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?

I GOT IT!!!! after 3 hours hehe

All those "attrb" never works with me, do this and it will works:

When looking at Folder Properties, the Read Only (RO) box will ALWAYS be shaded (With a Classic Theme it will be a grayed check).

This box does not indicate the current attributes of the folder, or the files it contains. Instead, it shows what action will be taken when you click Apply or OK.

• If Checked, the RO attribute will be set.
• If unchecked, the RO attribute will be unset.
• If shaded (blobbed) there will be no change.

As noted, this only applies to Files in the folder, it will not change the RO attribute on a folder. That has to be done from the Command Prompt.

Adding the Attributes column in Details view, or using the attrib command in a Command Prompt (or comparable command in VBScript/jscript/etc) is the only way to see the current setting of the RO attribute on a folder.

To take ownership of the drive and reset permissions:

Right click the drive, click Properties.

Click the Security tab.

Click the Advanced button (not the Edit button).

Click the Owner tab.

Click the Edit button.

Highlight your username.

Check the box for Replace owner on subcontainers and objects.

Click OK to close each dialog until it begins applying permissions.

If you get any errors, click Continue.

When done, close the Properties dialog. It must be closed and re-opened.

Right click the drive, click Properties.

Click the Security tab.

Click the Advanced button (not the Edit button).

Click the Permissions tab.

Click the Change Permissions button.

Add your account if needed.

If Administrators, System, and your account do not show Full Control for This folder, subfolder, and files, highlight each and click Edit.

Change the permissions to Full Control, and the Apply to: box to This folder, subfolder, and files.

The Users group should have three entries:

1. Read & Execute for This folder, subfolder, and files.
2. Create folders / append data for This folder and subfolders.
3. Special for Subfolders only

Select/add each one and set the Apply to: box as needed.

Use this list to set the permissions.

1. Full Control
2. Traverse folder / execute file
3. List folder / read data
4. Read attributes
5. Read extended attributes
6. Create files / write data
7. Create folders / append data
8. Write attributes
9. Write extended attributes
10. Delete subfolders and files
11. Delete
12. Read permissions
13. Change permissions
14. Take ownership

For Read & Execute, check #'s 2, 3, 4, 5, and 12 only.

For Create folders / append data check

7 only.

For Special check # 6 only.

Everyone should have one entry shown as Special. It will have the same permissions as the Users Read & Execute except Apply to: is This folder only.

Creator Owner should have one entry shown as Special. It will have Full Control permissions and Apply to: is Subfolders and files only.

OK back to the Permissions tab if needed and check the box for Replace all child permissions with inheritable permissions from this object.

You'll get a warning that explicitly defined permissions will be removed. Click Yes to continue.

If you get any errors, just click Continue.

I have read several things about Win XP and Win 7 networking.  In my haste to set up all my Win 7 machines I set up networking for "everyone".  I have to keep 1 Win XP machine.  The program which spontaneously turned readonly is our main bookkeeping system, is very large, and is on a brand new Win 7 machine.  I did salvage the folder from an unattended backup from over the weekend, but may not be so lucky the next time.  We have slow networking issues, and I may not understand enough about permissions.  Everyone is in and out the folder all day everyday posting.  I tried to access it from the Win XP machine.  Even though I'm positive I've done this since all the machines were set up, it changed the folder yesterday.   

I have an excel file that has problems and FREQUENTLY fails to save and with MS turning to the "virtual store" file system in with the poor OS called Vista and continuing at least through Win 7, the problem has escalated.

When the save file cannot be accomplished with the excel file, Excel puts a file in the same folder with an eight digit file(i.e. 67EB3000).  When I open that file with and then try to save to the same name/folder the operating system will NOT allow a save(even though the file still looks like it is in the folder) as it is tagged read only.  So I save to the desktop and re-start the lap top.  Once the lap is re-started the file is missing from the original folder and I am able to move the file into the original folder.  That is why I suggested to save the file to your desk top.

One other system suggestion:

If the server is a Win 7 format, then save the file to a different folder, re-start the server and see if that allows changes.  This will take a little coordination with your peers, sorry about that.  If this fixes the "read only" you may have found a fix albeit poor fix.

Win XP was the last OS that does not use "Virtual Store" so that is why you will always be able to open/save etc. where Win 7 won't.

I have read several things about Win XP and Win 7 networking.  In my haste to set up all my Win 7 machines I set up networking for "everyone".  I have to keep 1 Win XP machine.  The program which spontaneously turned readonly is our main bookkeeping system, is very large, and is on a brand new Win 7 machine.  I did salvage the folder from an unattended backup from over the weekend, but may not be so lucky the next time.  We have slow networking issues, and I may not understand enough about permissions.  Everyone is in and out the folder all day everyday posting.  I tried to access it from the Win XP machine.  Even though I'm positive I've done this since all the machines were set up, it changed the folder yesterday.

Question to RC White  This post is old, but I am having the same problem with Win 7 pro 64.  Do not have Office but tried to access a Win 7 system with a Win XP system.  File went Read Only, and can not change it back.

Two points:

Look at the post directly above yours, by paulalanrowan, This presents a method of changing a folders settings allowing changes.

Secondly try saving the file to another location, like your desk top, and see if that is accomplished.