Repairing permissions is one of the most frequently recommended course of action to troubleshoot and maintain Mac OSX. There are two types of tools to repair different types of disk permissions, one of which is hidden. The Apple Mac repair permissions are generally called "disk permissions" but are actually file and directory permissions. The Mac doesn't automatically repair permissions unless it is installing or upgrading the Mac OS X on its own. Let's take a closer look at the repair disk permissions.
What are repair permissions?
Every file and folder that you store on the hard drive of Mac has a set of permissions- settings to determine particular items that may be accessed by a user. Permissions also determine the items or specific parts in the OS that may be accessed or modified and the files that are accessible to different applications. The system files, for instance, on the Mac needs to be marked as executable; otherwise the system won't have the permission to run the files.
The database of permissions is stored in the "Bill of Materials" (BOM) files. When a user repairs permissions, the system searches the .bom files and checks for the actual files on the system. If the permission for a file or folder on the system doesn't match with the permission specified by .bom files, the OS will change the permissions accordingly. It is important to understand that the changes won't apply to all the files in the system.
When to Repair Permissions?
There is no need to repair permissions if the Mac is running fine. If you notice trouble in functioning of the system, repairing the permissions is a good way to handle the problem at the first place. There is a possibility that programs might change the file and folder permissions and the new permissions may lead to more problems. A program, for instance, might prevent an application from running by making its program file non-executable. Users are recommended to repair permissions in such scenarios.
How to Go About the Repair Process?
The user needs to go to the Disk Utility application to repair the Mac's permissions.
• Press Command + Space < Spotlight search < type Disk Utility < press Enter key
• Select the system's partition - which generally is Macintosh HD
• Click on "Verify Disk Permissions" if you need to check the permissions for problems
• Click on the "Repair Disk Permissions" button to check the problems and repair them automatically
It is normal for some permissions to automatically change even when you are using the system normally and this change is less likely to cause a problem. Repairing disk permissions is not a regular maintenance task but there's no harm in checking the permissions to ensure the safe operation of Mac. If the problem with the Mac pertains even after checking repair disk permissions, it is always better to turn to a professional Mac repair expert to avoid any data loss from the machine.
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