Why can't I drag and drop a file to my USB drive

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Level 1

5 points

This is silly as I can do this operation a gazillion times in Windows or Linux systems.

1. I create a zip file on my MacBook desktop.

2. I plug in the USB drive, the drive show up on the desktop.

3. I use Finder to open the USB drive. I click to select the zip file and drag to the USB drive - nothing?

I can open and browse the USB drive without problem. I can select the zip file and make copy on the desktop multiple time.

I check the file permission and turn on write-read permission, etc. repeat the operation. Nothing.

This is so darn silly that this operation did not work and no error or anything from the system to indicate why?.

Any trick to test what blocking the copying?

MacBook Pro, macOS Sierra (10.12.6)

Posted on Mar 30, 2018 6:49 PM

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Answer 1

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Community+ 2024

Level 10

139,654 points

How is the USB drive formatted? Do a Get Info (⌘-I) on the icon of the USB drive on the desktop, and report what it says in General > Format.

Also check if the Finder marks the disk as read-only, with the crossed-out pencil icon.

An NTFS formatted disk would be read-only to macOS (without additional software).

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