Cannot rename files in System-Library-LaunchAgents

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Cannot rename files in System-Library-LaunchAgents

In trying to debug an issue on my Mac, I am attempting to rename a plist file in /System/Library/LaunchAgents/. Attempting to rename the file in the file in unsuccessful, as right-clicking to rename or hitting Enter does nothing. Using the terminal and switching to super-user and attempting to reload returns with the error "Operation not permitted" File permissions are -rw-r--r--, and attempting to chmod the permissions is also returned with "operation not permitted."

MacBook Pro Retina

Posted on Aug 27, 2020 7:38 AM

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Answer 1

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Mikulify Author

Level 1

10 points

Aug 27, 2020 10:24 AM in response to dialabrain

The System directory is protected by SIP (system integrity protection) to prevent malicious activity. In order to rename the file, SIP must be disabled by booting in to recovery mode and entering 'csrutil disable' in to the terminal and rebooting.

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Answer 2

Barney-15E

Level 10

122,072 points

Aug 27, 2020 11:12 AM in response to Mikulify

Instead of disabling SIP and renaming them, read up on launchctl to disable the ones you don't want to load. I believe you can still disable even system launch agents, but I've never tried so am not certain.

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Answer 3

VikingOSX

Level 10

123,164 points

Aug 27, 2020 7:48 AM in response to Mikulify

Posting the same question three times will not alter the fact that /System/Library is on a read-only partition in Catalina.

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Answer 4

dialabrain

Level 10

135,563 points

Aug 27, 2020 7:44 AM in response to Mikulify

Files in /System/Library are protected by Catalina. I believe you can only change them by booting from a different drive.

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Answer 5

Kurt Lang

Level 9

68,454 points

Aug 27, 2020 12:32 PM in response to Mikulify

dialbrain's suggestion does work. You don't need to disable SIP in order to modify a different bootable volume while you are started up from another. You only need your admin password.

What I do wonder is why you want to mess around with anything in the System folder. Only the OS can put anything there in Catalina. It's read only while booted to that volume.

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