I am using a PowerBook G4 with OS X 10.4.11. While modifying permissions using the Finder Info window on what I thought was a folder on a data partition, I inadvertently changed the permissions for the entire partition instead of the folder. Now I cannot access that partition nor any folders or files in it using any of the three accounts I have set up on the computer, including Admin. I also tried accessing the partition using Terminal – “Permission Denied.”

I booted with an install CD for OS X 10.5 that I had used at work to check the permission settings using Terminal. I just started researching Unix commands yesterday, so I am only familiar with the very basics. My original install CD for Tiger is in my safe deposit box (I hope).

Here are the permissions for the main system and data partitions:

System: drwxrwxr-t@ root admin

Data: drwx---rwx@ root admin

After changing the directory to the Data partition, I could see all folders and files on it. I tried using “chmod –R775/” to change permissions with no effect. Then I copied/pasted the permissions from the System partition after typing “chmod” with no effect.

I compared the permissions on the PowerBook with those on my G4 tower running OS X10.2.8, and I noticed that the tower permissions do not contain the “@” symbol. Is that significant?

How can I restore the original permissions to the Data Partition?

Thank you.