"Could not change permissions" error while using Azure Files

This article discusses how to troubleshoot a "could not change permissions" error when you use Microsoft Azure Files with your Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) cluster.

Symptoms

When you run PostgreSQL on the Azure Files plug-in, you receive an error that resembles the following output:

initdb: could not change permissions of directory "/var/lib/postgresql/data": Operation not permitted

fixing permissions on existing directory /var/lib/postgresql/data

Cause

The Azure Files plug-in uses the Common Internet File System (CIFS) protocol, which is a dialect of the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol. When this protocol is in use, the file and directory permissions can't be changed after the files and directories are mounted.

Workaround

Use the Azure Disk plug-in instead, and use the subPath property.

Note

For the ext3 or ext4 disk type, there's a lost+found directory after the disk is formatted.

Third-party information disclaimer

The third-party products that this article discusses are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, about the performance or reliability of these products.

Contact us for help

If you have questions or need help, create a support request, or ask Azure community support. You can also submit product feedback to Azure feedback community.