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
    2013-08-11T21:40:56+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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  2. 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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  3. Anonymous
    2013-01-03T01:35:08+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

    We, all of us, are getting read-only error messages from C# programs attempting the write to a file.  Expecially when the program has been working for months.

    Austin Stephens

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  4. Anonymous
    2012-10-28T23:50:02+00:00

    Windows 7 is a piece of garbage!  I just upgraded to it several weeks ago, and I am completely not satisfied.  This system is flaky, and unstable.  

    I am going to Amazon and giving it an appropriate review.   I'm sure Windows 8 will be not even functional.

    I have ALWAYS kept a folder of important notes, in text files, in a folder on my desk top.  THAT IS WHERE I WANT THEM, MICROSOFT. 

    I followed the above instructions and it did not work.

    When I want MICROSOFT running my life, I will come to work for you.

    In Windows XP, I never had any problem.

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