Expert: Amy - 2/1/2009

Question
We created an AI file and were able to burn to a CD. However, we needed to
modify the file, did so and saved to hard drive (MAC). But when trying to save
to external hard drive or USB stick an error message appears stating the 'can't
modify file'.  We tried "saving as" for a new file but same message appears.
We can save to MAC hard drive, but not to an external device.

Any suggestions.  This is the first time for this problem.  

Answer
Interesting.
First for me, too.

Of course, you can work around by saving to hard drive and moving to the external device, right? But you'd like to know how to avoid the error.

Try deleting your preferences (always try this first):
Quit Illustrator. Go to Macintosh HD/Users/your username/Library/Preferences/ find the Adobe Illustrator CSx Settings folder and delete the entire folder. Empty the Trash. This folder will be re-created when you next lunch Illustrator. You can also delete the com.adobe.illustrator.plist file from the Preferences folder while you are there.

I would also try logging in as a new user. Quite a few problems like yours are related to wacky/corrupt permissions. To log in as a new user, go to Apple Menu>System Preferences and from the View menu, choose Accounts.. Provided you are an admin on your machine, click on the padlock and unlock it. Then click the +-sign to create a new account on your computer with admin rights. Log out of your present user and log in with the new account. Test save to external device. If it works, something is corrupt in your present user account.

Let me know. If you can't get this to work, I suggest posting your question at the Adobe.com user forums > Illustrator Macintosh thread. Someone there may have had the same problem. Try what I suggested first.

-Amy