Linux Mint 12 Advanced File Manager Access

Accessing an Advanced File Manager in Linux Mint

The Nautilus file manager, standard in Linux Mint, facilitates browsing all files present on your system. However, its writing capabilities are restricted to your home directory – for example, /home/lori – and its associated subfolders like Documents and Desktop.

Should you need to rename a file or directory, or write a file to a location outside of your designated home directory, utilizing an enhanced version of Nautilus becomes necessary. This guide details the process of adding a link to this advanced Nautilus instance to your main menu.

Important Caution

Exercise extreme caution when modifying or deleting files located outside your home directory. Incorrect actions involving critical system files can render your system unstable or completely unusable.

Utilizing Alacarte

Adding the advanced file manager menu entry requires the alacarte program. If you are unfamiliar with its installation and operation, please refer to our dedicated article for instructions.

We will be integrating the new menu item into the Accessories submenu. To launch alacarte, navigate to Other | Main Menu within the Applications menu.

Creating a New Menu Item

Upon opening the Main Menu window, select the Accessories category from the list on the left-hand side. Then, click the "New Item" button.

The "Create Launcher" dialog will appear. Ensure "Application" is selected from the "Type" drop-down menu. Enter a descriptive name, such as “Advanced Nautilus,” into the "Name" field. This is the text that will be displayed on the menu.

In the "Command" field, type the following command:

gksu nautilus

The gksu command functions similarly to "su" and "sudo," but is specifically designed for launching graphical applications that necessitate administrative privileges.

You may optionally add a description in the "Comment" field. This description will appear as a tooltip when hovering over the menu item.

Setting the Icon

As the command utilizes gksu, the default icon will not be the standard Nautilus icon. To revert to the Nautilus icon, click the icon button within the "Create Launcher" dialog.

The "Choose an icon" dialog box will open. Navigate to the following directory:

/usr/share/icons/Mint-X/apps/48

Select the "nautilus.png" file and click "Open."

Returning to the "Create Launcher" dialog, you will observe the icon has been updated to reflect your selection. Click "OK."

The "Advanced Nautilus" item will now be listed alphabetically within the Accessories category. Click "Close" to exit the Main Menu window.

Launching Advanced Nautilus

To initiate Advanced Nautilus, select Accessories | Advanced Nautilus from the Applications menu.

Due to the administrative permissions required, you will be prompted to enter your password. Input your password in the "Password" field and click "OK."

The Advanced Nautilus window’s appearance may be similar to the standard file browser. However, it now grants you the capability to modify and write files outside of your home directory.

Remember to exercise extreme diligence when editing or deleting files outside your home directory. Uninformed actions can potentially compromise the stability of your system.