Tips to Permanently Fix Error Code 43 on macOS

Has there ever been a day when you are working peacefully on your Mac computer, and suddenly this error message flashes: “The operation can’t be completed because one or more required items can’t be found. (Error code -43)”?

Known as error code 43, this glitch typically appears when a user tries to delete a file and transfer it to the trash, or when she attempts to move files around. It’s a rare occurrence except on specific systems, namely OS X El Capital or OS X 20.2.

Here is a quick guide to fix Mac error code 43 permanently.

Error Code 43: What It Is and Why It Appears

Before you dive into potential solutions for it, be reminded that error code 43 usually only shows in the X El Capital and OS X 10.2 users, which means users of the recent Mac operating systems are mostly spared from it. The error can appear for one of the following reasons, typically due to the users themselves albeit unintentionally:

• Illegal Characters in Filenames – When naming your files, avoid the following characters: @ ! # % ^ $. This is because when you try to move files with these characters in their name, the tendency is for error code 43 to crop up.
• Incomplete Download – The error may be the result of trying to move a file that’s not been fully downloaded.
• Locked or Active File – It can also happen when you attempt to move a file that is either being used or locked. If that’s the case, stop using the file or unlock it altogether before moving it. Sometimes, too, it’s necessary to get permissions from administrator to successfully move the file.
• Lack of Shared Point – The error may also manifest when there’s no shared point for the selected file, meaning Finder cannot access the file while you’re trying to move it.
• Hard Drive Issue – There could also be a prevailing problem with the hard drive, which can easily be addressed with repair.

Before you proceed with fixing error code 43, clean and optimize your Mac using a trusted professional Mac repair tool to make sure that junk files, problematic files, and other space hogs aren’t contributing to the problem or getting in the way of its speedy resolution.

Steps to Fix Error Code 43 on macOS

Here are steps you can take to manually fix error code 43:

Resetting your PRAM or NVRAM

Parameter Random Access Memory (PRAM) or Non-Volatile Random Access Memory (NVRAM) pertains to the small amount of memory you use in order to save specific settings and access them right away. Reset PRAM or NVRAM this way:

1. Shut down your computer as you usually do.
2. During that time, locate the Command, Option (alt), P, and R keys since you have to act swiftly later on.
3. Turn it on again. Next, simultaneously press the Command + Option + P + R keys before the gray startup screen surfaces.
4. Hold those keys until you hear the sound that means the computer starting up three times.
5. Release the keys.

Using Disk Utility

Since error code 43 is often linked to missing or corrupt files, Disk Utility can come in handy when trying to fix it. This built-in tool tackles those drive-related problems. Follow these steps:

1. Go to the Apple menu. Click Restart.
2. Once your computer restarts, press and hold Command + R until the Apple logo appears.
3. Click Disk Utility > Continue.
4. Proceed to the left side panel and choose the disk you want repaired. In the case of error code 43, it’s the disk where the file you want to move is presently located.
5. Press the First-Aid button. Continue with the Disk Utility check.
6. The tool will then deliver several reports. Here’s the action to take:
   • No issues or issues have been resolved – Simply view the resolved issues on Show Details and then exit the tool.
   • Your disk is about to fail – Back up all your data right away, and then buy a new disk as replacement.
   • Overlapped extent allocation – This means there are a number of files occupying the same place in your system, one of which might be corrupt. Look for it in Damaged Files, and then repair or delete the said file.

Deleting Locked Files

This method solves error code 43 caused by locked files in your Mac. Follow these steps to delete those files without unlocking them beforehand:

1. Turn on your system and go to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
2. In Terminal, type this command: chflags -R nouchg.
3. Empty your Trash. Double-click the Trash icon, press the Command + A keys to mark all files, and drag those that you want deleted from Trash to Terminal.

Final Notes

Several users online have warned that error code 43 can still occur in higher versions of macOS, maybe including even Mojave, so it’s best to keep an eye out for it and use the steps above as a permanent fix.

Error code 43 on macOS can be borne out of many different things, including the lack of shared point for the file in question as well as an existing hard disk issue. Let us know in the comments which specific solution worked for you!