Troubleshooting Error Code 100060: Solutions for Copying Files to External Disk on Mac

While copying files to an external disk on your Mac, you may encounter various error codes that can disrupt the process. One such common error is “The operation can’t be completed because an unexpected error occurred (error code 100060).” Dealing with these errors can be frustrating, but fear not! In today’s post, we will explore ten effective ways to fix the error code 100060 and successfully transfer your files to an external disk. Let’s dive in and find solutions to get your file transfer process back on track!

Guide to error code 100060 on Mac:

The Guide to “Error Code 100060 on Mac” provides essential troubleshooting steps to overcome this common issue when copying files to an external disk. This comprehensive guide offers practical solutions to resolve the error and successfully complete file transfers, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience on your Mac system.

1. What does the Mac error code 100060 mean?
2. How do I fix the Mac problem code 100060?

What does the Mac error code 100060 mean?

When transferring files from your Mac or another external storage device to an SD card, microSD card, or NAS drive (Network-attached Storage), such as Avid Nexis, external hard drive, etc., Mac error code 100060 occurs. Additionally, it can occur while transferring files over WiFi between a Mac and a PC or when copying data between Finder and SMB network drives.

A common cause of error code 100060 is one of the following:

1. corrupt system directories or files
2. obsolete or incompatible hardware or software
3. incorrect actions
4. incorrect system configuration

How do I fix the Mac problem code 100060?

If you get “The operation can’t be completed because an unexpected error occurred (error code 100060)” on a Mac, try the following fixes: Fixing the Mac problem code 100060 requires careful troubleshooting. 

Fixing Mac Problem Code 100060: 10 Prominent Solutions

1. Check External Disk Connection:

When encountering Mac problem code 100060, the first step is to ensure that the external disk is securely connected to your Mac and is being recognized by the system. Often, loose connections or faulty cables can lead to this error. Check that the external disk is properly plugged into the appropriate port, and if it is a USB device, try using a different USB port to rule out any hardware issues. Additionally, inspect the cable for any signs of damage or wear, and consider testing the disk on another computer to determine if the problem lies with the disk itself or your Mac.

Solution:

• Check the physical connection of the external disk to your Mac.
• Verify that the disk is properly plugged into the appropriate port.
• If it’s a USB device, try connecting it to a different USB port on your Mac.
• Inspect the cable for any damage or wear and replace it if necessary.
• Test the external disk on another computer to determine if the issue is specific to your Mac.
• If the disk works fine on another computer, the problem may lie within your Mac, and further troubleshooting may be required.

2. Verify Free Disk Space:

When dealing with Mac problem code 100060, it is crucial to check if the external disk has sufficient free space to accommodate the files you’re attempting to copy. Lack of available space can trigger this error and prevent successful file transfer.

Solution:

1. Open “Finder” and locate the external disk in the sidebar.
2. Right-click on the disk and select “Get Info” to view its available space.
3. Ensure that there is enough free space to accommodate the files you want to copy.
4. If the disk is running low on space, consider deleting unnecessary files or transferring some files to another storage device to free up space.
5. After creating sufficient space on the external disk, try copying the files again to see if the error is resolved.

3. Confirm Disk Format Compatibility:

When facing Mac problem code 100060, it is essential to ensure that the format of the external disk is compatible with macOS. Different macOS versions support specific disk formats such as APFS or HFS+. Incompatibility between the disk format and your macOS version can trigger this error and hinder file copying.

Solution:

• Open “Finder” and locate the external disk in the sidebar.
• Right-click on the disk and select “Get Info” to view its format.
• Verify that the disk is formatted using a compatible format, such as APFS or HFS+.
• If the disk is not in the correct format, you can reformat it to a compatible format using Disk Utility. Be aware that reformatting will erase all data on the disk, so ensure you have a backup of important files before proceeding.
• After reformatting, try copying the files again to check if the error is resolved.

4. Repair Disk Permissions:

When encountering Mac problem code 100060, it is beneficial to utilize Disk Utility to repair disk permissions. Corrupted or incorrect disk permissions can be a source of errors during file copying and can lead to Mac problem code 100060.

Solution:

• Launch “Disk Utility” on your Mac. You can find it in the “Utilities” folder within “Applications” or use Spotlight search to locate it.
• In Disk Utility, select the external disk from the left sidebar.
• Click on the “First Aid” tab and then click “Run” to initiate the disk permissions repair process.
• Disk Utility will scan and attempt to fix any corrupted or improper permissions on the disk.
• Once the repair process is complete, try copying the files again to see if the error is resolved. If the problem persists, consider trying other solutions to troubleshoot Mac problem code 100060.

