Can't view or access files on DVD.

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Level 1

5 points

Can't view or access files on DVD.

I've created a DVD on a Sony dvd-vhs set top system. The disc seems fine, plays on the player, and the mac can play it as well, but I'm unable to view the files on the disc. I duplicated the disc and it created a folder on the desktop. I am locked out of this folder, "insufficient access privileges" message pops up when i try to open it. I am the only user of this mac and have admin. I've repaired permissions and attempted to change user privileges in the info window, with no luck.

It appears that the mac is locking me out because it views the disc as copy protected or something (just a guess). Is there a way to adjust settings so the mac will allow me to access dvd's and files that I create myself on a different system?

This is really hampering my attempts to transfer old family videos to dvd. I want to use the video contained on the dvd to author a dvd using the mac.

I'm at a total loss as to why, as Admin, I'm unable to access files I copy to the hard drive. Is there a Super Admin setting or something I need to change so I can use/view all the files on the mac? If you can't tell, I'm new to the mac.

running: mac os x version 10.5.4

Mac Pro, Mac OS X (10.5.2)

Posted on Jul 10, 2008 1:25 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Brooks Bennett

Level 1

145 points

Jul 23, 2008 6:52 AM in response to Deono

I just had a similar issue happen and have an all Mac solution...

We air a program on TV that is delivered nightly on DVD. Last night's disk had the same issue you described...

I opened terminal and changed directory to the DVD's mounted volume.
cd /Volumes/SONY DVD_RECORDERVOLUME

I then used 'sudo' to force a listing for the directory
sudo ls

I could then see the VIDEO_TS folder so I copied it to my desktop
sudo cp -R ~/Desktop

I then had access to what I needed. I agree this is a pain, and I hope it was just a fluke in how the disk was prepared last night, but at least there is a relatively simple all OS X work-around.

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Answer 2

gumsie

Level 4

2,185 points

Jul 10, 2008 1:45 PM in response to Deono

I don't think being new to the Mac has that much to do with things. How exactly did you duplicate the disc?
Oh and copy protection has nothing to do with it, you should still be able to see the VOBs.

Oh and try it via terminal;
ls Volumes/YOUR DISC/VIDEOTS
where "YOUR_DISC" is the name of your DVD and remember it's all case sensitive.

If it's a folder on the desktop, type;
ls ~/Desktop/MY_FOLDER

Lastly, do a get info on the folder and if you've not already tried it, down at the sharing bit at the bottom.
Highlight yourself from the list of people there, then click the gear wheel and you may see a 'make me the owner' option. Select it and try your luck again.

Message was edited by: gumsie

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Answer 3

Deono Author

Level 1

5 points

Jul 11, 2008 5:56 AM in response to gumsie

Thanks for your help,

I duplicated the disc by right clicking, then selecting duplicate. I received a message stating "you may need to enter an administrator password to change the name...". Entered my password, and the disc was copied to a new folder appearing on the desktop.

I've opened terminal and dragged the folder there, the name appeared in the terminal, I pressed enter, it ran "-bash" and just says that the folder is a directory. I don't know commands for terminal so I'm not sure what else to do here. I tried typing "Is Volumes/foldername" as you suggested, but it says command not found. (I didn't think you were saying to use "Is" as the command, but wasn't sure so I tried it anyway.)

In the get info window it has "Privilege = No Access" for Me, unknown, and everyone. I tried to change to Read & Write, but it does not change. The drop down under the gear thingy, between the - and padlock, is all grayed out and unelectable. This is what made me think something is wrong to begin with. How can I have no access to a folder I copied?

Could this be some sort of Sony format issue when it made the DVD? Setting everything to "No Access" on the disc itself? Or could it be that my mac is not compatible with files that are created elsewhere?

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Answer 4

Deono Author

Level 1

5 points

Jul 14, 2008 8:23 AM in response to gumsie

Thanks again gumsie. But that's exactly what I tried to do the first time. Unfortunately the Mac will not let me. Neither the disc nor the copied folder will allow me to open the folder to view what's on it, thus the "duplicate" method was used to get a copy on my hard drive. I'm able to view other DVD's just fine, it appears to be this particular disc.

I've done this before with other DVD's that I've made, but never a disc from this Sony DVD/VCR combo machine. I'm beginning to think this Sony DVD burner is incompatible with Mac.

I'm at a loss as to why it works fine on the PC (Plays DVD as normal, and I can open & view/copy etc. the folder/files.) but the Mac says I don't have permission. I've never changed any permission settings on this machine and this is the only files/folder I've had problems with. As I have both Mac and Windows XP OS's installed using bootcamp, It's not a huge problem to bounce the files between the two operating systems, mostly an inconvenience. I really was hoping to use the Mac for my video projects.

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Answer 5

Deono Author

Level 1

5 points

Jul 14, 2008 11:37 AM in response to gumsie

I don't know what ACLs are, but when when I duplicated the disc the only message I received was stating something like "You may need to enter your administrator password to rename files/folders..." I clicked ok and was asked to enter my password before the copying started. Then when trying to rename the folder, instead of being asked for a password, I get the "insufficient privileges" message.

The set top unit is a Sony video cassette recorder/DVD recorder RDR-VX530.

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Answer 6

gumsie

Level 4

2,185 points

Jul 14, 2008 11:55 AM in response to Deono

Someone more knowledgeable than me will put you straight on ACLs- (Access Control List) I'm sure but WIKI has a good article on it.
I have had a good look at that recorder on one or two AV forums but cannot really see anything that points to your issue. So for now I'm drawing a blank.
Will post back if I find anything.

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Answer 7

Deono Author

Level 1

5 points

Jul 14, 2008 6:00 AM in response to Deono

I've still not fixed it, but I did find a workaround. I had to copy the folder to my MS Windows drive and it copied it as it should, w/the VIDEO_TS folder accessible. I was then able to copy those files back to the Mac drive.

Although this worked and I can now use/access the video .vob files as I wanted, It seems to be a backwards way of doing things.

Is there a way that owners of the Mac (like me) can get "full access privileges"?

Every time I try to open or rename the original folder I get the following message... "The folder "SONY DVD_RECORDERVOLUME" could not be opened because you do not have sufficient access privileges."

It could be very useful to have "sufficient access privileges" on my own computer.

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Answer 8

gumsie

Level 4

2,185 points

Jul 14, 2008 6:41 AM in response to Deono

You must have a permissions issue somewhere as I've just proved to myself that doing what you did shouldn't be an issue as long as the items are not encrypted. Next time you duplicate just drag the whole TS folder from the DVD to your preferred location and see if that makes a difference, rather than choosing duplicate.

Just re-read your first post. So ignore the bit about dragging and dropping. I've just popped Monsters inc. into my drive and I can view although not copy the files. Try viewing the files with a commercial disc and see what gives.

Message was edited by: gumsie

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Answer 9

gumsie

Level 4

2,185 points

Jul 14, 2008 9:08 AM in response to Deono

Dunno what else to suggest. When you did the RP did you get any messages about ACLs found and that kind of stuff?

Exactly what set top is it if you don't mind?

Message was edited by: gumsie

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