Simple Save Permissions Denied

[SimpleSave77]

I am getting permissions denied for trying to access files from my HP SimpleSave Model#: hp sd320a external hard drive onto my Macbook Air running Sequoia 15.7.2. It is telling me I only have "Read" permissions and I cannot access it. I cannot backup the disk from Time Machine. I have next to no computer literacy and I am stuck. Can anyone help using generic, basic computer lingo that I can actually follow to access the blocked files. This was a backup of an older Macbook files like pictures and videos of family that I want to put on my new Macbook. Thank you

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @SimpleSave77,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

I understand how important those family photos and videos are, and I’m sorry you’re running into permission issues with your HP SimpleSave (sd320a) drive on macOS Sequoia. I’ll keep everything in very simple, easy-to-follow steps.

💡 First, a quick note

The HP SimpleSave external drive is an older product and uses a Windows-style file system (NTFS).
macOS can read NTFS drives, but cannot write to them, and sometimes this can also cause permission issues or prevent copying files. Let’s try the simplest solutions first.

Step 1: Make sure the drive is unlocked

Some HP SimpleSave drives have a built-in backup software that can “lock” the content.

1. Go to Finder → Applications
2. Look for anything named:
   • HP SimpleSave
   • HP Backup
3. Try opening it and see if it asks you to “Unlock” or “Restore” files.

If you don’t see any app, or it won’t open, continue below.

Step 2: Copy files using the SimpleSave software

Sometimes the files are not stored normally; you must use the “Restore” function:

1. Open the HP SimpleSave folder on the external drive (if visible).
2. Look for a folder called:
   • Backup
   • SimpleSave
   • Restore
3. Inside, you should find the photos/videos organized in folders.

Try dragging them to the Desktop.

If macOS says "You don’t have permission", go to the next step.

Step 3: Change permissions (easy method)

1. On your Desktop, click Finder.
2. On the left, right-click (or two-finger click) your external drive’s name.
3. Select Get Info.
4. At the very bottom, look for:
   • Sharing & Permissions
5. If you see a lock symbol, click the lock, enter your Mac password.
6. Change “Read only” to Read & Write (if allowed).

If it doesn’t let you change it, that means the drive is NTFS and macOS is blocking changes.

But you should still be able to copy the files off the drive.

If copying still fails, it likely needs professional recovery.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

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Regards,

VikramTheGreat