unable to install new packages

[Xi Yao]

Hello,

For some reasons my stata cannot install any new packages using the command 'ssc install'. It keeps reporting error r(603) and says 'could not open in directory'. I use a Windows system and the version is Stata18.0. I thought it was because I don't have write permission in the Stata installation directory. I then changed the write permission but I found it always automatically changed back to only-read. I then changed the write permissions of all the sub files within the Stata18 file one by one, so I don't think the file is still read-only. But I still can't install new packages. I've also re-installed my Stata for a couple times but still couldn't solve this problem. I also tried to install packages using the command findit, but stata reports r(601) and does not provide me with any web links.

Would really appreciate any help!

[Nick Cox]

You should not install extras in the same directory as Stata itself. Otherwise much depends on whether you are independent or part of a network.

help adopath

may be enlightening.

[Xi Yao]

thank you for your response. I don't think I'm installing packages in the same directory as Stata itself. I do have the ado file and I think the installation directory is correct. But I still can't install any packages.

[Nick Cox]

Well, you said

I don't have write permission in the Stata installation directory. I then changed the write permission but I found it always automatically changed back to only-read.

which I read as you trying to copy extras to where Stata is installed.

Sorry, I don't have any extra ideas. I suggest that you contact StataCorp technical services citing your licence details.