NineChime forum

When you upload a file to a server via FTP, the ownership belongs to the same group as FTP.  You shouldn't have any trouble changing permissions on any files directly after uploading them.

Are you trying to change permissions on the files that are automatically created by the installer, such as the "pictures" folder?  Have you tried an alternate FTP program?  I have a Mac, but I've never used any FTP clients on that system.

Just so you know, if you try to run the installer first, it will let you know if something is not CHMOD correctly.

The way you're describing things, I'm under the impression you're uploading the files to the server, and then trying to CHMOD the files.  Your FTP client should allow you to do that.  If you can't, I really have no idea what could be the matter.  I'm not familiar with FTP servers, so I don't know if it's possible for the FTP server itself to disable your ability to change permissions or not.

It is possible that if you upload files via a web interface, FTP would not be able to change permissions, and vice versa.  Also, files created by the installer would have the same ownership permissions as PHP, which may be different than your FTP account, so some files like the ban list cannot be CHMODed through an FTP client.  However, there should be nothing to prevent you from changing permissions on any file you upload, such as the templates folder.

If you're uploading files via FTP, and you can't change permissions, my only advice is to ask your web host what's up.  Maybe they have a FAQ on their site that explains account limitations.  They may also have a web-based file uploader that supports changing permissions that you could try (try a test file, first, before changing all the files -- otherwise, you may lose the ability to delete those files with FTP).

In general, server permissions can be a real pain, and they differ from server to server.  If you're really stuck, you can e-mail me your FTP information and I'll take a look (setting up a temp FTP account for me would be best).  It really shouldn't matter if you're using a Mac or a Windows PC, though.

Kikirini wrote:

Hi,

I think I've figured it out. I played around with my FTP client and tried to have it CHMOD the files as I upload them. I don't know if it worked or not, because the installer is denying me access to my database currently, even though I know I have all the information correct. Unless my provider is giving me the wrong information...

thanks for the help so far.

Wait... got the message: "ERROR: Could not open database config file for writing. Check your server permissions"

Does that mean I messed up the CHMOD?

Hi, I've been away for a while trying to figure this out. I tried a web ftp today and when I tried to chmod one of the required folders, it told me I cannot do that on a Windows server (only on a unix server, apparently). Could that be the problem I'm having?

Waccoon wrote:

Possibly.  Windows has different filesystem permissions than UNIX.  I'm not sure how much overlap there is, or how an FTP client would attempt to set permissions on a Windows machine.  I only use Windows for testing, not for running an actual server.

As far as I know, permissions really aren't necessary on a Windows computer, though.  I have no idea how Microsoft IIS handles permissions.

Well, the hosting is Windows-formatted, but they have the option for Linux-formatted hosting. So, when I renew my hosting, I'm going to go for that. Otherwise, I really, really appreciate your advice and help.