Software⏱️ 3 min read📅 2026-06-15

How to Fix: Why am I experiencing Linux Python permission error errorno 13 after a power outage?

Power outage causes Linux Python permission error due to file descriptor leak. Solution: use "fdatasync" system call or "fsync" command.

Quick Answer: Use the "fdatasync" system call or run the "fsync" command before starting the daemon to release locked files and prevent permission errors.

After a power outage, users may experience Linux Python permission errors due to file system inconsistencies. This issue affects Raspberry Pi users who rely on daemons to run scripts and write data to files.

The frustration of encountering a PermissionError can be overwhelming, especially when trying to automate tasks. In this guide, we will explore the root causes of this error and provide a step-by-step solution to resolve the issue.

🔍 Why This Happens

  • The primary reason for this error is that the file system may not have been properly initialized after the power outage. This can cause files to become locked or inaccessible, leading to permission errors when trying to write to them.
  • An alternative reason for this error could be that the file permissions were changed inadvertently during the power outage, making it difficult for the script to access the files.

🛠️ Step-by-Step Verified Fixes

Resolving File System Inconsistencies

  1. Step 1: Before starting the daemon, run the command `fsck -f` to check and fix any file system inconsistencies. This will help ensure that the file system is properly initialized and that files are accessible.
  2. Step 2: Additionally, run the command `sudo mount -o remount,rw /dev/sdX1` (replace `/dev/sdX1` with the actual device name) to remount the file system in read-write mode. This will allow the script to write to files without encountering permission errors.
  3. Step 3: To release locked files, run the command `sudo fuser -m /path/to/file` (replace `/path/to/file` with the actual file path) and then delete the locked files using `sudo rm /path/to/file`. However, be cautious when deleting files, as this may cause data loss.

Changing File Permissions

  1. Step 1: If the file permissions are changed inadvertently during the power outage, you can try changing the ownership of the files using `sudo chown -R username:group /path/to/file` (replace `/path/to/file` with the actual file path) and then running the script with elevated privileges using `sudo python getdata.py3`.
  2. Step 2: Alternatively, you can change the file permissions using `sudo chmod +rw /path/to/file` (replace `/path/to/file` with the actual file path). However, be cautious when changing file permissions, as this may affect other files and directories.

💡 Conclusion

To summarize, resolving file system inconsistencies and changing file permissions are effective ways to resolve the PermissionError issue on a Raspberry Pi after a power outage. By following these steps, users can ensure that their scripts run smoothly and write data to files without encountering permission errors.

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