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?

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

Answer accepted by question author

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.

0 comments

60 additional answers

Anonymous

2010-08-19T00:39:21+00:00

Ken, you are not getting it- The command line attrib answer that has been given over and over(take a look at the multiple forum threads) is simply not working. Why all of a sudden do I have my whole user account set as read only? When repeatedly people say the attributes will not change they are being challenged instead of helped.

I was working saving files to a website in Visual Studio and I noticed that Explorer was ignoring my changes. Boom, the clock ticked 3 and everthing changes to read only. I have been pretty much insulted by the usual know it all condescending answers I have read- "simply right click on properties..." does not address the cause. Why is this happening? I am a developer on a schedule and I can't change my files. Tell me why.

I have Windows 7 Ultimate and a 64bit box. I have not had a single problem with this until today, and I have done nothing out of the ordinary.

Thanks I hope, Danny

been there, left, and now I'm back
Was this answer helpful?

0 comments No comments
Anonymous

2010-08-16T17:27:19+00:00

On Mon, 16 Aug 2010 01:24:03 +0000, GoodfellaJC wrote:

You say "files," but are you talking about files or folders ?

Assuming that you mean folders, they may appear to be marked

read-only, but they are not read-only. The read-only attribute doesn't

apply to folders. You can't change it, because there's nothing to

change.

Ken Blake

not talking about folders. files ... such as word docs. so there is an attribute to change.

Are you the person I replied to above? If so, you are now posting with

a different name, so it's very difficult for me to know that.

Regarding changing attributes of files, it's extremely easy to change

files from not read-only to read-only, or vice versa. Simply

right-click on the file, choose Properties, and on the General tab,

check or uncheck the Read-only box.

Ken Blake
Was this answer helpful?

0 comments No comments
Anonymous

2010-08-16T01:24:03+00:00

You say "files," but are you talking about files or folders ?

Assuming that you mean folders, they may appear to be marked

read-only, but they are not read-only. The read-only attribute doesn't

apply to folders. You can't change it, because there's nothing to

change.

Ken Blake

not talking about folders. files ... such as word docs. so there is an attribute to change.
Was this answer helpful?

0 comments No comments
Anonymous

2010-08-15T18:27:28+00:00

On Sun, 15 Aug 2010 18:14:28 +0000, MasterBucks wrote:

In every single post regarding the issue of READ ONLY ATTRIBUTES... the support engineer has given a solution which has failed. Usually the same old__ of taking ownership and/or running command line attrib -r etc etc.

I too have this problem, none of the solutions given are working for so many of us... yet the support engineer continues to give exactly the same advice which is simply not working!!!

You say "files," but are you talking about files or folders?

Assuming that you mean folders, they may appear to be marked

read-only, but they are not read-only. The read-only attribute doesn't

apply to folders. You can't change it, because there's nothing to

change.

Ken Blake
Was this answer helpful?

0 comments No comments