Can't copy or create a new folder on hard drive

I am trying to copy a folder to my hard drive (Macintosh HD) and it will not let me. I am the administrator and have checked permissions which say read and write, but for whatever reason, I cannot add a folder. Does anyone know how to fix this? I have never had this problem before but have recently upgraded to Macbook Pro and I am running Ventura 13.4.1.

MacBook Pro (2021)

Posted on Jun 29, 2023 2:12 PM

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Posted on Jul 1, 2023 4:59 PM

You do not have permission to write to the Top-level of Macintosh HD, only the system can create files or folders there.


Ceate that new folder inside your User Directory:


/Users/YourUserShortName

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9 replies

Jul 28, 2023 5:55 PM in response to Marco79316

Marco79316 wrote:

I have never seen this before. I have another laptop with Mojave and I can create folders and download files to the hard disk all day. But on another laptop I just purchased used, I am not able to download anything to the hard disk or even create a folder in it. But I can create items on the desk top. I actually want to put items into the hard disk. Can that be done?

Thanks
Marco

Beginning with macOS 10.15 Catalina, macOS now has a separate read-only system volume containing the macOS system files while the home user folders are stored on a separate writable volume. With macOS 11.x+, the system volume is now also a signed & sealed volume. See these Apple articles:

About the read-only system volume in macOS Catalina or later - Apple Support


Signed system volume security in iOS, iPadOS, and macOS - Apple Support


What is a signed system volume? - Apple Support

Jun 29, 2023 2:17 PM in response to VTJinTune

VTJinTune wrote:

I am trying to copy a folder to my hard drive (Macintosh HD) and it will not let me. I am the administrator and have checked permissions which say read and write, but for whatever reason, I cannot add a folder. Does anyone know how to fix this? I have never had this problem before but have recently upgraded to Macbook Pro and I am running Ventura 13.4.1.

Would this external drive also be your Time Machine Backup drive?

Jul 26, 2023 9:59 PM in response to VTJinTune

I have never seen this before. I have another laptop with Mojave and I can create folders and download files to the hard disk all day. But on another laptop I just purchased used, I am not able to download anything to the hard disk or even create a folder in it. But I can create items on the desk top. I actually want to put items into the hard disk. Can that be done?


Thanks

Marco

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Can't copy or create a new folder on hard drive

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