5. Restart the Mac and External Disk:

When facing Mac problem code 100060, a simple yet effective troubleshooting step is to restart both your Mac and the external disk. Restarting can help clear up temporary glitches and conflicts that may be causing the error during file copying.

Solution:

• Save any open files and close all running applications on your Mac.
• Eject and disconnect the external disk from your Mac safely.
• Shut down your Mac by clicking on the Apple menu and selecting “Shut Down.”
• Wait for a few moments, then turn on your Mac again.
• After your Mac has fully restarted, reconnect the external disk.
• Try copying the files again to see if the error is resolved.
• If the problem persists, consider exploring other solutions to troubleshoot Mac problem code 100060.

6. Disable Third-Party Security Software:

To address Mac problem code 100060, consider temporarily disabling any third-party antivirus or security software running on your Mac. These security programs may sometimes interfere with the file-copying process and trigger an error.

Solution:

• Identify the third-party antivirus or security software installed on your Mac.
• Locate the software’s icon in the menu bar or open the application from the “Applications” folder.
• Look for an option to temporarily disable or turn off the software’s protection features.
• Follow the software’s instructions to disable it temporarily.
• Once the security software is disabled, attempt to copy the files again to see if the error is resolved.
• After successfully copying the files, remember to re-enable the security software to ensure your Mac stays protected.

7. Update macOS and Disk Firmware:

To resolve Mac problem code 100060, it’s crucial to keep your macOS and external disk firmware up to date with the latest versions. Outdated software can sometimes lead to compatibility issues and trigger errors during file copying.

Solution:

1. Check for macOS updates by clicking on the Apple menu and selecting “System Preferences,” and then choose “Software Update.” Follow the on-screen instructions to install any available updates.
2. For updating external disk firmware, visit the manufacturer’s website or check the disk’s documentation for firmware update instructions.
3. Follow the provided guidelines to update the firmware of the external disk.
4. Once both macOS and disk firmware are updated, try copying the files again to see if the error is resolved.

8. Check the USB Port and Cable:

When troubleshooting Mac problem code 100060, it’s essential to examine the USB port and cable used to connect the external disk. Hardware-related issues with the USB connection can lead to errors during file copying.

Solution:

• Disconnect the USB cable from both the external disk and your Mac.
• Inspect the USB cable for any visible damage, such as frayed wires or bent connectors. If the cable appears damaged, replace it with a new one.
• Connect the external disk to a different USB port on your Mac. If you have multiple USB ports, try each one to see if the error persists.
• Ensure a secure connection between the external disk and the Mac by plugging the USB cable firmly into both ends.
• Attempt to copy the files again after trying a different USB port or cable to see if the error is resolved.

9. Use Terminal for Force-Copy:

To address Mac problem code 100060, employing the “Terminal” application can be an effective approach to force-copying files to the external disk. This method bypasses potential graphical interface issues that may be causing the error during file copying.

Solution:

• Open the “Terminal” application on your Mac. You can find it in the “Utilities” folder within “Applications” or use Spotlight search to locate it.
• In the Terminal window, type the command for force-copying the files to the external disk. The command typically follows the format: cp -r /path/to/source /Volumes/ExternalDisk/destination, where /path/to/source represents the file’s location on your disk, and /Volumes/ExternalDisk/destination represents the destination path on the external disk.

• Press “Enter” to execute the command and force-copy the files to the external disk.
• Monitor the Terminal for any error messages or progress updates during the copy process.
• After the force copy is complete, check if the files are successfully transferred to the external disk to see if the error is resolved.

10. Consider Disk Reformatting:

If all other troubleshooting steps fail to resolve Mac problem code 100060, you may need to consider reformatting the external disk. Reformatting can help address hidden disk issues and potentially eliminate the error. However, it’s essential to remember that reformatting will erase all data on the disk, so make sure to create a backup of your important files before proceeding.

Solution:

• Before reformatting, back up all essential data from the external disk to another storage device or cloud storage.
• Open “Disk Utility” on your Mac, which can be found in the “Utilities” folder within “Applications” or by using Spotlight search.
• In Disk Utility, locate the external disk from the left sidebar and select it.
• Click on the “Erase” or “Erase Disk” option, and choose a compatible format for your disk (e.g., APFS or HFS+).
• Confirm the erasing process and proceed. This will reformat the disk, erasing all existing data.
• After reformatting, your external disk should be free from any potential issues causing Mac problem code 100060.
• Restore your backed-up data to the newly formatted external disk.
• Verify that the error is resolved by attempting to copy files to the disk once again.
• Remember to keep regular backups to prevent data loss and address any future errors effectively.

Last Lines 

We hope this comprehensive guide on fixing Mac error code 100060 has been helpful in resolving any issues you may have encountered while copying files to an external disk. From checking connections and updating software to using Terminal for force-copying, we’ve covered various solutions to tackle this error.