The Option "Allow User to Administer this Computer" option is Dimmed

Question

Level 1

5 points

The Option "Allow User to Administer this Computer" option is Dimmed

I need help on an issue that should be relatively simple to solve. I purchased my Mac Mini (running OS X 10.5.5) and set up two accounts, as follows: One for myself, to which I gave administrative rights (ie, I checked the box that says "Allow User to Administer this Computer." The other account was for my wife, which I made a standard user. Everything was fine until I tried copying files to a folder in my wife's profile while logged on under my account, which I thought had administrative rights. Mac OS X would not allow me to access her folder structure. I went into system preferences and checked under accounts. My account is listed as an Admin account and hers is listed as a standard account. However, the option with the checkbox that says "Allow User to Administer this Computer" is dimmed on my account. The box is checked, but the phrase itself is dimmed. I can't do anything with it. I already tried a fix where you boot with the install DVD and reset the System Administrator password. That didn't work. Also, if I login in as the true administrator and check my account under System Preferences the "Allow User to Administer this Computer" option is dimmed there as well.

I would appreciate any help on this issue.

Thanks.

Jim

Mac Mini, Mac OS X (10.5.5)

Posted on Dec 2, 2008 8:19 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Kappy

Level 10

362,001 points

Dec 2, 2008 8:45 PM in response to jpd158

First, you cannot access folders in your wife's account because you do not have permissions. This is quite normal otherwise nothing in her account would be private to her. If you want to give files to your wife then place then in the /Users/Shared/ folder. Your wife can then access them from that folder.

The reason the box is grayed out is because your account already has admin status and is the only admin account, so it cannot be changed.

Reply

Answer 2

jpd158 Author

Level 1

5 points

Dec 3, 2008 7:16 PM in response to Kappy

Thanks for the reply. I guess I'm bringing my Windows experience to the Mac. I had assumed that an admin user could go anywhere he wanted on the file system. I know the true admin can, but assumed that my admin account would do the same. Is there a way for me to gain permission to access my wife's account?

Reply

Answer 3

Kappy

Level 10

362,001 points

Dec 3, 2008 7:45 PM in response to jpd158

Only a "root" user has free rein over the system. The admin account user does not have "root" access.

There is a way to do that, but the real question is whether your wife would consent to giving you such access.

There are alternatives to transferring files if that's all you wish to do. The easiest way is to use a USB flash drive on which permissions have been disabled. You can transfer files to it and she can copy them. The same could be done on an external drive.

If you are trying to share an iTunes or iPhoto library that can be done within the sharing preferences for each application. If you just need to work together on a few files then the best way is to use the Shared folder.

If you could give me some idea of what the goal is then perhaps I can come up with some more pointers.

Reply

Answer 4

jpd158 Author

Level 1

5 points

Dec 4, 2008 6:24 PM in response to Kappy

No, thanks, you've explained everything to me. I'll just use the shared folder as you suggested, or if it's really necessary, I'll just log on as "root." Since my goal is simply to deposit files onto her desktop (that's where she keeps everything), then using the shared folder or logging on as root will do the trick.

I've learned that there is quite a difference between administrative privileges and file permissions. Thanks for your assistance.

JD

Reply

Answer 5

Dec 4, 2008 6:28 PM in response to jpd158

JD:

Just be careful using the root login option. The shared folder is there for a reason - and a couple quick clicks while logged in as root can be really bad.

Reply

Answer 6

jpd158 Author

Level 1

5 points

Dec 5, 2008 9:19 PM in response to Jeff Kelleher

Jeff,

I'll take your advice and use the shared folder rather than logging in as root. Thanks.

JD

Reply