There is no need to worry about this particular error. This article highlights quick and easy ways to fix error 36.

Clean Boot your Computer

Error 36 occurs when some of the files selected for copying are used by programs or processes simultaneously. Windows may fail to move/ copy a file which is being used by programs/ processes. Here are some simple guidelines:

A) Close All Other Programs:

Close all the programs that are running on your desktop. Exit Taskbar icons as well as Notification Bar icons to ensure all are closed.

B) Clean Boot:

Clean Boot is a term used to describe very limited number of programs and drivers that are loaded at Windows startup. Here’s how:

• Click Start | Run.
• Type MSCONFIG and press ENTER.
• System Configuration shall open.
• Under General tab, choose Selective Startup option.
• Deselect following checkboxes- Load system services and Load starup items.
• Click Apply | OK.
• Restart Windows.

Disconnect and Reconnect the Drive

The drive containing source files can have problems itself. For instance, the drive is not properly connected. Hence disconnect and reconnect it to resolve error 36.

Reinstall Drivers of the External Drive

Each external drive, it can be an external hard disk or USB Flash Drive, has its own drivers. When the drive is connected to a computer for the first time, its drivers are automatically installed. It could be the reason that driver files were not installed properly or installed files were corrupted. Reinstall them to fix error 36.

• Click Start | Control Panel | System and Security | Administrative Tools.
• Double click Computer Management.
• Select Device Manager from the left side panel.
• Right click that particular drive, select Properties.
• Click the Drivers tab and then Uninstall button.
• Reboot the machine.
• Repeat Steps 1-3.
• Right click computer name appearing at the top of the list. Select Scan for hardware changes. The drivers will be re-installed automatically.