Keep getting this error message while trying to save file couldn't be open for writing

[HORTENCIA36395456wfq0]

hello 
looking for someone to help me , I keep getting this file error "after effects error file couldn't be open for writing.. name of file where i want save etc.. 
I thought it might be the version I was using so I uninstalled 2024 and installed 2023 , same problem, while am able to work , I am not able to save my work , I am working on a mac , so please no PC fixes as that will not work for me if someone is willing tohelp 
thank you 
new to after effects pls be kind ..

[kglad]

save to your desktop with a simple alpha character name.

[HORTENCIA36395456wfq0]

I am working using an external harddrive , not sure what you mean "alpha character name."

[kglad]

your save path is the problem.  re-read my suggestion to remedy.

alpha character means using the alphabet characters.

[HORTENCIA36395456wfq0]

nothing is working getting the same error. I clean my Cache files and its the sae issue 
thanks

[jane-e]

@HORTENCIA36395456wfq0 

I've moved your post from Creative Cloud Desktop to the After Effects community for you. Can you share a screenshot of the error message?

"alpha character" means don't use any symbols in your file name, including ^ ; . # @, etc. 

Jane

[HORTENCIA36395456wfq0]

hello Jane
I realized that you can not save directly into an external hard drive from
AF while working , it seems that you have to save to your desktop folder
and then move it to the external HD after, which seems silly , I also
uninstalled and reinstalled a earlier version 2023 as 2024 was also causing
plugin issues.
thanks for replying

[Peru Bob]

You should be able to save to an external drive.

It could be a permissions issue.

[HORTENCIA36395456wfq0]

I can only save it after I have saved it to my desktop folder first , not while am working with my external HD it does not allow to save directly while working.