How Can I Handle Unexpected USB Error Code 0 on Mac?

Problem statement: It is an unexpected situation where an error code 0 is thrown up while attempting to copy large files to hard drives or USB storage. In fact, this trouble is seen on Mac OS X systems when external storage devices are connected. The copy operation will remain incomplete as it will be notified in a pop-up window stating that “The operation can’t be completed because an unexpected error occurred- (error code 0)”. Data copying process will be halted and the hard drive will not let you to read/write data to /from external location. Thus, data in drive remains in an inaccessible state.

Certain other symptoms are also seen with this error – request to open files cannot be processed and turns unresponsive – slow operations and crashes – access denial error – file not found error- missing file and others.

What results to USB error 0 in Mac?

There lie wide reasons for external drive showing such unusual behavior while copying high capacity data. The error rises when data to be copied exceeds 4GB size (may vary). The major reason behind this is corruption in drive. Some other realistic causes for this issue are:

  • File system incompatibility
  • Damaged drive partition
  • Abrupt system shut down when files are open on drive
  • FInterruption during read or write process
  • Wrongly formatting the drive
  • Changed system BIOS settings
  • Header file corruption (in USB drives)
  • Influence of third-party applications
  • Some software/hardware conflicts etc.

There could be several other possibilities that makes HD or USB drive to throw an error code 0. Alas, the data stored on drive will seem no longer available. So, how to get things back to normal?

Fixing error code 0:

When copy operation fails due to error 0, there is an alternate way to copy them using terminal. But this will not fix the problem and the data can be in a corrupted state. One of the fix to file corruption in Mac is detailed here-

Open Mac Disk Utility using finder -> Find and click on ‘Check File System’ option – Wait until scan process gets over- mark your required files

It is not recommended to follow any inappropriate ways to solve this error; especially when valuable data is still on the drive. There requires some expertise and some depth knowledge to fix this error. As risks are involved here, one wrong move can cause further damage and result in losing data forever. A convenient approach to fix this erroneous situation is proceeding to format the drive. Before formatting the drive, it needs to be recovered or else it will be wiped out completely. Yodot Mac Data Recovery proves to be the right solution at these instances. A key thing to be kept in mind is stop using the drive as soon as error encounters; since further usage have chances of overwriting existing drive content.

Some good to know features of data recovery tool:

Multi-functional utility: Successfully retrieves data when external hard drive is corrupt on Mac, recovery from bad sectors, partition and format errors, RAW hard drives and other drive related issues

Devices: Works well on both internal as well as external HD of various brands. Even extends support to all external USB storage devices.

OS compatibility: Works smoothly on all Mac OS X versions - Sierra, El Capitan, Mavericks, Mountain Lion, Lion, Snow Leopard and Leopard. A separate version for Windows OS is also available.

Simplified usage: Offers a simple way to carry out data recovery task with friendly interface. No much technical skills required to run the application. Furthermore, 24/7 technical assistance is also provided.

How to retrieve data from external drive before formatting?

Connect the external hard drive or USB drive to a healthy Macintosh device. Then follow the step-by-step instruction:

  • Step 1: Begin with downloading Yodot Mac Data Recovery program on Mac
  • Step 2: Launch the program as per provided guidelines
  • Step 3:Select Volume Recoveryoption
  • Step 4: Browse the drive location from where data is to be restored’
  • Step 5: Go with “Mark all” option located on top section, to regain all contents from drive
  • Step 7: Tool starts to scan drive contents, wait for a while to complete scan process
  • Step 8: Files are then displayed in File Types View and Data view
  • Step 9: Continue to save the data in some safe storage drive location

Important Note:

  • Stop using the external drive as soon as error is encountered
  • Employ proper ways to turn off your system
  • Keep important data backed up by some or other means

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