Error: "You don't have the necessary permission".

MBpro 2023 M2, Sequoia 15.5, 1TB storage, 32gb ram. Purchased 60 days ago used. Some of the previous owners "stuff" is still present, apparently.


Adobe Creative Cloud Software will not install because of this error. Another explanation I saw on this same issue suggested that it is normal not to able to download files to the OS folders. I'm not trying to do that! I just want to install software!

"Learn to use a folder that you have access to" Really? That tells me nothing. All of a sudden installing software becomes a brand new process? Apple is to be applauded providing good security against unwanted malware, etc. but this is too much. I spend an increasing amount of my day fighting off password resets, 2-factor PW process for everything, passwords that don't work all of a sudden for no reason, and security settings so off-kilter I cannot get any freaking work done. PLEASE help with this...


One thing i noticed is I have 3 user accounts w/ admin labels. This might be the problem, but how do I fix it? The system will not allow me to delete a user! 3 separate password prompts, and after successfully entering all, it still says **** I am so frustrated.


[Edited by Moderator]

MacBook Pro 15″

Posted on Jul 3, 2025 11:00 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jul 3, 2025 1:33 PM

Since the previous owner did not properly prepare this Mac for sale, then you should perform a clean install which involves erasing the disk & reinstalling macOS. I highly recommend creating a bootable macOS Sequoia USB installer now while you still can since it can provide you with more options if Internet Recovery Mode causes you problems.


Here is what the previous owner should have done prior to selling the Mac.....you can only perform the steps starting at Step #6 which begins with erasing the disk & reinstalling macOS:


What to do before you sell, give away, trade in, or recycle your Mac - Apple Support



FYI, even if the previous owner has already done this, I still recommend people perform a clean install anyway just to make sure it is done correctly and because it may better reveal whether a previous owner is still managing the device. Plus if you've never done a clean install before, then what better time to learn than with a device that doesn't have your data on it yet. You definitely never want to use a device which still has the previous owner's custom setup & configurations.....who knows how messed up their configuration may be or what other nasty surprises may await you.

8 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jul 3, 2025 1:33 PM in response to 53tarheel

Since the previous owner did not properly prepare this Mac for sale, then you should perform a clean install which involves erasing the disk & reinstalling macOS. I highly recommend creating a bootable macOS Sequoia USB installer now while you still can since it can provide you with more options if Internet Recovery Mode causes you problems.


Here is what the previous owner should have done prior to selling the Mac.....you can only perform the steps starting at Step #6 which begins with erasing the disk & reinstalling macOS:


What to do before you sell, give away, trade in, or recycle your Mac - Apple Support



FYI, even if the previous owner has already done this, I still recommend people perform a clean install anyway just to make sure it is done correctly and because it may better reveal whether a previous owner is still managing the device. Plus if you've never done a clean install before, then what better time to learn than with a device that doesn't have your data on it yet. You definitely never want to use a device which still has the previous owner's custom setup & configurations.....who knows how messed up their configuration may be or what other nasty surprises may await you.

Jul 5, 2025 12:48 AM in response to 53tarheel

Predicated on " MBpro 2023 M2, Sequoia 15.5, 1TB storage, 32gb ram. " which is an Apple Silicon computer


Suggest being careful and Not attempt erasing the entire Physical Drive


Use this from the link provided by @HWTech


Use Erase All Content and Settings

Erase All Content and Settings makes it easier to reset your Mac to factory settings. Your Mac has this feature only if it’s using macOS Monterey 12 or later and is a Mac with Apple silicon or a Mac with the Apple T2 Security Chip.


Jul 4, 2025 4:40 AM in response to 53tarheel

Let me add one more thing to the already good advised provided by my colleagues


On Apple Silicon Computers


There is a not so well documented or known issue of Ownership and Administrator Accounts


Normally the " Owner Account  " is the very first Account used when the Computer was Very First Setup as New and out of the box.


In the context of " Some of the previous owners "stuff" is still present, apparently. "


The Very First Account used to setup the computer ( Previous Owner " account would have the Ownership and Admin account


Below link will provide additional insights about the Difference between Admin Accounts and Owner Accounts  


https://eclecticlight.co/2021/07/18/last-week-on-my-mac-the-perils-of-m1-ownership/


This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Error: "You don't have the necessary permission".

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.