trying to add .profile for root

liven · #1 (**permalink**) 05-14-2008

I am trying to add a .profile for root

I cd to /

do
vi .profile

and get

/var/tmp/ExGXaaqa Read only file system...

What does this mean?

era · #2 (**permalink**) 05-14-2008

It means the root file system is mounted in such a way that you cannot modify it. man mount to read more and perhaps even find out how to change that (but of course, if the physical disk is a read-only disk like a DVD, you simply can't write to it).

System Shock · #3 (**permalink**) 05-14-2008

That means that /var/tmp has lost its sticky bit and/or 777 permissions. As root, do:

Code:

# chmod 1777 /var/tmp

If you don't have root access, just use redirection. For example, if you want to create an alias for the clear command:

Code:

# echo "alias 'cl=clear'" >> .profile

era · #4 (**permalink**) 05-14-2008

Ouch, right, not the root file system, correct-

liven · #5 (**permalink**) 05-14-2008

actually it appears that I was some how in maint mode.

I logged out and back in and now it is working.

THanks for the comments guys.

Other UNIX.COM Threads You Might Find Helpful
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Where's the .profile environment config for root under Bourne shell?	Joncamp	SUN Solaris	2	12-02-2006 12:22 AM
Difference between .profile and .~/.profile	maneesh mehta	SCO	3	12-14-2005 12:35 AM
.profile for root ?	sveera	SUN Solaris	1	06-22-2005 05:41 AM
Run non-root script as root with non-root environment	bubba112557	UNIX for Dummies Questions & Answers	2	12-02-2004 08:39 PM
changed .profile but didnt ./.profile, yet reflected changes	yls177	UNIX for Dummies Questions & Answers	4	12-05-2002 07:21 AM

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode