Unable to copy files to external SSD hard-drives despite unlocking and enabling read & write permissions

Cannot copy files to 2 external SSD hard-drives although my files aren't locked and read & write is enabled. What gives?


"The operation can’t be completed because some items had to be skipped. For each item, choose File > Get Info, make sure “Locked” is deselected, and then check the Sharing & Permissions section. When you are sure the items are unlocked and not designated as Read Only or No Access, try again."






[Edited by Moderator]

Original Title: Files can't be copied to 2 external hard-drives because "files had to be skipped", although my files aren't locked and read & write is enabled.

MacBook Pro 14″, macOS 13.0

Posted on Oct 20, 2025 5:03 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 20, 2025 1:36 PM

There are probably some files in that folder or its subfolders that are either locked or don't have the correct permissions.


Even though the top level folder (vibes03 ...) is not locked and has the illustrated permissions it doesn't mean that everything inside that folder has the same state.


Unfortunately there is no easy way to locate locked files. I would try this in order to locate the locked file(s):

  • Create a new folder on your external SSD using the same name as your top-level folder (presumably vibes03 ...)
  • Attempt to copy one of the subfolders (e.g. Presets) to see if it works. If it does, good. If it fails, then there is at least 1 locked file in that folder.
    • Try the same with the other folders & files.
2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Oct 20, 2025 1:36 PM in response to CP123XYZ

There are probably some files in that folder or its subfolders that are either locked or don't have the correct permissions.


Even though the top level folder (vibes03 ...) is not locked and has the illustrated permissions it doesn't mean that everything inside that folder has the same state.


Unfortunately there is no easy way to locate locked files. I would try this in order to locate the locked file(s):

  • Create a new folder on your external SSD using the same name as your top-level folder (presumably vibes03 ...)
  • Attempt to copy one of the subfolders (e.g. Presets) to see if it works. If it does, good. If it fails, then there is at least 1 locked file in that folder.
    • Try the same with the other folders & files.

Oct 20, 2025 1:49 PM in response to MartinR

Further, if it is a permissions problem, you can apply the top level folder's permisssions to all its contents by doing this:

  • Do GetInfo on the top level folder (vibes03 ...)
  • Under Sharing & Permissions, click the lock icon and enter your password to unlock
  • Click the icon that is a circle with 3 dots inside
  • In the resulting submenu, select Apply to enclosed items


This will apply the permissions associated with the top level folder to all the folders & files inside it


Unable to copy files to external SSD hard-drives despite unlocking and enabling read & write permissions

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