You’re working on your sleek MacBook. Maybe you’re organizing files, clearing up space, or just dragging something to the Trash. Then—BOOM—an evil-looking pop-up ruins your groove: Error Code -43. What is it? Why now? Did your MacBook just betray you?
Don't worry! It’s not the Apocalypse… just a pesky error. This article will explain what goes wrong, give you some giggle-worthy stories, and help you fix it like a pro.
What is Error Code 43, Anyway?
Error Code -43 is a file-handling error. It basically means your Mac can't find the file you're trying to work with. Apple says it's a “file not found” thing.
That usually happens when:
- The file is missing
- The file has weird characters in its name (like : ” ? |)
- The file is locked
- You're messing with something on an external drive that's not playing nice
So now that we know the culprit, let’s hop into some misadventures.
Funny Error Code 43 Stories 🤦♂️
1. Grandma’s Photo Album Gone Rogue
Kevin was trying to move his grandma's scanned photo album into the Trash. Every time, he’d get Error Code -43. He tried 12 times. He restarted his Mac. He prayed. Nothing worked.
Turns out, one photo had a name like: Grandma’s 80th Birthday??? 💥 The “???” was the villain here. After renaming the file to something tame like grandma80.jpg, it moved perfectly. Grandma = saved.
2. The USB Antagonist
Jenny kept getting the error over and over when transferring files to her USB drive. She called it “the cursed stick.”
The fix? Her USB stick had a corrupted file system. A simple reformat made it work again. She renamed the drive “Phoenix”—reborn from the ashes! 🦅
Okay, But How Do I Fix This?
Good question, smart reader.
Here are the most common and easiest fixes:
1. Check the File Name!
Remove any strange symbols. Mac can't handle things like : / \ * ? " | in names. Rename your file with calm, peaceful characters. Like “budget2024.xlsx” (not “??NEW*BUDGET\insane!!.xlsx”).
2. Unlock the File
Sometimes files get locked. Here's how to check:
- Right-click on the file
- Select Get Info
- Look for a checkbox that says Locked
- If checked, uncheck it!
3. Force Quit Finder
Finder might just be having a bad day. Make it take a nap.
- Press Command + Option + Escape
- Select Finder
- Click Relaunch
This refreshes Finder and sometimes makes Error 43 disappear like magic.
4. Use Terminal (Gulp…But It’s Easy)
This one's for the brave but it can be effective.
- Open Terminal (Search with Spotlight)
- Type:
rm -f - Drag the file into Terminal
- Hit Return
This tells your Mac to just delete the file already. Careful—this skips Trash and deletes the file forever.
5. Repair Disk with Disk Utility
Your disk might have a little damage. Let’s patch it up:
- Open Disk Utility
- Select your main drive
- Click First Aid
Let it run. Your Mac might cry a little (spinning beach ball), but afterward, things should be fine.
6. Use Safe Mode
Sometimes your Mac works better when it chills out.
- Restart and hold the Shift key
- This boots into Safe Mode
- Try deleting or moving the file again
Then restart normally to get back to business.
How to Avoid It in the First Place 🤓
Nobody wants to face Error Code 43 again. Here's how to stay safe:
- Use clean file names: No emojis or symbols from another galaxy.
- Eject drives correctly: Always drag USBs to the Trash when you're done.
- Don’t rename files randomly while apps are using them. Let them go to sleep first.
- Empty your Trash regularly. Haunted files love to hide there.
When to Panic (Spoiler: Probably Never)
If this error keeps showing up for lots of different files, over and over… that’s strange.
Here’s when you might need expert help:
- You can’t open or delete any files…ever
- Your external drive is acting like it’s possessed
- Mac stops booting entirely
Then it's time to call Apple Support or take a visit to the Genius Bar. Bring cookies. Or at least patience.
Quick FAQ Section (Because We Love Structure)
Q: Is Error 43 a virus?
A: Nope! It’s just a confused file or Finder moment. You're safe.
Q: Can I ignore it?
A: You can… but you probably won’t complete your task. And it may come back spookier next time 👻
Q: What's the scariest file name you've seen?
A: Someone had a file named :THE:FATE:OF:ALL:LIFE?.docx. We don't ask questions.
Wrap It Up: Error Code 43, You’ve Been Exposed!
Now you know. Error Code 43 isn’t a bug—it’s a misunderstood cry for help. A file with identity issues. A USB in distress. A Finder having a meltdown.
The good news? You have the tools, the tricks, and the tales to fix it with style.
So next time you see that little -43 pop-up? Shake your head, laugh like an IT boss, and say:
“Not today, Error 43. Not today.”