[resolved]-Read-only files

[expertec]

For some reason all my files have become read-only, and even when I unset them from this they go back to it. Anybody got any suggestions?

[Guest ellas]

In Windows 2000 or Windows XP:

1. Find the top level folder that you want to change in Windows Explorer.

2. Right-click on that folder and select Properties.

3. Look at the Read-only attribute box. If it is checked, uncheck it and click OK. (If it is unchecked, skip to step 5 below.)

4. This box will pop up as in my upload picture,

[Guest ellas]

Be sure the bottom option is selected, to apply the change recursively. Then select OK. All files and folders will be changed to read-write (or not read-only) regardless of what their read-only attribute was set to before.

5. If the Read-only attribute box is unchecked for the top level folder, unfortunately this means only that this folder is read-write. This does not mean that all subfolders and files are also read-write. But it is not possible to "uncheck an unchecked box" so you first have to set all the folders recursively to read-only, and then set them all back to read-write. To do this:

6. Click the Read-only box to check it, and then click Apply. This box will pop up:

[Guest ellas]

Make sure the bottom option is highlighted to apply the change recursively, and then click OK.

This will cause all files and folders below this level to become read-only.

7. When you return to the Properties box, click the now-checked box again to uncheck it, and click OK. The following box will pop up:

Make sure the bottom option is selected, click OK, and all files and folders in the tree will be set to read-write.

Only by going through this two-step process can you be assured that all subfolders and files will be set to read-write.

[moon]

Can't you just set your drive to 'Shared ' ?

[expertec]

It just goes straight back to read-only when I change it :( :angry: :unsure:

[moon]

You mean you right-click your drive icon, select 'sharing', check 'Shared' and it resets itself to 'Not Shared' ? Blimey. Who's boss in your house ? :D

[spikeychris]

Just checked your profile and it says your using XP Pro. Type attrib /? into a command prompt for another explanation of this below.

Type "attrib -r c:\windows\whatever\*.*" (no quotes). This will remove the "read only" attribute for all unhidden, non system files in C:\Windows\Whatever folder.

You can only do one folder at a time this way. You can add the "/s" switch (again no quotes) if you want to include subfolders. Other options are + or - h (hidden), s (system), a (archive).

[expertec]

I've tried that attrib thing now, it hasn't worked. Only administrators can actually do anything, for everybody else, things open as read only, or when they try to save changes it gives an access denied message :(

Also I have set the drive to share

[expertec]

The files are no longer read-only, but the folders are, so only administrators can save in them :blink:

[expertec]

It's late, I can't do any more tonight, so I'll be back on here tomorrow :rolleyes:

[moon]

Also I have set the drive to share

I was just asking, expertec, not offering a solution. Shared drives can be a security issue. I just wanted to know if it affected your problem.

Also, I believe you can set 'administrator privileges' for yourself which might be a bit of a leg up with the folder thing. I've been reading that nothing can install itself if you do.

[expertec]

I've sorted it I think, I unset "use simple file sharing", then set some ownership permissions, so users can save in their own folders now. The folders are still read only but the users have full control so they can save in them. :wacko: :rolleyes: