So in a previous thread I had some trouble getting a basic auth script working. I'll post a link to that here in a few moments.
You can see the original issue here if you like:
https://community.apachefriends.org/f/viewtopic.php?f=29&t=75764
Once I solved the issues with bad fonts screwing up the script I was still left with a 500 server error due to the server scripts not being able to read the folder or .htpasswd file that was in it. That, as I suspected, was due to permissions stupidity on the OS X host. I'm one stubborn bugger though, and ALWAYS refuse to believe there is no work around. I suspected that the reason the files couldn't be located or read was because "system" was not a user on either the folder or the .htpasswd file. I was right, but you would not believe how many other people over the years have tried to find out how to add system as user in a folder or file, only to be met with, "Why would you want to do that?" and no answers at all.
Well, I figured out how and it doesn't require messing with the terminal.
HOW TO ADD SYSTEM AS USER TO OS X FOLDERS AND FILES.
Step 1. FIND a folder or a file that already has system as a user. (Check the "get info" window)
Step 2. DUPLICATE the folder or file.
Step 3. DELETE the contents of the folder or file, and replace with your own files or code.
Step 4. RENAME the folder or file and place where desired.
VIOLA! Xampp can now find the folders and files it couldn't find before.
DONE.