Sorry, I usually work from an HD install. But try this:
Move your original smb.conf to smb.conf.orig by:
mv /etc/samba/smb.conf /etc/samba/smb.conf.orig
then copy it to smb.conf by:
cp /etc/samba/smb.conf.orig /etc/samba/smb.conf

This removes the link to the original smb.conf and creates an editable smb.conf. I tested and I can edit after I do the move and copy, though I have not tested if samba itself works after this.

Good luck, let me know how it goes.

By the way I did notice you are in Minnesota. Just thought you might like to know we spent the afternoon in the park. It was about 72 degrees (above zero).

Mike