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Level 1

5 points

operation can’t be completed because you don’t have permission to access...

"The operation can’t be completed because you don’t have permission to access some of the items."

This is the error message I receive when attempting to copy certain files to a storage server. I've used this server since Tiger w/out these errors. The only thing that has changed is my updating to Snow Leopard.

The file info states my permission is read & write.

I have repaired permissions but that did not help.

This happens when trying to drag & drop, and when trying to copy & paste.

I've been assured that the server if functioning properly.

I was able to copy every file that I wanted, except the images, in particular .tiff files and .icns files (although it happens with every image, jpg, png, eps), some I just created myself like the icon, but no matter how many edits, or name changes I make, I cannot copy them to my server. So far the only image I could copy was a screen grab I saved as a .tiff, But if I create the .tiff in photoshop, it won't copy to the server.

Is this a snow leopard security feature? If so, is there anyway to bypass this feature so I can copy & share files that I create?

If it's a bug, does anyone know of a fix or a work around (perhaps some way to strip the file of the offending apple info that's stating it's not my file?)

Mac Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.2)

Posted on Mar 29, 2010 12:53 PM

53 replies

Jun 11, 2010 9:11 PM in response to Almeister9

Do I edit it on my Mac or on my NAS (in this case it's an HP MediaVault)?
The smb.conf file is located in a different place on my mac than you listed if you meant on my Mac. Thanks.

ccarr

Level 1

0 points

Jul 7, 2010 2:03 PM in response to Deono

Has Deono ever figured out this problem?

I seem to have similar issues. I found that many times the message is a substitute for the message in older OS versions that says that you have too long of a file name or bad characters in the name. I have fixed some of the copy issues by highlighting the whole name and renaming it with a short name and not using any strange characters. The file would successfully copy after that.

I hope I could help you.

Jul 21, 2010 7:09 AM in response to Deono

I uninstalled older existing version and installation run correctly. I also changed permissions for everybody, but in retrospect, I don't think that was necessary.

Aug 5, 2010 9:01 AM in response to Deono

This happened to me since migrating to MacBook Pro with Snow Leopard 10.6.4. When trying to write to a ReadyNAS NV+ the same error occurs IF the volume is MOUNTED WITH AFP. It seems the file attribute "com.apple.metadata:kMDItemWhereFroms" in downloaded files/disk images can't be written to the nas under AFP. This may well be caused by the nas afp software.

Mounting the nas with SMB instead of AFP circumvents the whole error 😉 Of course, one would probably lose the metadata ItemWhereFrom as well. Glad I found a solution though.

jsruok

Level 1

0 points

Aug 18, 2010 11:50 PM in response to Deono

Issue 2
An alert box appears with one of these messages:

* "The operation cannot be completed because you do not have sufficient privileges for '(item or folder name).'"
* "The item '(item name)' could not be moved because 'System' (or other folder name) cannot be modified."

http://support.apple.com/kb/ts1402

jsruok

Level 1

0 points

Aug 18, 2010 11:56 PM in response to jsruok

Although this did not work for me..

I wanted to replace an app in Applications folder and finally managed to pull that off by first trashing the app there and then copying the new version of the app to Applications folder.

Oct 25, 2010 2:18 PM in response to Deono

I'm having similar problems with installing the latest release of Firefox (3.6.11). It's really annoying me since I also can't download the update through Firefox.

It wouldn't be a big deal, but FF keeps giving me these reminders and notifications that I can't follow up on.

Deono Author

Level 1

5 points

Dec 9, 2010 11:27 AM in response to ccarr

I sorta found a fix... change servers. Our organization has switched from a Linux server to a windows server and believe it our not, things work now without having to try and strip the file first of any permission settings. While it takes forever (1-3 minutes) to actually connect, once connected I've not had a problem copying files between my Mac and the server. It was most likely a conflict between the linux version and apple updates.

Dec 20, 2010 12:33 AM in response to super reubs

Did you ever get a fix to this? I am having the same problem trying to upgrade Firefox to 3.6.13. I can't upgrade through the Firefox message or through downloading the lastest version.

Any ideas???

Jan 24, 2011 1:25 AM in response to Deono

I am receiving this error "The operation can’t be completed because you don’t have permission to access some of the items." when trying to restore my desktop folders from the time machine. AFTER losing the data from a HD death that happened directly in the middle of a data transfer. I thought to myself, WHEW! At least there is the time machine. Nope. It is not playing friendly with others. Very angry at the loss of some important files, VERY important files.

Newiedog

Level 1

0 points

Feb 4, 2011 4:42 PM in response to Deono

Hello all,

Just wanting to add my voice to this thread. Ever since changing my NAS server to a new modem/router I'm now getting the "The operation can't be completed because you don't have permission to access some of the items" error when I try and delete some files.

Very frustrating, as I can't keep the server sorted where the files need to be. I've scoured the net for answers but as yet have found nothing that works.

Regards,

Pete

dmd1047

Level 1

0 points

Mar 31, 2011 8:26 AM in response to super reubs

I am seeing exactly the same issue, i.e. I can't update Firefox and now can't update Skype either, both giving this same error message. this occurs on the MacAir, whereas it has not been an issue on the MAC book Pro - strange!

vlakdawa

Level 1

0 points

Jun 14, 2011 3:37 PM in response to dmd1047

Same issue here. I cannot update the firefox on my iMac.

There must be an easy solution for this.

prjct

Level 1

0 points

Jul 6, 2011 9:12 AM in response to vlakdawa

I'm having the same issue trying to throw away a Google folder located at user>library>

not trying to copy, simply trying to throw away - all my permissions are as they should be....is there a solution lurking somewhere?

Jul 7, 2011 12:08 PM in response to Deono

Ditto ... FF updating problem.

Have been having messages for the past week (or so) about FF not being able to be updated:

(1) "The update could not be installed. Please make sure there are no other copies of FF running on your computer."

I had not power-cycled my iMac 10.6.7 for some time and decided this is what it was complaining about.

I then shut down the iMac then restarted. Same error message. So, I thought it might be the installation of FF on VM Ware's installation of XP Pro - I uninstalled that FF s/w. Restarted computer. Got a different error message:

(2) "The partial update could not be applied. Firefox will try again by downloading a complete update." ... which it did. Then same cycle of error message (1).

Dropped FF application and install pkg into Trash. Tried reinstalling FF. Same error message (1).

Looked up how to "COMPLETELY" remove FF from OS X. (drag & drop various folders with 'firefox' in their names). Re-downloaded FRESH FF pkg and tried to install. Same error message (1).

Found this forum/discussion and am posting this now. Will also go to Mozilla and post something there.

*IF* I get a hit (success in trying to install/update FF) I'll get back here and post it!

GOOD LUCK TO US!

Glen the Computer Guy

(and, yes, respond to me via private email if you have some input)

operation can’t be completed because you don’t have permission to access...