I am trying to edit some files in the tmp/XXX/YYY directory.
But there are many files and filders within them and are protected. How can I change the permissions for all the files in the main /tmp/XXX/YYY directory and the files that are contained in the folder within this directory.

I tried using chmod a+rw (foldername)

the folder's permissions are changed but the files within are still protected. How can I change them at once ? There are too many files for me to use this command for every file...

CAn anyone help me ?? Thank you sooooooo much in advance...

Check the manpage for chmod:

-R Recursively change permissions of directories and their contents.

chmod a+rw /tmp/XXX/YYY/*

# Note the * at the end

If you specify the directory name, it'll change the permissions on the directory (as you requested). You mean to change the files, so put the /* to specify "all files in this directory".

Why do you need to change the permissions on many temp files though? Just curious...

Thanks... that worked...

I am trying to edit some files in the sub directory to install a NIC... but everytime ther permissions are changed... cant figure out why...

I'm treading very lightly here, because I don't know very much myself and could easily be wrong; however, my understanding is that the /tmp hierarchy is used by the system in response to the configuration, and is cleared at each reboot. This is why the permissions get reset "everytime" - by everytime, I'm assuming that you mean "each reboot"? Normally, again according to my limited knowledge, most systems clear /tmp at reboot and then populate it based upon the system behaviour. Therefore, the solution is not to modify the temp files but to correct the configuration that gives rise to the temp files (ie, deal with the root cause).

You haven't said which NIC, or why you need to edit the files - this could help find the "right" resolution to your problem. I don't *know* that your solution is wrong (it could easily be far in advance of what I know); it just kinda "feels" wrong, but no concrete evidence at all.