Quick Summary
Error -600 on macOS typically indicates an issue with file access permissions or file system corruption, preventing an application from properly accessing or saving required data. This often results in unexpected application behavior or crashes.
Common Causes
- Insufficient File Permissions: The application might not have the necessary read and write permissions to access the required files or directories, especially in protected locations.
- File System Corruption: Damaged or corrupted file system structures can lead to access errors, making it impossible for the application to locate or manipulate files correctly.
- Conflicting Applications or Processes: Another program or process might be locking or interfering with the files needed by the application, leading to access denial and the -600 error.
- Software Bug: A defect in application code may cause memory errors that result in incorrect file requests to the OS.
Step-by-Step Fixes
Method 1: Verify and Repair Disk Permissions
Step 1: Open Disk Utility (found in /Applications/Utilities/).
Step 2: Select the disk you want to check from the sidebar.
Step 3: Click 'First Aid' and then 'Run' to start the disk repair process. This will check and repair any file system errors, including permissions.
Step 4: Once the process is complete, restart your computer.
Method 2: Check and Adjust File Permissions Manually
Step 1: Locate the problematic file or folder (often indicated in application error logs).
Step 2: Right-click on the file/folder and select 'Get Info'.
Step 3: In the 'Sharing & Permissions' section, ensure your user account has 'Read & Write' privileges. If not, unlock the settings (click the padlock icon), enter your administrator password, and change the privileges.
Step 4: Click the gear icon at the bottom of the window and select 'Apply to enclosed items...' to apply the permissions to all files and folders within the directory (if applicable).
Method 3: Close Conflicting Applications
Step 1: Open Activity Monitor (found in /Applications/Utilities/).
Step 2: Look for any processes that might be using the same files or resources as the application throwing the error.
Step 3: If you identify any such processes, select them and click the 'X' button at the top to quit them.
Step 4: Try running the application again.
Method 4: Reinstall the Application
Step 1: Completely uninstall the application. This may involve dragging the application icon from the Applications folder to the Trash, as well as deleting any associated preference files (usually located in ~/Library/Preferences/). Use an uninstaller if provided by the vendor.
Step 2: Download a fresh copy of the application from the official source.
Step 3: Reinstall the application according to the installation instructions.