Standard Permission Fixes NOT Working on Networked Device (NAS)

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Standard Permission Fixes NOT Working on Networked Device (NAS)

I added a directory and then some files to a NAS, in the process of doing some cleanup. I then went to delete it and, although able to delete the individual files to empty the folder, I continue to be unable to delete the folder. (I also tried terminal's "rm -f" command, to no avail.)

It appears to be a permission issue. Under "Get Info", I am listed ("me") to have "Read & Write" Privileges, but "Everyone" is noted as "No Access": I am unable to delete "Everyone" (makes sense I suppose), but I also am unable to change "Everyone" to "Read & Write". (I change it, but it simply reverts.)

(Not sure if it makes a difference, but I did notice that, under "Sharing & Permissions", it is noted that, "You have custom access", which is something I don't recall seeing in the past. This cannot be changed.)

Any idea how to fix this? Appreciate the help.

Posted on Jan 21, 2025 8:34 AM

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Answer 1

g_wolfman

Level 4

2,536 points

Jan 21, 2025 8:32 PM in response to A. Smythe

A networked NAS is probably connecting via SMB and the NAS itself is likely running a custom Linux. So, the permissions you have when connected to the NAS depend on the permissions of the NAS account you are logging in as and any restrictions from the SMB config intersecting with that (not to mention if you have any custom ACL settings).

You can't rely on the Finder permissions to correctly display the permissions of a Linux system connected by SMB. You absolutely can't use finder to change those permissions.

I'd recommend logging into the NAS via it's Web Portal (or if it has a custom File Management portal like QNAP provides via File Station) as a user with appropriate permissions and making the deletions that way.

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Answer 2

A. Smythe Author

Level 1

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Jan 22, 2025 5:21 PM in response to g_wolfman

Thank you for your reply.

The unit I'm using is a DroboFS, which only has an ethernet connection. Yes, Drobo has gone out of business but, curious you should mention, I am intending to use it as a backup for the data on my QNAP, as my Drobo has been a pretty solid performer and so want to use it for this purpose only.

Yes, the Drobo is connected via SMB. I was surprised that Terminal was unable to delete the directory/file.

The error that comes up is "the directory is not empty", although there's nothing there (which is why I was attempting to delete the directory). I attempted to do this with an old WinXP VM I have, and the same error message comes up.

Do you have any other suggestions on how to access it?

Tx for the help.

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Answer 3

g_wolfman

Level 4

2,536 points

Jan 22, 2025 6:11 PM in response to A. Smythe

Sorry I never used Drobo products. Super-quick Google search revealed the user manual, which refers to installing the companion "Drobo Dashboard" software on your system.

So I would guess you ought to normally manage the device via that software - I would hope it includes a facility for creating users, groups, shared folders and the like, as well as general file and folder management.

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