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

Anonymous

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?

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Anonymous

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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60 additional answers

Anonymous

2015-05-16T03:48:43+00:00

The improperly formatted parameter is because the file name has a space in it. The command prompt worked after I was able to rename the file (replaced the space with an underscore). It asked me if I really wanted to rename a file that was read-only, and I said "yes".

attrib -r class path.doc

Parameter format not correct

attrib -r class_path.doc

no error message

So then I'm guessing that the attrib command is the same or similar as the chmod command in a POSIX OS?
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Anonymous

2014-12-12T02:27:08+00:00

Hi Guys,

AFTER I UPDATED my Vista SP2 64-bit some 10 days ago ALL the files in ALL my drives also got "by magic" (another word to BAD CODE) a READ-ONLY attribute and thE attribute kept reversing back to Read-Only after I changed them (which took me a 14 HOUR work to PROCESS for my 16 TB of data!).

I then tried everything suggested on this post and nothing worked. In essence I had a QUITE HUGE collection of GARBAGE on my drives and lost DAYS trying to fix it. Because I use them for work I had to BUY a new laptop (NOT running any kind of Windows, of course...) in order to copy my files and keep on with my life.

Finally I was able (AFTER 10 DAYS OF HELL) to find a post somewhere else talking about a FREEWARE program (named "Attribute Changer" and available from its pubisher at http://www.petges.lu/home) and it was the easiest thing in the world to instruct the program to get rid of the Read-Only attribute of ALL my files in ALL MY DRIVES with only a few clicks (although it took some 12 hours for my computer to finish the process).

And so, thanks to Mr. Romain Petges, [ who is: (1) NOT AFFILIATED with Microsoft, (2) NOT ON Microsoft payroll and (3) without any access to the proprietary code of Microsoft ], I was able to fix a SITUTATION CAUSED BY MICROSOFT itself and for which NO FEEBLE-MINDED MICROSOFT PROGRAMMER was able to take any interest whatsoever in the THREE years this post is open to fix the complaints of so many Microsoft's PAYING CUSTOMERS. So, now my DEFINITE solution to you is written on my nickname to this post! And it´s FREE.
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Anonymous

2014-02-11T15:54:45+00:00

Looks good - but does not work!
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Anonymous

2013-08-11T21:40:56+00:00

It is today Sunday, August 11, 2013

I've got WIN 7 Ultimate - and attached 1TR drive, USB corded.

So far I determined, that no Word files can be saved after modification to it, if taken from the USB drive existing folders. The same is at the Public Library, by the way - which may be justified...

Anyway - the box "Read only" is unchecked, blank for the file(s) (and I also run the uncoloring it through the all ladder of folders, manually).

I did "take ownership" of the external HD (what for??!) - I AM the owner - who says no, Microsoft?? - as one of the attempts to remedy the situation - when million files are falsely tagged by MS.

I did the CMD and the attrib command...

Do I have to dump the WIN 7 and go for Apple?

Where is the real solution?

(Please do not ask me if I have plugged the laptop to the power outlet, etc.; have Admin credentials...)

Clear, global answer is needed only.

I have an instinct, that the whole mess and complications is associated with the "hoops" of tagging anyone with anything and anybody else. For "our" security, naturally.

GeorgeD
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