From: moofie@apple.com (Steve Klingsporn)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.system
Subject: Re: Users&Groups question
Date: 4 Sep 92 16:44:59 GMT
Followup-To: comp.sys.mac.system
Organization: Apple Computer, Inc.

In article <1992Sep3.225654.6744@csl.sri.com>, mikel@cisco.com (Mikel
Ravizza) wrote:
> 
> 
> Hello netters,
>  
> I have a strange problem perhaps someone out there has
> encountered.  I have a MacII which is used for file sharing,
> it's obviousally slow so I bought a quadra top of the line
> killer, fast, 400 megs or so.  Anyway I wanted to make the quadra
> the file server.  No problem I just copied all the files over,
> including the Users&Groups data file over.  Tried to start it
> up and basically everytime got the error "Can't start file sharing,
> bad users and groups file".  I'm fairily technical with Mac's, however
> being illerate with 7.0 still I'm alittle confused.  There is a
> file called appleshare pds which seems to be a pointer between
> files and the users and groups - however the bottom line is I
> can't copy that file over.  What's weird is I can copy it to any
> other Mac on my net besides the quarda so I'm thinking its something
> specific.  My friends at apple say it "should be able to happen" but
> they had never tried it.  It's basically like not ever being able
> to copy /etc/passwd around when you upgrade.
>  
> Any suggestions would be appreciated..


From what I understand, there is a bug with B*Trees when moving files
between different size hard drives.  Basically, from what I understand,
the size of a B*Tree corresponds to the size of a physical sector, which
varies on volumes of different sizes. 
So, basically, don't copy files with B*Tree's between volumes of 
different sizes (Not that a user would generally know this).

The Users & Groups Data File, from what a guy in my group here says who
worked on File Sharing, contains such an animal.

As far as I've heard, the B*Tree bug is fixed in the next version of
the System Software, 7.1, which has been announced, and should be out soon.

I may be totally out of line in explaining this; if so, someone here
(Apple)
please correct me.  (Stupid Disclaimer).

So, here's an interim fix:

Erase your Quadra's Hard Disk or get rid of the current System Folder.
Do a *clean* (from floppy or NetInstall) install of System 7.0.1.
Set up your Users and Groups again.


In theory, it's bad practise to "drag copy" a system folder between
machines, especially machines of different types.

Also, a personal preference of mine is to always do a "Virgin Install"
of new System Software, i.e., make sure that *NO blessed System Folder*
and *No Folder called "System Folder"* exists on my drive.


I hope this helps.  I learned something today as well! :)


Steve
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Steve Klingsporn                     "There are moments you can reach with
Apple Computer, Inc.                  people that are pure bliss, but then
20525 Mariani Avenue, MS 35A          you have to get it again, and it can
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moofie@apple.com                      The quest for the perfect moment."

                                                    - Robert Smith

Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in this post do not represent my employer.