Issue
When updating the Stata application, an error occurs stating that it cannot write to a certain directory. Stata returns cannot write in directory /Applications/Stata/.tmp with the r(603); error code when trying to update Stata on Mac computers.
Environment
Cause
The reason that Stata cannot update is that it does not have the correct permissions. To update Stata, you will need to change the permissions of the files in your Stata folder so that your user account can make changes to the Stata files. To do this, you will need to have administrator access and know your computer’s Administrator password.
Resolution
Please try following the steps to change the permissions on the Stata folder using the "Get Info" panel.
To change the permissions of the Stata folder, and the files therein, do the following:
- Open the Applications folder, and select the Stata folder.
- From the main menu bar, select File and click on Get Info.
- Click on the arrow next to Sharing & Permissions: to display the permissions properties and resize the window if necessary.
- Click on the lock at the bottom of the window, and authenticate yourself as the administrator.
- Change the privileges next to the second item under Name (it may be admin) from Read to Read & Write.
- Then, click on the gear button, and select Apply to enclosed items.
Please note: It is very important that you make sure that the Get Info window is for Stata Info and not for any other folder, or you will end up changing permissions for the wrong folder’s files..
External Resources
Documentation collected from www.stata.com/support/faqs/mac/cannot-write-in-directory/.