Mac OS X Server 1.x: NetInfo is Read-Only

Note: This article pertains to Mac OS X Server versions 1.x, which were released prior to May 2001.

Symptom

NetInfo runs in read-only mode. Nothing can be changed: new users, passwords, and so forth.

Solution

This can happen if the localhost computer has an unreachable IP address.

Often, it originates when Setup Assistant is run. If the computer is not given a name, localhost is inserted as the host name. If an IP address is assigned during setup, it replaces the 127.0.0.1 address for localhost. This configuration works because localhost has the computer's IP address. If the host name and IP address of the computer are later changed, though, the localhost address is neither the address of the computer, nor the loopback address (127.0.0.1). Consequently, localhost (which is the NetInfo master for the local domain) may be unreachable or may be running the wrong NetInfo database. When NetInfo cannot reach the master, it runs in read-only mode.

If liutil is installed, the repair process is much easier. Typing "which liutil" at the command line prompt in a Terminal window shows whether it is installed. Follow one of these procedures to repair the system:

If liutil is Installed

1. Start up into single user mode by restarting the computer and pressing the "s" key.
   

2. At the prompt, type the following command to mount the file system with write access:
   mount -uw /
   

3. Type the following command to correct the entry (Note: This line may wrap in some browsers but should be entered as one continuous line):
   liutil -createprop /etc/netinfo/local.nidb /machines/localhost ip_address 127.0.0.1
   

4. Restart the computer.

If liutil is not Installed

Without liutil, NetInfo must be rebuilt from the template and all data must be re-entered.

1. Rename /etc/netinfo with the following command in Terminal:

mv /etc/netinfo /etc/netinfo.bak

2. Copy /usr/template/client/etc/netinfo to /etc/netinfo with the following command:

cp -R /usr/template/client/etc/netinfo /etc/netinfo

3. Restart the computer. The computer will run through Setup Assistant.

4. Re-enter all data.

Note: The rename and copy can be done using Workspace but be sure to copy the netinfo directory from the templates and not move it.