What is Error 79 on Mac?
Error 79 on Mac is a common error that can occur when attempting to use Archive Utility software on the Mac for extraction. It is typically caused by an incompatibility between the version of the software being installed or updated and the version of the operating system on the Mac.
Read this article to fix Error 79 on your Mac.
Error 79 Details
| Name | Error 79 |
| Type | Unzip Error on Mac |
| Short Description | Error 79 occurs when a user tries to unzip his file or folder. |
| Symptoms | A pop-up with the message “Error 79-Inappropriate file type or format.” |
| Program | Archive Utility |
| Fix Tool |
Try this fix to repair your Mac from errors and optimise system performance: Download
SpyHunter
|
What Is Causing Error 79?
Error 79 on Mac is caused by a conflict between the Mac’s operating system and the Archive Utility. It can also be caused by a Mac OS software update, an outdated printer driver, or a printer that is not compatible with the Mac’s operating system.
What are The Symptoms of Error 79 on Mac?
Common symptoms of Error 79 on Mac include the inability to install or update software, slow performance, and freezes or crashes.
- Damaged or corrupted files on the external drive;
- A pending update of the operating system;
- A malware-related problem.
The error returns the following message:
“Error 79-Inappropriate file type or format.”
Is Mac Error 79 Dangerous?
No, Error 79 on a Mac is not dangerous. It is a common issue that occurs when a Mac user is attempting to unzip a file using Archive Utility. The error is caused by an issue with the Mac’s software, and it can generally be fixed by restarting the computer, updating the software, or running a disk repair utility.
How to Fix Error 79 on Mac?
The best way to fix Error 79 on Mac is to make sure that the version of the software being installed or updated is compatible with the version of the operating system on the Mac. You can check the software’s website for compatibility information, or download the latest version of the software that is compatible with the Mac’s operating system. Follow the steps below for further information.
Fix #1 for Error 79 on Mac
- Open “Applications”.
- Go to the “Utilities folder and click on “Terminal”.
- Type the command “Unzip YOURFILENAME.zip”where you replace it with the file name of the file you want to unzip and hit Enter.
- If it does not work, try downloading the file again.
If this fix does not work, try following the options below to fully check and clean your Mac up.
Option 1. Run the dot_clean command in Terminal
- Open the Terminal application.
- Type the dot_clean command and hit the Return key.
- Drag the problematic folder that you failed to copy into the Terminal box. Once loaded, hit the Return key again.
- Once you’ve completed these actions, you can attempt to perform the same action again and see whether the error appears.
Option 2. Allow full access to the problematic file/folder
This solution will help you, if the error is related to your account lacking privileges to change the problematic folder or file. You can fix that by logging in your administrator account and changing the file property to allow full access to the said file/folder.
- Right-click the folder or file that triggered the Error Code -36.
- Select Get Info.
- Uncheck the Locked option under the General Tab.
- Go to Sharing & Permissions, and make sure your account has read and write permissions to the said file or folder.
Option 3. Use Disk Utility’s First Aid
Since this error is related to a hard drive, using the First Aid in Disk Utility may do the trick of fixing it. To do that, follow these steps:
- Open Finder and select Applications, then Utilities.
- Double-click Disk Utility to start it.
- From its sidebar, choose the hard drive that caused the error to appear.
- Click First Aid and wait for the repair process to finish.
This should have resolved the Mac Error Code -36. However, if the problem persists, continue with the last two options.
Option 4: Install the latest updates of your OS.
Go to System Preferences – Software Update and check whether a newer macOS version is available for download. You will see a button to install it and Upgrade, if it is available.
Option 5: Scan your computer for errors and optimise it automatically.
If you have tried most of the fixes, but you keep getting error messages, consider checking your Mac for:
- Malware and unwanted programs.
- Tracking cookies and other pesky and harmful objects.
- Adware.
- Browser Hijackers.
- Problematic files.
You can do all of this by running an automatic scan of your computer using a professional anti-malware program.
Spy Hunter scanner will only detect the problem. If you want the issue to be automatically removed, you need to purchase the full version of the anti-malware tool.Find Out More About SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool / How to Uninstall SpyHunter
Mac Errors – Frequently Asked Questions
What are Mac Errors?
Mac errors are faulty problems of macOS. They are different types, affecting various programs running on your Mac.
Since macOS is frequently updated, it is easier to fix such errors, due to the way this operating system is constructed.
What Do Mac Error Codes Mean?
Error Codes on Mac are how your macOS explains the different types of problems that can occur on it. The number of the Mac Error code pops up on your screen, and it shows you the error with some explanatory text to help you fix it.
These error codes exist for both small and bigger problems, and in some cases, they can mean that there is a significant issue with your device.
Why Do I See Errors On My Mac?
The reasons may vary. These can be due to a badly written code, faulty software, external app modifying your app, incompatibility, problems with the resources required to run the app, and even a Mac malware infection.
What Types of Mac Errors Exist?
Just like with Windows devices, there are some general error types with Mac as well, including:
- Runtime Errors – when you execute a program and it fails due to badly written code, incompatibility with the program and web servers or other problems, like malware.
- Logic Errors – something in the logic makes the program fail to return results.
- Arithmetic Errors – a type of logic error, which involves miscalculation due to an erroneous configuration or code that does not fit the same logic as the system reads it.
- Resource Errors – when your device does not meet the resources required to run a program or if the program is coded faulty, so it requires more resources than necessary.
- Interface Errors – when there is a difference between what an app is meant to do and what it actually does.
- Compilation Errors – when the compiler of a software fails to turn complicated code into a simple language, understandable by your Mac.
Which are The Most Common Mac Errors?
According to different sources and online forums, the most commonly encountered errors on Mac carry the following codes:
- Error Code 36 – when Finder fails to read or write a file on your Mac.
- Error Code 41 – caused by malware, outdated software or corrupted files and directories.
- Error Code 50 – when you fail to copy and paste a file onto another drive, like USB or an external SSD or HDD.
- Error Code 2003F – it shows up when you try reinstalling your macOS in Recovery Mode. Possible causes include bad sectors in the hard disk, malware, etc.
What to Do If I See a Mac Error?
If you see an error on your Mac, your first job is to check the meaning of it. Then, you can see reputable forums, like Apple Discussions or SensorsTechForum in order to find different types of fixes for the problem.
How to Stop Getting Mac Errors?
You cannot. As long as there are people writing the code, there will always be the human error factor. However, there are several measures that you can take in order to significantly reduce the chance of getting a Mac Error:
- Check and update your Mac and your Apps (if possible) to the latest version on a daily basis.
- Install a relevant and reputable anti-malware for Mac.
- Install an optimizer for your Mac, which will keep all your apps updated, remove junk software, and improve your Mac’s health.
- Only install apps from trusted sources.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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