newline,G_DIR_SEPARATOR (usually /)

* Firstly create a backup of the file you will edit by entering the following in terminal:
                  sudo mkdir /media/windows
                  sudo cp /etc/fstab /etc/fstab_backup

* Now use this command to open mount file
sudo gedit /etc/fstab

To change access to partition (drives), under the <OPTION> heading for your specific partition remove the option and input a umask value.

Heres an Example

# /etc/fstab: static file system information.
#
# <file system> <mount point><type> <options> <dump> <pass>
proc /proc proc defaults 0 0
/dev/hdb6 / ext3 defaults 0 0
/dev/hda1 /media/hda1 ntfs defaults 0 0
/dev/hda5 /media/hda5 ntfs umask=0222 0 0
/dev/hda6 /media/hda6 ntfs umask=0222 0 0
/dev/hda7 /media/hda7 ntfs umask=0222 0 0

Once done save and reboot.

umask=0222 means read only
umask=0777 means read and write

Hey Esther, my problem is very similar. The thing is: I have an hp pavilion 780n, with 120 gb. I also have a samsung drive from some other computer. for a long time I had a windows operating system, with the samsung drive as a slave. a friend of mine helped me install the Feisty Fawn edition of Ubuntu onto my pc. He installed it on the smaller drive (i.e. the samsung). The plan was to use the master drive, the one that came with my computer as a storage drive. i'm able to read only, but not read and write on it. I am unable to delete files, cut and past, rename, nor save anything on that drive. I am very new to Ubuntu, and linux and all that jazz. I've tried everthing. My friend is good at this, but it's really hard for him to help because he's nowhere near where I live. Perhaps you can help. If the above examples are the way to go, I will need some help in a clarifying a few things. Help!!!!!

Hi Oscar,
First of all you have to keep in mind that, Ubuntu and Windows are OS not programs that you can "change and do things" while you are booted into either one. They don't like it for its own protection and won't let you do it if it's not in the right way. Because you are "new" in Ubuntu, I'll explain how it worked for me.
The trick is to do the partitions to install Ubuntu the right way for you to work with both OS.
Create a new primary partition FAT32 in your selected hard drive intended to keep data ready to share for both OS and call it a name that it is easy for you recognize from either OS.
(Work from Windows at this stage).
When you install Ubuntu mount this partition as Home, this way will be ready for you to access data from either OS.
Don't mess around with any partition which and OS installed in it, you may get into a big trouble for nothing.
If your Ubuntu is up and running you can change the permissions the way that is being suggested to me in this forum, but it can be a bit tricky. you can get some more information in...http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/mountwindows#mountpoint
follow the links and you will find all the answers. Good luck.!!!!

Yesterday I was able to access my HP_Pavilion drive. But today, it's telling me that I can't mount it onto my desktop.
what's up with that? in the meantime I'll goto the website you suggested. Thanks Esther

by the way : the error tells me that it can't do it because of this: newline,G_DIR_SEPARATOR (usually /)

what does that mean?

@oscar: because your question is not the original issue you will need to open a new question if you still need help with your issue.