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
    2011-10-07T18:49:30+00:00

    Here's what worked for me:

    1. I opened the comand prompt (Start/cmd).
    2. I entered the filepath of the file I wanted to make non-read-only ("cd", the folder name, "", the subfolder name, etc. until reaching the folder where my file was).
    3. Once inside that folder, I typed: attrib -r classpath.txt

        You can replace classpath.txt with your own file.

    I checked the file properties afer that and it was non-read-only at last!

    Hope this helps...

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  2. Anonymous
    2011-10-28T12:16:42+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

    DITTO

    why cant Support se this as a major issue??

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  3. Anonymous
    2011-11-03T16:20:06+00:00

    interesting, this does not work either.  Access denied is the resulting message.

    based on the multitude of replies with the same "suggestions" and failures of results, it would seem that MS should log onto someones computer and see what is really happening or not happening.

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