Permissions issue on new MacBook Air

hat322 wrote:

Thanks for the advice. I think I've solved the Windows issue by giving Word full access to files. The external hard drive, however, I've now realised is in the NTFS format, which my old Mac didn't care about but this one does so essentially it's now Read Only. Hey ho - at least I can view and files and copy them if necessary. Time to get a new hard drive then...

Then your old Mac was using third party software to write to the NTFS volume. That third party software needs to be updated to a version compatible with your new OS. Plus you may need to give that software permission to load its driver (aka extension) in the Security section of the Privacy & Security System Settings. If there is not an option to approve the extension, then reboot the system & keep an eye out for a pop-up notice regarding that issue and/or immediately check the Security section of the Privacy & Security System Settings (it will only show that approval for a limited time after rebooting).

About system extensions and macOS - Apple Support

The better way to manage an external drive is by using a file system fully supported by macOS itself. If the drive is only used with a Mac, then use the file systems APFS or MacOS Extended (Journaled)....which one depends on the type of drive and what other Macs may need to access the drive. If the drive needs to be shared with a Windows system, then use the exFAT file system (make sure to use Disk Utility to erase it as exFAT since Windows may use a File Allocation Size that is incompatible with macOS).

The first is a question for Microsoft, who have always had their own (wrong) way of doing things: Contact a third-party vendor - Apple Support. If I had to guess, Microsoft is probably attempting to save temporary files in an area that has been deemed off-limits since the era of your ancient iMac.

Also, if I had to guess, Microsoft is going to want you to upgrade (💰) to a more recent version of their bloatware. You don't have to play that game.

The second question, probably not, but if you want to change a User Account name you must do it this way: Change the name of your macOS user account and home folder - Apple Support. Do not omit any steps. Before you resort to that likely unnecessary and extreme step, change the Permissions for that hard disk drive by following these instructions: If your Mac can't save files to an external drive - Apple Support. Scroll down to "Check permissions."

Mystery solved, and you can of course reformat that external drive once you no longer need the files on it.