File permissions will not repair

[awimer01]

What OS X system (version) are you running?
Mac OS X 10.5.7 (9J61)
--Have you run permissions yet?
Yes, and that's actually the question.
--Have you used Disk Utility from the CD to Repair Disk?
Yes, I've also reinstalled OSX.
--What devices are connected to your machine?
Keyboard, mouse, connected to Belkin router.

(For the record, I searched for this, but after 20 minutes I had no luck, so I'm so very sorry if this has been posted and answered before!)

Ok long story, bear with me. In attempting to play Diablo 2 online I discovered I couldn't join a game, or have someone join a game I had started. I contacted Blizzard Technical Services and the tech asked if I had run permissions. As this is my first Mac ever, I had no idea, so I got instructions and ran the Repair File Permissions program. I came up with MANY errors. I took a screenie and emailed it to the tech, who was floored, then told me to run the repair program a few more times, and if that didn't fix it, reinstall OSX. I've done that, and I've run the repair permissions diagnostic again, and I have even more errors now.

So I guess the question is: What (if anything) can I do to fix these errors? I know it's a silly thing, just to want to play a game, but I have no idea what else these file problems are going to cause. I have screen shots showing all of my errors (it took 2 screenies to show one list of errors) that won't repair. If needed I can post them also. Any suggestions?

 

[Randy Singer]

What OS X system (version) are you running?
I've run the repair permissions diagnostic again, and I have even more errors now.

Can you give a few examples of the errors? That is, the most common ones? (Please don't post them all.)

So I guess the question is: What (if anything) can I do to fix these errors? I know it's a silly thing, just to want to play a game, but I have no idea what else these file problems are going to cause. I have screen shots showing all of my errors (it took 2 screenies to show one list of errors) that won't repair. If needed I can post them also. Any suggestions?

Maybe the company didn't explain this to you (maybe their techs aren't intelligent enough to know this themselves), but Disk Utility/Repair Permissions does not fix permissions on any software other than Apple's own software. None. Ever. Under any circumstances.

If the permissions for your new game's software are screwed up, it basically can only be because the installer program that they included with the program installed the software with incorrect permissions settings. The only way to fix them would be to do it manually, or to get an updated copy of the software that will install correctly.

I recommend that you ask the game company to either tell you how to fix things, or send you updated non-defective software, or refund your money.

(Of course, this all assumes that the real reason that your game won't work is due to screwed up permissions.)

Much more information about repairing permissions at:

http://www.macattorney.com/ts.html
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[awimer01]

Hi Randy,

I don't know what is causing the file permission problems. The game isn't currently downloaded on my mac, and I have more permission problems now that I've reinstalled OSX. I attached one of the screen shots I took this morning (or yesterday morning ... regardless) so that you can see what the file permission diagnostic is saying. That pic was taken after running the Repair File Permissions diagnostic.

I don't know if those are purely Apple files, or what (honestly I just don't know enough about macs, I've only had mine about 5 months). I wouldn't know how to fix these manually, but I'd be more than happy to try if that's what it takes.

Aaron

 

[Randy Singer]

I don't know if those are purely Apple files, or what (honestly I just don't know enough about macs, I've only had mine about 5 months). I wouldn't know how to fix these manually, but I'd be more than happy to try if that's what it takes.

The fact that they are Apple files is a given, since, as I just got through telling you, Disk Utility/Repair Permissions doesn't touch anything other than Apple Software.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1452

Does Disk Utility check permissions on all files?

No. Files that aren't installed as part of an Apple-originated installer package are not listed in a receipt and therefore are not checked. For example, if you install an application using a non-Apple installer application, or by copying it from a disk image, network volume, or other disk instead of installing it via Installer, a receipt file isn't created.

Looking at your permissions report, you have a bunch of software that is set as LRW instead of RW. I don't think that this is a problem at all:
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1448

You can probably get these error messages to go away if you reapply the latest OS X 10.5.7 combo updater again:
http://support.apple.com/downloads/Mac_OS_X_10_5_7_Combo_Update
But you don't have to do this. It won't actually fix anything, it will just suppress those error messages.

My guess is that you aren't actually experiencing any problems other than with your new game. Correct?

I think that the problem you are experiencing with your new game has nothing to do with a permissions problem.