I cannot create a new folder on my WD external hard drive. I've shared the drive but though I am the administrator I cannot get permission to save files to it or add folders.
MacBook Air, Mac OS X (10.7.1)
Is the drive formatted NTFS?
If so, you don't have the capability to write to that drive, unless you install a third party solution.
Example: NTFS-3G http://www.tuxera.com/
If you plan on only using the drive on your Mac, then re-format it to Mac OS Extended (Journaled).
I formatted my WD external to GPT. If you read the deep theory on GPT it does support the same 4-partitions that MBR (Master Boot Record) has as a limit. GPT then puts another 120+ possible partitions after those base 4.
I have done this, running a TM partition as the first, and a 250 GB NTFS after.
BUT BUT BUT
Backup drives should be dedicated to backups.
And mixing partition types on GPT system has been reported as "possibly quirky" for Mac. I do not know those details, but will not decry them as "stupid".
I *really* need to get another drive for "external files" and then if I mix-and-match I do not risk any backups.
For the record ... my CCC clone is a dedicated drive.
What you can do is open Terminal (Applications > Utilities > Terminal) and type diskutil list, a list of hard drives will apear with names like /dev/disk1, just look for your WD External HD and look at the name it has, let's say it's /dev/disk2, so now type (on terminal) chmod ug+rw /dev/disk2 OR, you just can drag and drop your external drive partition to the terminal and the path will be put by itself and just press enter and you should gain permissions.
AnyboyMac
If the drive is partitioned MBR (Master Boot Record) and the partition being written to is "NTFS", Mac cannot write to it without software that is NOT free.
OSX can read NTFS, but not write it without paid software, because MS has a semi-patent on the format and may one day prevent anyone else even reading it.
Technically anyone could write software, but those who faced MS in court know the eventual result.
But ... back to technical ...
We have not received a response if the drive was previously formatted for Windows, meaning MBR, and NTFS partitions.
Best to leave permissions alone until more is determined, but you may be partly correct IF the drive is already GUID.
create folder on WD My Passport external hard drive
