Fix Mac Error Code 50

The error appears at several intervals. Users receive Mac error code 50 while opening iTunes program, while copying files  from remote disk to local startup disk, during installation of Adobe Flash Player for Mac.

Sorry, the operation could not be completed because an unexpected error occurred. (Error Code: 50)

Delete Corrupt PList File

There’s a file named “com.apple.finder.plist” located in system preferences. Delete the file as shown below:

  1. Open Finder.
  2. Press and hold Option key.
  3. Click Go | Library.
  4. Open Preferences folder. That is, your location is ~\Library\Preferences.
  5. Drag and drop a file named “com.apple.finder.plist” to Trash.
  6. Log off your user account and re-login again.

Run Adobe Flash Player Installer through Terminal

If you cannot install Adobe Flash Player in normal way, try using Terminal program.

  1. Mount your Adobe Flash Player installer file- .dmg
  2. Copy the installer file to your Desktop.
  3. Launch Terminal.
  4. Change directory to Desktop or any other folder where you moved the installer file in Step # 2.
  5. Type following command; press Return:

sudo ./Install\ Adobe\ Flash\ Player.app/Contents/MacOS/Install\ Adobe\ Flash\ Player

  1. You’ll be prompted for administrative privileges. Enter your password and continue.

Execute DiskUtil Command in Terminal

Run the command given below after launching Terminal in your Mac.

  1. Open Finder.
  2. Click Go | Utilities | Terminal.
  3. This opens up Terminal on your screen.
  4. Drag and drop the following line into Terminal window. Remember, there are two spaces before the above command.

diskutil list

  1. Press Return key.

Determine and Repair Disk Permissions

Verify whether user has adequate disk permissions. Open up Disk Utility and repair permissions if required to do so.

  1. Go to Applications | Utilities.
  2. Open Disk Utility program from the list.
  3. In the devices list that appears select your Startup Disk.
  4. Click Repair Permission button.

Alternatively, you can also perform following procedure:

  1. Insert Mac installation disc in your DVD Drive.
  2. Press and hold C key while restarting your PC.
  3. Your computer shall boot from the startup disc that you inserted.
  4. Do not click Continue button. Just select your language. Remember, if you click Continue button accidentally, you may have to exit and re-start from startup disc again.
  5. Go to Installer menu.
  6. Click Disk Utility.
  7. This opens up a new tool. Click First Aid tab.
  8. Now that you’ve a list of all volumes. Select Mac OSX volume, and click Repair.

Use CP Command to Overwrite Files without Warning
Execute the CP command with the help of Terminal to fix Mac error code 50. This will automatically overwrite destination files without showing any warning. However you should make sure that there are no important files in the target directory with the same file names as you might lose them as well. If they do exist, rename those files with different names or simply move them to a new folder.

1. Click Applications | Utilities | Terminal.
2. Type the following command:
“cp –R “ (Without quotes)
Note: There should be a space after the “R” letter. There should NOT be quotes in the actual Terminal window.
3. Drag the desired file or folder from Finder into Terminal window that you would like to copy.
4. The name and path of the dragged file would automatically appear in the Terminal window and the required space will be automatically typed after it.
5. Now drag the desired destination folder from Finder to your Terminal.
6. Press Return and then quit the Terminal window.

Determine Privileges of Target Directory
Target Directory is the folder you selected to copy new files. It seems that your target folder doesn’t have required privileges hence Mac shows error 50. Verify the permissions using Get Info dialog and then resetting Sharing & Permissions.

1. Right click the desired target folder.
2. Press Command + i.
3. Click Sharing and Permissions and allow Read & Write permissions.

Change Power Adapter/ Battery Settings

There may be some misconfigurations with Power Adapter/ Battery settings.

1. Download latest version of your firmware on an external drive.
2. Launch DiskUtility.
3. Don’t set Partition Scheme. Just set Apple Partition Map to GUID Partition Table.
4. Click System Preferences | Entergy Saver.
5. Under Battery and Power Adapter enable check up the following box:
Put the hard disk(s) to sleep when possible
6. Save your settings. It will fix Mac error code 50.

Remove Unsupported Characters from the File Name
You’re likely to receive Mac error 50 if the file name contains unsupported characters. Rename it by removing any unsupported characters mentioned below:

Unsupported Characters:
? / \ | * :

Make sure that the File is Not Too Large

Make sure the file size is not too large. Sometimes your Mac fails to copy files that are too large. Compress such file using a file compressor program designed for Mac operating system.

Vikas is a Finance and Accounting student. In his part time he blogs at several websites. He is fond of computers, internet and smartphones. His Google Plus profile is the path to reach him: Vikas G+