[ubuntu-us-nc] using network-admin while connected via vnc?

[Mark Kempster]

I'm faced with having a headless ubuntu desktop (acting like a server)
in a locked closet, that needs some /etc/resolv.conf modifications.
However, it states in that file "generated by NetworkManager, do not
edit!". Ok, easy enough.

I start up a vnc session, and login to the desktop. I can do System >
Administration > Network and see the manually-entered info that I need
to change. Everything's disabled, including the 'unlock' button.

I'm set up as an administrator on the system. Running 'sudo
network-manage' didn't seem to change things.

Is this something that must be done sitting physically at the machine?
What are the options of doing it remotely? I'm not quite brave enough
to go noodling around in the config files that back the gnome system
tools.

Thanks
Mark