You try to run chgrp admins confidential.txt but receive the error: Operation not permitted. What is the most probable reason?

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Linux CLI - File Permissions and Ownership

You try to run chgrp admins confidential.txt but receive the error: Operation not permitted. What is the most probable reason?

AYou do not own the file and lack sufficient privileges to change its group.

BThe group 'admins' does not exist on the system.

CThe file 'confidential.txt' is currently open by another user.

DThe file is located on a read-only filesystem.

Step-by-Step Solution

Solution:

Step 1: Understand permission requirements
Only the file owner or root can change the group ownership.
Step 2: Analyze error cause
If you are not the owner and lack sudo/root privileges, you get 'Operation not permitted'.
Step 3: Other options
Group non-existence causes a different error; open files or read-only filesystems cause other errors.
Final Answer:
You do not own the file and lack sufficient privileges to change its group. -> Option A
Quick Check:
Must own file or be root to chgrp [OK]

Quick Trick: Must own file or be root to chgrp [OK]

Common Mistakes:

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