File operations on a DOS volume

The following tabulation tells you what file operations are supported on NetWare volumes mounted in DOS mode only. For the most part, you can tell whether you can access a file or directory by looking at the UnixWare permissions.

The explanations given in the list apply to any method used to perform the given operation on the NetWare volume. Specific commands are mentioned in the explanations where appropriate for clarity.

Listing

To list all the files and directories under a directory, you must have both read (r) and execute (x) permissions on the directory.

If you do not have read and execute permissions on a directory, you will still be able to see any files in the directory for which you have the NetWare File Scan (F) right. Unfortunately, this right is translated for presentation on the UnixWare side for directories only.

Reading

To read (open) an existing file, you must have read (r) permission on the file.

Writing

To write (append) to an existing file, you must have write (w) permission on the file.

Creating

To create a new file or directory, you must have write (w) permission on the directory in which you want to create the file or directory. The new file or directory name must follow the conventions given in ``DOS mode filename restrictions''.

Copying

To copy a file, you must have:

• read (r) permission on the file

• read and execute (r-x) permissions on the file's parent directory

• write (w) permission on the directory to which you want to copy the file

To copy a directory, you must have:

• read and execute (r-x) permissions on the directory (any files in the directory on which you have read (r) permission are copied with the directory to the new location)

• read and execute (r-x) permissions on the directory's parent directory

• write (w) permission on the directory to which you want to copy the directory if there are any directories under the directory to be copied, these same requirements apply to those directories and the files in them

Moving

To move a file or directory, you must have read, write, and execute (rwx) permissions on the file or directory, and write (w) permission on the target directory.

Deleting

To delete a file or directory, you must have the write (w) permission on the parent directory of the file or directory to be deleted.

Renaming

To rename a file or directory, you must have the Modify (M) NetWare right on the file or directory; see ``Ownership on DOS mode volumes''. The new name must follow the conventions given in ``DOS mode filename restrictions''.

Linking

Linking files and directories is not supported. Applications and the ln(1) command, for example, return an error message if you try to use them to link a file or directory.

Changing Permissions

The read and write (rw-) permissions on a file cannot be altered; however, you can add and remove the execute (x) permission on a file. To do so, you must have the NetWare Access Control (A) right on the file; see ``Ownership on DOS mode volumes''. Directory permissions cannot be changed at all.

Changing Time Stamp

To change the time stamp on a file or directory (using an application, for example, or the touch(1) command), you must have the NetWare Access Control (A) right on the file; see ``Ownership on DOS mode volumes''.

Changing Ownership

Changing file and directory ownership is not supported. Applications and the chown(1) and chgrp(1) commands, for example, return an error message if you try to use them to change the ownership of a file or directory.