How to Repair Permissions Using OS X CD

The OS X Install Disc can be used to repair permissions.

Apple's OS X uses permissions across the file system that determine who can read, write, or execute each file. Mac OS X includes a tool named Disk Utility, which allows you to verify and to repair permissions issues on your hard drive. Disk Utility can be run from the internal hard drive or from the DVD installation disc that came with your system.

Things You'll Need

• OS X Install Disc

Instructions

1. Insert the OS X Install Disc into the optical drive on your computer. If you have more than one install disc, use "Disc 1."

2. Restart your Mac using the Apple Menu in the upper left corner. Choose the "Restart..." option from the menu.

3. Hold down the "C" key on your keyboard when the system restarts. You must press and hold the "C" key immediately after the computer starts.

4. Select "Use English for the main language" from the language selection menu.

5. Press the "Continue" button on the "Welcome" screen that follows.

6. Look at the top of your display for the menubar. There will be a menu item named "Utilities."

7. Select "Disk Utility..." from the Utilities menu on the menubar.

8. Select your "Macintosh HD" in the left column of Disk Utility, and then "Repair Disk Permissions" from the right.

Tips & Warnings

• Apple recommends running Disk Utility from your internal drive to repair permissions. OS X updates can change standard permissions to improve security. Running Disk Utility from an internal drive ensures that permissions alterations performed by software updates will be preserved.

References

• Apple Support: About Disk Utility's Repair Disk Permissions Feature