Can't modify anything

Forum: HD Install
Topic: Can't modify anything
started by: redpanther

Posted by redpanther on Dec. 03 2003,00:27

I did the HD install of DSL and I can't change the configuration of anything. I log in as root and have set permissions to allow. Can't even use apt-get to install anything. Please help. Thanks

Posted by DrWatt on Dec. 03 2003,10:51

The answer to your question depends on what exactly you are trying to change?

Posted by redpanther on Dec. 03 2003,19:36

It won't let me install any program I download. I can't modify any configuration files. Basically what is says when I try to execute any change is chmod can't open /var/etc/.... or will just say operation not permitted. It acts like I an trying to modify a cd instead of files on a Harddrive.

Posted by DrWatt on Dec. 03 2003,19:55

It sounds like you are not really logged in as root. Are you typing commands from xterm, or have you dropped down into a simple shell? damnsmall is the default user when X starts. I often just exit from X to perform major maintenance as root.

To execute save commands etc from Xterm for example, you generally need to type "sudo su" or something equivalent to let you have access privileges.

Posted by redpanther on Dec. 04 2003,02:44

Yes, I did the sudo su bit in xterm. Thanks