Setting Maximum privileges for an external drive

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Level 1

9 points

Setting Maximum privileges for an external drive

I am looking for guidance on how to set all the privileges in the Get Info window for several 20 TB external 3.5 inch hard drives that contain folders and files from many old Mac computers so that as an Administrator I can have the most comprehensive set of privileges to delete or move them elsewhere as is possible. Some of the drives are formatted APFS and some are Extended Journaled. What would be the settings in the Get Info window for a maximum set of privileges?

Mac mini (M4 Pro, 2024)

Posted on Dec 24, 2025 7:55 AM

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Answer 1

leroydouglas

Level 10

200,760 points

Dec 24, 2025 9:56 AM in response to worx25

worx25 wrote:

I am looking for guidance on how to set all the privileges in the Get Info window for several 20 TB external 3.5 inch hard drives that contain folders and files from many old Mac computers so that as an Administrator I can have the most comprehensive set of privileges to delete or move them elsewhere as is possible.  Some of the drives are formatted APFS and some are Extended Journaled.  What would be the settings in the Get Info window for a maximum set of privileges?

I don't get it, is there an issue presently...?

typically ...if there is an issue unlock the padlock and ignore ownership.

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Answer 2

worx25 Author

Level 1

9 points

Dec 26, 2025 5:47 PM in response to leroydouglas

Yes, there is an issue. When I check that box and then try to move files to or from the drive I often get an error message that says I do not have permission to move or copy a file or folder. The drive has been checked by Disk Utility First Aid with no problems reported.

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