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
    2010-08-15T18:14:28+00:00

    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!!!

    RUBBISH!

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  2. Anonymous
    2010-07-23T16:06:48+00:00

    I have the same "Read only" error so that I can't use the physX SDK. Someone might be able to make an application to read each file in a folder and saves the same content in another folder. That way the file headers with date and permissions will be new.

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  3. Anonymous
    2010-07-23T14:44:13+00:00

    I have tried the Microsoft Support solution Article ID 326549 using the attrib command, and, like Dave 770, receive a message that tells ms "Parameter format not correct -".

    I have never had this problem before yesterday, and am having the same issue with machines that run XP.

    Please Help!

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  4. Anonymous
    2010-07-23T07:59:48+00:00

    Hi,

    This post was started byGoodfellaJC. I would suggest you to create a new post so that we can assist you in a better way.

    ·        Are you able to make changes to your other documents that are created with notepad or Word pad?

    The issue that you have stated is about office 2007, I would suggest you to open a new post in that forum. Check the link mentioned below.

    http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/group/Office

    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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