How to batch unlock numerous files within subfolders/folders/directory?????

[peterkc1]

I have a drive with numerous folders & subfolders, each containing numerous files copied from another disk, that i would like to batch unlock (vs tediously unlocking each individual folder).

 

[ifrit05]

the chflags command is what you're looking for (i.e.):

chflags -R nouchg /ROOT/DIR/ON/VOLUME/WITH/LOCKED/FILES

So if the Volume is named "Data HD" with files and folders in different directories that need to be unlocked, you would type this in Terminal:

chflags -R nouchg "/Volumes/Data HD"

 

[peterkc1]

All I got was a couple of lines ending with 'Operation not permitted.'

 

[bogdanw]

Make sure the path is correct. It can be written as "/Volumes/My External Drive" or /Volumes/My\ External\ Drive

Try with sudo

sudo chflags -R nouchg /Volumes/My\ External\ Drive

If it still doesn’t work, give Full Disk Access to Terminal

Change Privacy & Security settings on Mac https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/change-privacy-security-settings-on-mac-mchl211c911f/mac

 

[peterkc1]

I found I could unlock everything by doing Get Info, unlocking at the bottom, and using the little dropdown at the bottom to apply to all enclosed items!