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Unable to save updates to a text file.

I am running macOS 10.15.7 on a MacBook Pro (16 inch, 2019) that I just bought. My previous MacBook Pro was recently upgraded to Catalina just before I made the purchase. So most of the files I will be using were crated in Mojave. Don't know if that is germane to this discussion.


I have decided not to do a full restore on the new machine from backups of the old machine, but rather to add folders/applications from my old machine as needed. I am the owner and only user on this laptop.


I have a thumb drive, which contains a text file that I need to update often during this process.


I open that file, make updates and try to save (Cmd-S). 


I get the message:


“The document could not be saved. You don’t have permission.”


When it tries to autosave, I get a similar message: “You don’t have permission to write to the folder that the file is in.”


I select the file in a finder window and choose File > Get Info.


I expand Sharing & Permissions. It says “You can read and write.”, but there is no lock icon.


I select the thumb drive in finder, which I assume qualifies as “the folder that the file is in”, then Sharing & Permissions. It says “You have custom access.”, but again no lock icon.


I am unable to save this document. It is very important that I be able to update this document quite often as I go through the process of loading folders and applications to the new machine.


What should I do?

MacBook

Posted on Mar 25, 2021 1:18 PM

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Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Mar 26, 2021 1:53 PM

Hi Claude Crider,


Thanks for coming to Apple Support Communities for help today with a file that won't save on your new MacBook Pro. This appears to be a permissions issue.


Is this the only document that you have encountered that has this issue?


Double-check this page: Change permissions for files, folders, or disks on Mac.


Have you tried running first aid on the thumb drive? How to repair a Mac disk with Disk Utility.


Let us know how it goes.


Have a fantastic day!


Similar questions

2 replies
Question marked as Best reply

Mar 26, 2021 1:53 PM in response to Claude Crider

Hi Claude Crider,


Thanks for coming to Apple Support Communities for help today with a file that won't save on your new MacBook Pro. This appears to be a permissions issue.


Is this the only document that you have encountered that has this issue?


Double-check this page: Change permissions for files, folders, or disks on Mac.


Have you tried running first aid on the thumb drive? How to repair a Mac disk with Disk Utility.


Let us know how it goes.


Have a fantastic day!


Unable to save updates to a text file.

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