[Solved] You ran chmod 777 myfile but ls -l myfile still shows -rw-r--r--. What is the most likely reason? — Ans: The file system is mounted as read-only | Linux CLI

Linux CLI - File Permissions and Ownership

You ran chmod 777 myfile but ls -l myfile still shows -rw-r--r--. What is the most likely reason?

AYou forgot to run the command as root or with sudo

BThe file system is mounted as read-only

CThe chmod command syntax is incorrect

DThe file is a directory, not a file

Step-by-Step Solution

Solution:

Step 1: Understand chmod effect and file system state
chmod 777 should set full permissions. If permissions don't change, it may be due to file system restrictions like read-only mount.
Step 2: Evaluate other options
Running as root is not always required for own files. Syntax is correct. File type does not prevent permission changes. Read-only file system blocks changes.
Final Answer:
The file system is mounted as read-only -> Option B
Quick Check:
Read-only FS blocks chmod changes [OK]

Quick Trick: Check if filesystem is read-only if chmod fails [OK]

Common Mistakes:

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You ran chmod 777 myfile but ls -l myfile still shows -rw-r--r--. What is the most likely reason?