Files showing up as "Read Only" and unable to change this.

Anonymous
2009-11-11T02:03:39+00:00

I have Windows 7 Ultimate. A couple of weeks ago I had a big issue with some of my user permissions being changed (not sure how I did it but it happened) so i was unable to access programs and files, after some time with a MS tech on chat and a system restore (unsucessful), I just created a new user account and deleted the old one.

Everything seems to be working fine now, however before I created the new user account I copied some files I had on the desktop to a flash drive and put them with my new user desktop. The file property keep showing up as "Read only" even after unchecking the box and applying it just reverts when I close it.

This also happens when I create a new folder on the desktop, its default property is "Read Only" - why would this be, and how can i change it?

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Files, folders, and storage

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Anonymous
2009-11-11T19:45:12+00:00

Hi GoodfellaJC,

Welcome to Microsoft Answers.

Follow the steps mentioned below.

Step 1:

To view or to remove the Read-only or the System attributes of folders in Windows Vista or Windows 7

1.      Click Start, click Run, type cmd and then press ENTER.

2.      To view the syntax for the Attrib command, type attrib /? at the command prompt.

To remove the Read-only attribute and to set the System attribute, use the following command:****

attrib -r +s drive:<path><foldername>

For example, to remove the Read-only attribute and to set the System attribute for the C:\Test folder, use the following command:

attrib -r +s c:\test

Be aware that some programs may not operate correctly with folders for which the System attribute and the Read-only attribute are set. Therefore, use the following command to remove these attributes:

attrib -r -s drive:<path><foldername>

For example, to remove both the Read-only and the System attributes from the C:\Test folder, use the following command:

attrib -r -s c:\test

If the Run command is not listed on the Start menu, do the following:

Click Start, click All Programs, click Accessories and then click Run.

For further reference check the article mentioned below.

You cannot view or change the Read-only or the System attributes of folders in Windows Server 2003, in Windows XP, in Windows Vista or in Windows 7

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/326549

Hope this information is helpful.

Thank you and Regards.           

Thahaseena M

Microsoft Answers Support Engineer.

Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-06-28T10:52:12+00:00

    Then why the *$%@ does it say read only in the properties? Because Microsoft programmers are mentally enfeebled? I've been wrestling with the problem of permissions in attempting to organise a mass of files for days. It has now struck me even harder what an absolute piece of useless trash windows Vista is. Unfortunately when I bought this computer it fell outside of the automatic upgrade. Windows don't sell seven which was apparently at least functional, because they are pushing 8, if I wanted my computer to look like a cell phone and surf you tube videos great... as it is, no thanks. So i guess I have to fork out 250.00 for Windows 7 from a software vendor who still has copies. It's telling that I could get windows 8 for 180.00 bucks. More proof that the free market neo liberal myth is a bunch of ****, Leave it up to he market and you get monopolies, and they'll always find a way to squeeze out or absorb superior products. Al so Bill gates can run around thinking he's Mother Theresa handing out other peoples moiney that he's extorted out of them for his inferior product. Come up with a decent browser yet Microsoft? Doesn't look like it. How about a decent file copier...? Nope bet go to free app from a kindly self employed software engineer for that.... Antivirus? Nope.... Ah what is it you guys do again? Constant reiterations of Steve Jobs windows software that Gates stole way back when?

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  2. Anonymous
    2012-06-18T02:18:01+00:00

    It gave me the answer I wanted. My files are not really "Read Only". They just appear that way when I view the properties, I see a blue box in the Read Only attribute. I can still edit and save the files back to themselves. Something really STUPID from Microsoft just to confuse users.

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  3. Anonymous
    2012-06-12T01:24:53+00:00

    Not sure why this is marked as an "Answer" post. Clearly from the responses here Support has NOT provided an answer that works to fix everybody's problem. 2012 and this issue still exists

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  4. Anonymous
    2011-08-27T22:20:35+00:00

    I have this same problem.

    Each and every folder under my C:/ drive, including files and sub-folders, is set to read-only.

    I cannot save my games, cannot change or alter my homework, cannot do ANYTHING that requires accessing a new file.

    I CAN however create new files and folders, and access them normally, but after a time they set themselves to read-only. (Possibly on restart, will test later, don't restart often)

    This computer isn't connected to the internet, so I'm not sure what's causing this, but it's a new problem.

    I have a list of possible solutions I'm going to attempt, as well as a couple different anti-viruses i'm gonna install and scan with.

    I'll reply to this post with my results.

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