emacs tells me directory is write-protected

Question

I have come up with an issue when I tried to save a file. I managed to write the intended file but then when I try to save it with the command Ctrl + x, Ctrl + s the message comes up Directory / write-protected How can I save the file?

Solution

Wait, you're trying to save a file into the root directory? Are you sure you actually want to do that?

If you're sure, save it as /sudo::/filename instead. I don't know much about OSX, but as it's your own machine I'm assuming you have sudo permissions, in which case Emacs will prompt you for your password, and should then write the file.

Comments

[Admin]

When I try to do that I get the message "Operation not permitted, /../.file"

[choroba]

If you do not have the permission to create a file in a directory and you cannot change it, Emacs cannot do anything about it. Ask your system administrator.

[Admin]

Also, how can I get the directory of a file I haven't saved yet?

[Admin]

I am the system administrator. I'm just working on my laptop. How do I let emacs know that?

[choroba]

@user1765835: As a system admin, you should be permitted to change permissions on directories. What OS are you running? Do you use ACL's?

[choroba]

@user1765835: Emacs keeps a "current directory". If you do not specify otherwise, a new file is written to it.

[Admin]

I'm on a MacBook Pro, OS 10.7.5 so that's Lion. I don't think I use any ACL's

[benbyday]

That's the weird thing! I'm not! It's possible I was before, but I changed the save location to a folder that is definitely fine to write in and emacs is still giving me strife.

[phils]

How about C-x C-w ~/filename RET to save into your home directory. Does that work?

[yurisich]

This is so useful for jumping into /etc/ without reverting to launching another session as sudo. Thanks!