Problem downloading iPhone/iOS upgrade, iTunes complains: “You do not have enough access privileges for this operation”

Question

When trying to upgrade my iPhone running iOS 4.1 to 4.2, iTunes displays the error message saying:

There was a problem downloading the software for the iPhone "[Username]'s iPhone". You do not have enough access privileges for this operation.

I kept trying the upgrade process repeatedly, but with no luck. Everything else, including app and music downloads, works fine. I'm running iTunes 10 on MacOS 10.6. What do I do?

Answer 1

I found a fix on the Apple Discussions board:

1. Go to ~/Library/ (i.e. open your home directory, then select the Library folder)
2. Get Info (click File -> Get Info or type ⌘I)
3. If possible, make sure the lock at the bottom right corner of the Get Info window is unlocked
4. Make sure the Sharing & Permissions: section is visible
5. Where it says "Username (me)" make sure the privilege is set to Read & Write
6. In the little tool/wheel pulldown right below, select Apply to enclosed items (say yes, if it asks you if you know it can't be undone)
7. Try the upgrade again

This worked for me. Hope it helps!