Quick Summary
Error -8072 on macOS typically indicates a problem accessing or writing to a file, often due to permissions or corruption. This error suggests that the application is unable to complete a file operation, leading to a crash or unexpected behavior.
Common Causes
- Insufficient File Permissions: The application lacks the necessary permissions (read, write, execute) to access the file or directory it's trying to use. This can occur when the user account doesn't have sufficient privileges or the file permissions are incorrectly configured.
- Corrupted File or Application: The file the application is trying to access is corrupted, making it unreadable or unusable. Alternatively, the application itself might be damaged or incomplete.
- Disk Errors or Issues: Problems with the hard drive, such as bad sectors, file system errors, or a full disk, can prevent the application from reading or writing files correctly.
- Conflicting Applications or Processes: Another application or background process is interfering with the file access operation, leading to a conflict and the -8072 error.
Step-by-Step Fixes
Method 1: Repair Disk Permissions
Step 1: Open Disk Utility. You can find it in /Applications/Utilities.
Step 2: Select the disk you are having issues with in the left sidebar.
Step 3: Click the 'First Aid' button.
Step 4: Click 'Run' to start the disk repair process. This will check the drive and repair any errors or incorrect permissions. After the process completes successfully, restart your computer.
Method 2: Verify and Repair Disk
Step 1: Boot into Recovery Mode by restarting your Mac and holding down Command (⌘) + R keys until you see the Apple logo or a spinning globe.
Step 2: In the macOS Utilities window, select 'Disk Utility' and click 'Continue'.
Step 3: Select your startup disk in the left sidebar.
Step 4: Click 'First Aid' and then 'Run' to check and repair any disk errors. Follow any on-screen instructions.
Step 5: Once completed, restart your Mac normally.
Method 3: Check File Permissions
Step 1: Locate the file or folder the application is trying to access.
Step 2: Right-click on the file or folder and select 'Get Info'.
Step 3: Scroll down to the 'Sharing & Permissions' section.
Step 4: Ensure your user account has Read & Write permissions. If not, unlock the settings by clicking the lock icon, enter your administrator password, and change the permissions to 'Read & Write'.
Step 5: If your account is not listed, add it by clicking the '+' button and selecting your account.
Step 6: Click the gear icon and select 'Apply to enclosed items' to apply the permissions to all files and folders within.
Method 4: Reinstall the Application
Step 1: Completely uninstall the application causing the error. Ensure to remove all associated files and folders, including preference panes.
Step 2: Download the latest version of the application from the developer's official website. Avoid using third-party download sites.
Step 3: Install the application following the provided instructions.
Step 4: If the app requires you to move it from the .dmg do so to the /Applications/ folder.
Step 5: Launch the application and check if the error persists.
Method 5: Check for Conflicting Applications
Step 1: Close all running applications except for essential system processes.
Step 2: Monitor the system for the error. If the error disappears when other applications are closed, systematically re-open each application one by one to identify the conflicting application.
Step 3: Once the conflicting application is identified, try updating it, reinstalling it, or finding an alternative application.