Items under the Action Menu in the Get Info window are grayed-out

Question

Items under the Action Menu in the Get Info window are grayed-out

Hello,

I need to change the ownership of a file using the permissions section of the 'Get Info' window. After unlocking the permissions by clicking on the padlock and entering my password, the items under the action menu are unavailable - they are grayed out. I think this may be the case with all files, as the random files I've chosen are all showing the action menu with items grayed-out.

I have run the 'Repair permissions' program under Disk Utilities, but that didn't seem to make any difference.

Why are the items under the permissions action menu grayed-out? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

MacBook Pro Late 2008, Mac OS X (10.5.5)

Posted on Dec 15, 2008 9:48 AM

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Answer 1

Kappy

Level 10

362,007 points

Dec 15, 2008 9:54 AM in response to Martin Harries

Are you selecting more than one file at a time? In order to change multiple selections at the same time you need to make the selection then press OPTION-COMMAND-I or press OPTION and select Show Inspector from the Finder's File menu.

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Answer 2

Dec 15, 2008 2:03 PM in response to Kappy

@ Kappy

I am selecting just the one file at a time. After unlocking to allow changes I click on my name under the 'Name' column and then click the action menu - both options are grayed-out.

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Answer 3

Kappy

Level 10

362,007 points

Dec 15, 2008 2:13 PM in response to Martin Harries

You are aware that action menu items are only active after you have made a change to permissions? What is it you are trying to do?

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Answer 4

Dec 15, 2008 2:29 PM in response to Kappy

@ Kappy,

I am trying to change the owner of a file from 'system' to 'me'. I need to do this to resolve a problem I have in booting Parallels VM running Vista. I have been told to do this by the Parallels support desk.

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Answer 5

Dec 15, 2008 2:41 PM in response to Kappy

Your last comment has helped. I have added myself to the list of names using the + button. I have now been able to make me the owner. Great! Many thanks!

The only thing is I still have the entry for the 'system' user. Who is the owner - the one listed at the top? 'System' is still listed on the top, with me now listed below. If I now the 'system' user, will I be able to reinstate it? Not that I need to do this as far as I know, I'd just like to know in case things go wrong.

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Answer 6

Kappy

Level 10

362,007 points

Dec 15, 2008 2:41 PM in response to Martin Harries

To do that you need to add "you" to the list by clicking on the [+] button to add a new item. A dialog will appear. You can select yourself from the list (assumes you have a listing for yourself in your Address Book.) Select your name then click on the Select button. Your name will now be in the list of users in the Get Info window. Set your status to Read/Write.

What file are you trying to change? I've installed Parallels many times without ever having to change file permissions.

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Answer 7

Dec 15, 2008 2:43 PM in response to Martin Harries

Re: If I now the 'system' user, will I be able to reinstate it? Not that I need to do this as far as I know, I'd just like to know in case things go wrong.

Sorry, that should have read If I delete the 'System' User etc...

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Answer 8

Kappy

Level 10

362,007 points

Dec 15, 2008 2:44 PM in response to Martin Harries

With Leopard there is no distinction. You're both owners. I would not delete system unless the Parallel's support tech said to, otherwise if system needs to access the file it won't be able to do so.

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Answer 9

Dec 15, 2008 3:46 PM in response to Kappy

@ Kappy

Re: What file are you trying to change? I've installed Parallels many times without ever having to change file permissions.

It's a file inside the Vista package. I had an error saying that it could not read the hard disk. Parallels said it was a permissions issue. I have rebooted VM Vista with both System and Me as owner....and...it seems to have booted just fine.

However, the mouse pointer is freezing once again - which was the start of the problems a few days ago. Oh well, at least it's booting to the desktop again.

Many thanks for all your help Kappy!!

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