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

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.

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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
    2017-11-21T18:44:44+00:00

    does anyone know have to delete read only file

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  2. Anonymous
    2017-11-22T16:12:06+00:00

    As instructed by the "Proxy issue" link on the page that would not open:

    i used Chrome "Settings" > "Advanced" > "System"

    > "Open proxy settings (Connections)"

    > "Local Area Network (LAN) settings",

    then clicked on and opened the box *LAN settings*

    > unchecked "Proxy server" box.

    This did the trick and now i have no problems.

    I should have tried the hyperlinked "fixes" first, before reporting a problem.

    But then, too, what do i know. i am an old guy that only learned about preparing the math for punch card preparation and that process to do my chem labs way back when; and never saw a computer or the internet for forty years after that - - so, as i said, what do i know, except to ask questions first and then go try to figure out what i don't know. ROTFL ;)

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  3. Anonymous
    2018-01-01T21:39:10+00:00

    I have the same problem & unable to correct it.

    HELP !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    ******@comcast.net

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  4. Anonymous
    2018-01-01T22:22:14+00:00

    For general information...

    Old threads relating to systems that are no longer supported (XP - Vista etc.) orthat are **"answered"**are being routinely locked.

    If you need help relating to this topic (regardless of OS) please ask a new questionusing the link at the top right of this page.  We cannot deal effectively with new inquiries in these old threads.

    Please provide some detail about your issue.

    For suggestions, please read

    How to begin your own, new thread about your computer & your problem

    How to ask a question

    Thanks,

    LemP

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