root access not permitted [SOLVED]

[bad_brain]

use "vim" instead of "vi", you can move the cursor with the arrow keys there.

to edit text you have to enter the insert-mode by pressing "i"
when done with the changes press "Esc" to leave insert-mode and go back to command mode.
save the file and close the editor with:

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:wq

the : initiates the command, w means write and q means quit.

if the editor complains and refuses to write ("read-only file" for example) force it by adding !

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:wq!

[skip]

It didnt work either. but i found a new command for vim "hjkl" that acts the same as the arrow keys and you didnt mention it before.

Anyways, I change the fstab back, the debian-root from rw to ro (using the installer cd on rescue mode). and it worked. I'm using gnome as DE right now, but still cant login as root(using "su").

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$ su
Password:
setgid: Operation not permitted

Umm how would i fix this properly? and how come that this line (rw) on fstab wont let me login as a normal user?

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/dev/mapper/Debian-root   /     ext3  errors=remount-rw   

(vim is super awesome. )

[computathug]

Hey skip.

su must be setuid root to operate

try

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chmod 4755 /bin/su

Im sure b_b will help with the fstab, im running late

[CommonStray]

your problems with X may be derived from gdm (gnome display manager)

have you recently tried installing a different window manager other than gnome, like KDE or Fluxbox? These managers also provide a layer of session handling for users, if you attempted to install an alternative, a config may have gotten chumped...

what i would do in this case, is boot into a debian/debian-like live CD to make your changes, so that your actual filesystem stays intact until you can discern where the problems are, using fsck to check your drives from a live CD may also be a bit slower, however it will allow for a better check as the HDD's dont have to supply the rules.

does your installation have alternatives you can choose from in Grub?

What exactly were you doing when the problem displayed itself to you? Your best bet would be to retrace your steps and let us know what was going on, this will help us to troubleshoot the problem with you more efficiently

[skip]

Hi again, sorry for the late reply. just got a job. umm getting outta bum life

Hey skip.

su must be setuid root to operate

try

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chmod 4755 /bin/su

Im sure b_b will help with the fstab, im running late

Thanks c-thug, its now fixed. i didnt even know what 4755 means
I just put the cmd on console (rescue mode), hit enter and reboot. it worked.

hey CommonStray, i have installed gnome coz im on kde but that didnt seem to caused the problem. maybe it was the "changing permissions" like bb said. thanks for the tips though.

got another problem, the internet messengers cant connect to yaho_o. (pidgin and kopete) but thats another thread to start.

[computathug]

No problem skip, glad you got it going eventually

Are you running a firewall like guarddog or iptables?

I would check them to see if you have allowed the protocol