Can't repair permissions because I can't open Disk Utility!

What's the deal here?

My boyfriend has been complaining about not being able to empty the trash on his macbook. Sure enough, that great insufficient privileges message came up.

I did my research on repairing permissions, but the First Aid option promised to me does not show up when I open Disk Utility.

This is very frustrating. Please help.

You need to open Disk Utility from your install discs, not from the HD.
That should sort it for you.

Permissions

Have you admin privileges? If so, and still can't fix the issue, try Onyx to repair the permissions.