How to: Repair Permissions via Disk Utility in Mac OS X

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Because OS X sits on another operating system called Unix, it handles files differently then a Windows computer. This is because each file on that computer has what we call Permissions. Permissions tell Unix what it can do with the file – if it can read it, or write data to it, etc.

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But sometimes (for what ever reason) those permissions get changed around. So, let’s say that a data file that had permission to be written to the day before, does not have that same access the next day – yes, it does piss you off – believe me, I know!

All Macs come with a utility called Disk Utility. It is located in the Finder in the Utilities Folder. From this app, one can “repair” the file permissions of all files on a Mac. Here’s how to use Disk Utility to verify and/or repair permissions:

1. Go in to Disk Utility: Finder > Utilities > Disk Utility.

2. Click on the Mac’s hard drive icon (upper-left).

3. Now, go down one space to the name of your hard drive (usually named Macintosh).

4. On the lower-left of the second window panel is a button that says Verify Disk Permissions. Click it.

5. Disk Utility will now verify and repair any permissions that may have gotten changed.

Some tips:

– Make sure all data files are closed (such as a text document) so Disk Utility can repair the file correctly.

– This should be done with hard drives and SSDD drives as well.

– Although Apple says you do not have to, reboot the Mac after Disk Utility is finished. This will guarantee you’re using the newly repaired permissions.

– You should do the above at least once a month to help your Mac run as smoothly as it can.

That’s it.