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.

The "@" usually means a symbolic link, but that is shown at the end of the line, after the filename, and not in the middle of the line like what you have.

Can you post more details like:
[1] Do you have sudo permissions to root?
[2] Have you tried using the "Verify/Repair Permissions" in Disk Utiity?
[3] Full path names to these directories/partitions...something like /Volumes/<HD-name> & "ls -ld" o/p for the same.

To troubleshoot most such issues, you do not need to boot from a Boot CD. Finder is smart enough to help you take of this, since that is where you broke stuff from. Note that the exception to this is when you hose your boot disk.

Also, to troubleshoot a 10.4.11 issue, use a Tiger Boot CD instead of a Leopard CD.

I don't have a PB but am checking my options on my MBP. As such Tiger should be Tiger on both, so there shouldn't be any difference. But keep this in mind.

You could also get more help at other Mac sites like macosxhints, macfixit etc.

1. I have an "Admin" account set up with full access. How do I check to see if I have sudo perms to root? While logged in under the Admin account under Tiger, I typed "ls -ld" Terminal responded "drwxr-xr-x 15 admin staff 510 May 12 07:48 ."
When I used the same command after booting from the Leopard CD I got this: "drwxrwxrt 7 root admin 1024 May 13 03:50."

2. I tried using Disk Utility, and I verified and repaired disk successfully. However, the Verify/Repair Permission buttons are dimmed.

3. Full path names:
Computer name: REO-PB-G4:~ admin$
System Partition: /Volumes/OSX10.4
Data Parition: /Volumes/Rich_LTG4_Data
This is the result from Terminal when I use the mount command for the Data Partition: "/dev/disk0s5 on /Volumes/Rich_LTG4_Data (local, journaled)" When I try to change drive to the Data Partition, I get "Permission denied" That command only works if I boot from the cd.

I did get a response in the macosxhints forum. He told me to try "sudo chmod 1775 /Volumes/Data." When I tried it, Terminal responded "command not found."

To clarify - I need to make the Data partition permissions full access to all users.

Later today plan to get my Tiger CD from my safe deposit box.

Thanks.

I just logged in under my Tiger user account, and tried "sudo chmod 1775 /Volumes/Data" -- IT WORKED!!

I received this fix from Hal Itosis in the macosxhints forum.

Many thanks to all of you who responded to my problem.!