Modifying 'Macintosh HD' requires an administrator name and password

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Level 1

8 points

Modifying 'Macintosh HD' requires an administrator name and password

I just moved from OS 10.6.8 to OS 10.11.6. When I try to move a file into or out of my Macintosh HD folder, I now get this message: "Modifying 'Macintosh HD' requires an administrator name and password."

I see that people have asked in the past about this issue, and that they have been told that this is the way it is "supposed" to be. Nonetheless, I would like to turn this off, so that I can return to moving files in and out of that folder without having to jump through this hoop. Is this possible?

MacBook Pro, OS X El Capitan (10.11.6)

Posted on Mar 30, 2017 7:36 PM

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Answer 1

Barney-15E

Level 10

122,186 points

Mar 30, 2017 7:54 PM in response to NotJesse

Seems rather silly, but yes you can add yourself to the permissions list for Macintosh HD with read/write privileges.

That will reduce the overall security of the file system, but you won't have to enter the admin password.

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Answer 2

Kappy

Level 10

362,007 points

Mar 30, 2017 7:44 PM in response to NotJesse

Precisely what folders are involved. "Macintosh HD" is the usual name given to the hard drive. It also appears below the drive's Desktop icon. There is no such folder from or to which files are moved. Rather files will be in folders on Macintosh HD.

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Answer 3

Kappy

Level 10

362,007 points

Mar 30, 2017 8:14 PM in response to NotJesse

You need to be logged in to the computer using an Admin account. If you aren't then you would normally get that error. Otherwise, it can occur if you try to move files belonging to the system.

I agree with Barney in general, but I would not modify the list of users for the drive. This creates a custom set which can become problematical. Also, it can reduce overall security. I would leave well enough alone. Much simpler to just use an admin enabled user account.

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