TurboTax Error 36: Problem Copying Files
Error 36 means TurboTax couldn't copy one or more files during installation, frequently due to a damaged disc, a read error, or interference from security software. Switching to the download or cleaning the disc usually solves it.
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Symptoms
- •Setup fails partway with a message about copying or reading files.
- •The progress bar stalls and then errors out.
- •The same file appears to fail each time you retry.
What causes it
- ▸A scratched, dirty, or defective installation disc.
- ▸A read error from the optical drive.
- ▸Antivirus locking files as they're written.
- ▸Not enough free disk space to complete the copy.
How to fix it
1Use the download version
- Sign in to your TurboTax account.
- Find the digital download tied to your license code.
- Install from the download to bypass any disc read problems.
2Clean the disc and drive
- Wipe the disc gently with a soft cloth from the center outward.
- Try the disc in another computer's drive to test whether the disc or drive is at fault.
- Re-insert and run setup.exe as administrator.
3Pause antivirus and check disk space
- Temporarily disable real-time antivirus protection.
- Confirm you have several gigabytes of free space on your system drive.
- Run the install again, then re-enable your antivirus.
Still stuck?
If error 36 keeps stopping the install from both the disc and the download, there may be a deeper read or disk problem. Official TurboTax support at ttlc.intuit.com can help confirm your license for a fresh download, and you're welcome to ask here whether a specific file is failing and what that points to.
Frequently asked questions
Is my disc defective if I get error 36?＋
It can be, especially if it's scratched. The quickest workaround is to download the same product from your account instead of relying on the disc.
How much free space does TurboTax need?＋
Requirements vary by year, but having several gigabytes free is a safe margin. Check the official system requirements for your version.
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