Unmounting external hard drive on a classroom computer

[jimoblak]

In OSX.3, a USB keychain drive will mount and unmount with no problem on a somewhat restricted, student user account. When an external firewire drive is connected, it requires an administrator password to unmount.

Neither drive required any additional software/drivers installed to operate.

Is there an explanation for this? The hope is to mount and unmount without being prompted for an administrator password.

- - picklefish - -
Why is everyone in this forum responding to me as picklefish?

 

[mtorbin]

Let's start at the top:

1) What kind of drive is the FW?
2) What size is the FW Drive?
3) What kind of Mac is it being plugged into?

- MT

Matt Torbin
Web and Graphic Arts Engineer
PEI-Genesis

http://www.peigenesis.com

 

[jimoblak]

1) unknown - - It was another teacher's drive that I don't usually have access to check out. I have yet to bring in my own FW drives to see if mine do the same thing.

2) the size was over 80 Gb

3) this happened on both the next to last generation eMac and on a G4 tower.

The password is also requested if in the administrator account.

The computers are configured exactly like my home flat panel iMac - - which gives me no trouble with mounting and unmounting.

Don't stress yourself out over an answer to this: I'm getting over the nuisance. It might even be a good thing that a password is requested in a school setting - - although it would be better if it was requested when the drive mounts.

- - picklefish - -
Why is everyone in this forum responding to me as picklefish?

 

[mtorbin]

You'll have to check the permissions settings on the accounts available on the machine. It's odd that you say EVERYTHING is the same and yet you're getting this response (double check those permissions).

I've heard really odd things about 10.3. in fact, I'm finding a few myself so don't feel so alone. I hope a patch is in the works soon.

- MT

Matt Torbin
Web and Graphic Arts Engineer
PEI-Genesis

http://www.peigenesis.com