Always asked for password when deleting files

Question

Always asked for password when deleting files

Since upgrading from Snow Leopard to Mountain Lion, I've noticed one ANNOYING quirk about ML. Any time I try to delete a file or folder, or folder containing files that fall into one of the following categories, it asks for the password to these files. Not neccessarily MY system password, but the password to the system used when they were created on whichever system configuration that may have been.

Any files that were created on a different computer and copied to this one.
Any files created on this computer but were created before I upgraded (fresh install).

But any files that I create on this computer with it's current configuration, DOES NOT ask me for a password when I try to delete them.

So basically it's saying that I don't own the files that were created on my system (with the previous OS X) or one of my accompanying systems.

Is there any way to bypass this. I've researched this extensively on the internet. So if you are going to suggest any of the following, I've already tried them and they do not work.

Changing the folder permissions. - Tried and failed. I still get asked for the Password.
Typing the following code into the Terminal: "sudo chown -R root:admin /Applications" - Tried and Failed I still get asked for the Password.
Anything on this webpage: "http://www.thexlab.com/faqs/trash.html#Anchor-Insufficient-23522" - Tried and Failed I still get asked for the Password.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

MacBook Pro, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.2), Final Cut Studio 3 & iPhone 5

Posted on Jan 23, 2013 4:38 AM

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Answer 1

macjack

Level 10

111,168 points

Jan 23, 2013 5:52 AM in response to Event Video Guy

Boot up holding command-r keys into your Recovery Volume.

From the menu bar choose Utilities then select Terminal.

At the prompt type resetpassword

Press return

The Password reset utility will launch (do not reset password)

Instead, click your Mac hard drive.

Then from the drop-down select the user account you want to repair. At the bottom of the window, you’ll see an area labeled ‘Reset Home Directory Permissions and ACLs’. Click the Reset button there.

The process takes a couple of minutes. When it’s done, quit the programs you’ve opened and restart your Mac.

Problem with X-lab is not all topics are up to date...

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Answer 2

Jan 23, 2013 6:14 AM in response to macjack

Nope. Didn't work. On files fitting my list criteria I am still asked to supply my password.

Thanks for the try.

FYI:

I have this same problem on all of my computers, not just the one.

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Answer 3

macjack

Level 10

111,168 points

Jan 23, 2013 6:25 AM in response to Event Video Guy

If it was a Trash problem I'd suggest repairing permissions on Trash... you can try it for giggles & laughs but since it is selective in the files that require password I doubt it. Are you able to change permissions on any single file of the type you describe and trash it without any prompts?

Here's the Trash drill anyway...

Choose your Home folder "Get Info" (command-i) and be sure you have "read & write" in the Sharing & Permissions section. Check under "General" section to be sure it isn't locked. If that is correct, launch Applications/Utilities/Terminal and at the prompt copy & paste this command…

mkdir ~/.Trash

Press return.

If you get a message that the folder already exists, copy & paste these commands...

sudo chown $UID ~/ .Trash

Press return.

Enter your admin password (it will be invisible)

Press return.Then enter

chmod u+rwx ~/.Trash

Press return. Log out and back in, or restart.

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Answer 4

Jan 23, 2013 6:55 AM in response to macjack

I have changed permissions on all of the files that I've tried to delete just to see if anything works.

Problem being that the permissions on these files and the permissions on the files that I created ON this computer with the current configurations are exactly the same.

It just so happens that any files meeting the following criteria ask me for a password.

Any files that were created on a different computer and copied to this one.
Any files created on this computer but were created before I upgraded (fresh install).

It's not a trash problem. Once they are in the trash, I can empty the bin without issue. It's just the process for getting them into the Trash.

I like back in Snow Leopard being able to just hit COM + DEL multiple times and not worry about it. But now I don't even know which files will do it until it happens. Or unless I know they were from my list above.

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Answer 5

macjack

Level 10

111,168 points

Jan 23, 2013 7:10 AM in response to Event Video Guy

It's a puzzlement to me. There may be some further tips here

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1526

Is the file or the folder the file is in Locked?

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Answer 6

Jan 23, 2013 7:13 AM in response to macjack

It can be Files or folders.

I've tried to delete empty folders before but I had to supply the password.

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