaneously.
3. Hold the keys until you hear the startup sound two times and only then release the keys.

Note: If you do not hear a startup sound in step 3, repeat all the steps.

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Locked Files Removal

If the files are locked, you can delete them without unlocking them first.

1. Open Terminal from your Launchpad.

Open Terminal on Mac

2. In the Terminal, type the following command: chflags -R nouchg (space)

Type command chflags -R nouchg (space) in Terminal window

3. Click on the Trash icon to open it.
4. in Trash, press Command + A key simultaneously to select all items.
5. Drag locked items to the Terminal window.

Drag locked files from Trash to Terminal

6. Click on Enter.
7. Delete locked files from Trash.

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Using Terminal Commands

In some instances, the error can be removed by implementing some commands from the Terminal and deleting specific files.

1. Open Terminal.
2. Type in the following command: rm (space).
3. Drag and drop the files, which gives error 43.

Terminal command rm (space) to delete files

4. Press Enter, and the files will be deleted.
5. Check to see if the issue continues.

Note: If this does not work, try to reinstall the High Sierra Update.

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Disk Utility Check

Your Mac's built-in Disk Utility is a great tool that will spot missing or corrupt files triggered by an HDD/SSD problem.

1. After your Mac restarts, go to Finder and click on Applications.
2. Then find and select "Disk Utility".

Open Disk Utility on Mac

3. Select the disk (disk where the file you want to move is present) you wish to repair.
4. Press "First-Aid".

Run First Aid on choosen disk

5. Click on "Run" and then on "Continue".

Run First Aid on Mac

continue-first-aid

If the reports show that your disk is about to fail, back up your files and replace your hard disk with a new one.

Click on Run. If the Disk Utility tool shows no problems with your drive or that the existing issue has been solved, you can exit the tool.

If the "overlapped extent allocation" appears and states that several files occupy the same spot on your drive, one of those files is probably corrupt. You will have to locate it in the Damaged Files folder.

The worst-case scenario is that you won't be able to check or repair your disk. Try re-running the First Aid tool if the "The underlying task reported failure" error message appears. If the error message continues to appear, backup your data and format your disk.

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About the author:

Karolina Peistariene

Author of how-to guides for Mac users. Responsible for collecting, analyzing, and presenting problem-solving solution articles related to macOS issues. Years of macOS experience combined with solid research and analyzing skills help Karolina provide readers with working and helpful solutions as well as introduce various features Mac has to offer. Contact Karolina Peistariene.

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