How to correct permission problems during import

The Problem

Picasa may not set new folder permissions properly, especially during import. Read below for ways to fix that problem.

Windows

Test for permissions problem

To test if this fix might work, exit Picasa then right-click on the Picasa icon and then click "Run As Administrator"

After Picasa starts, try to import from a camera or SD card and see if it is acting any differently or importing correctly now.

If Picasa import works better when you "Run as Administrator," then there is a permissions problem, maybe with your Pictures folder.

Set photo folder permissions to full control for your user name

• • 1. Exit Picasa

    2. Start File Explorer (one way is to hold down the Windows key and tap the E key.)

    3. In File Explorer, right-click the Pictures folder and select Properties.

    4. In Properties, select the security tab and look at the Group or User name box.

    5. The group or user name box should have at least 3 names, "SYSTEM," "Administrators," and your user name

    6. When you click on each of those names, they should have "Full Control" in the permissions box checked.

       1. There can be other groups such as Users, Home Users, etc. but they don't matter at the moment.

    7. If your user name isn't there you should add it:

       1. In the security tab, click the edit button.

       2. On the edit screen, click the ADD button.

       3. In the "Enter object names" box, type in your user name (Example: Johndoe).

       4. Click the "Check Names" button and it should return your Computername\username (Example: JohnsPC\Johndoe)

       5. If the name is correct, click the OK button.

       6. Back in the security box, select the username you just added.

       7. In the Permissions, make sure the Allow box is checked for Full Control and everything else (Except Special Permissions).

       8. Click the Apply button and see if the permissions are updated, then click OK to exit properties.

Mac

Picasa on the Mac also seems to have problem with Picasa not setting folder permissions correctly.

The Mac error message for this problem is: "A file error has occurred while files were imported. Cancelling import."

Set photo folder permissions to full control for your user name

1. Find your picture directory in the Finder

2. Select it and choose "Get info" from the file menu (or via right-click)

3. Authenticate as an administrator before making permission changes. Do that by clicking the lock icon in the lower right.

4. In the Sharing & Permissions section, ensure that you have "Read & Write" access.

5. If there's anyone else who should have access, add them too.

6. Click the advanced settings menu (gear icon) and apply these permissions to all enclosed items.

If Picasa is not creating it's directories with proper permissions, this process will have to be repeated. On Mac, this can be done with a shell script and even assigned to a Cron schedule.