I recently enabled a password on my 8300. I ran into loads of problems when I tried adding files to the SD Card. You have to enter the password immediately after you connect the device to the PC to allow it to enter mass storage mode when the PC requests it. A second too late, it seems, and you have to unplug the device and plug it back in. MobiPocket crashed a number of times when I had the password enabled too.

I like the password for other stuff, but for file transfer, it's a big headache. Is there a way to disable the password for file transfer/mass storage purposes, or is it more of an all or nothing kind of thing?

i never have had this issue at all. the password prompt stays on my device screen until i either clear it or enter the password.

Interesting, I get a prompt for my password accompanied by a message like "Mass storage mode request. Enter password to grant access." And if I don't enter a password within a couple seconds of seeing the message, Windows won't recognize my BB as a storage device. I've got an 8300 with OS v4.2.2.141.

I want to note that I had this problem when the password was disabled, too. So probably nothing to do with having a password enabled.

You culd just Auto Enable Mss Storage to get rid of the prompting et al.

Options > Media Card > Auto Enable Mass Storage Mode Whe Connecte > Yes

Enabling mass storage mode doesnt help if you set a general device password, you're still "being prompted".
Oddly enough here it says the password is incorrect even if it is correct...personally I'm just disabling the password before I plug it in but I can imagine if you connect it to the PC several times a day to sync calendars and what not it's a major pita.