Gdetrailer
PA
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1492 writes "If Unchecking Read-Only from the folder in Properties doesn't do anything, its because Windows "typically" ignores changes to this attribute. The Read-Only attribute is used by Explorer to classify certain types of Windows folders such as those in My Documents. The only way to change this attribute is by using the "Attrib" command. Instead, try changing the Read-Only attribute(uncheck) of the individual files themselves, not the folder. "
Actually unchecking Read-Only from folders or files IS the same as using the "Attrib" command in a DOS window. The only difference is unchecking via Windows GUI (Windows GUI "Interprets for you)vs through DOS line commands and switches. Either way will work just the same.
There is another reason as to why you may have Read-Only access. If for any reason your login as ADMINISTRATOR has been REMOVED and or set to Restricted User you will only have READ-ONLY access to your files, may not have access to add, remove, change programs and settings AND you may not have high enough privlages to return it back to normal.
This can happen by accident, kid poking around, it can happen by Malware, Virus, Trojan and so on.
If you have multiple logins perhaps try one of the other logins to see if they are all the same.
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1492
No. Virginia
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Gdetrailer, I don't think you understood what I was attempting to explain in reference to the OP's specific issue with changing the Read-Only attribute of "Folders", so maybe this is a better explanation:
From Microsoft: Applies to Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7:
"Unlike the Read-only attribute for a file, the Read-only attribute for a folder is typically ignored by Windows, Windows components and accessories, and other programs. For example, you can delete, rename, and change a folder with the Read-only attribute by using Windows Explorer. The Read-only and System attributes is only used by Windows Explorer to determine whether the folder is a special folder, such as a system folder that has its view customized by Windows (for example, My Documents, Favorites, Fonts, Downloaded Program Files), or a folder that you customized by using the Customize tab of the folder's Properties dialog box. As a result, Windows Explorer does not allow you to view or change the Read-only or System attributes of folders. When a folder has the Read-Only attribute set it causes Explorer to request the Desktop.ini of that folder to see if any special folder settings need to be set. It has been seen where if a network share that has a large amount of folders set to Read-only, it can cause Explorer to take longer then what is expected to render the contents of that share while it waits on the retrieval of the Desktop.ini files. The slower the network connectivity to the share the longer this process can take to the point where Explorer may timeout waiting for the data and render nothing or appear to hang.
Note In some previous versions of Windows, you can change the Read-only attribute for folders by using the Properties dialog box for the folder, but no versions of Windows permit you to change the System attribute by using Windows Explorer.
To work around this problem, use the Attrib command at a command prompt (Cmd.exe) to view or to remove the Read-only or the System attributes of folders. "
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Gdetrailer
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1492 writes “Gdetrailer, I don't think you understood what I was attempting to explain in reference to the OP's specific issue with changing the Read-Only attribute of "Folders"”
1492, I think you misunderstood the OP’s post.
Jerry’s issue is not restricted to FOLDERS being set to Read-Only but ALL files contained within ALL Folders. This includes ALL NEW FOLDERS that Jerry creates, Windows is GLOBALLY assigning ALL NEW FOLDERS AND FILES as Read-Only. Even if the FOLDER is read only, Jerry should be able to open a file and save as to a folder that is not marked Read-Only, then modify that file. Jerry appears to not be able to do so.
Using Attrib DOS command line would be like treating one symptom of a problem and not the ROOT CAUSE.
Lets break down Jerry’s first post…
Jerrybo66 writes “I have Windows XP.
When I want to save anything I create a folder and save it to My Documents.”
So, Jerry CAN create NEW folders and save NEW files.
“If I want to retrieve it to E-mail for example it says it's a "read only" file and I can't use it.”
So, Jerry CAN NOT COPY, CHANGE OR MODIFY AN EXISTING FOLDER OR FILE.
“ I've gone to "properties" and clicked out the read only button then hit apply but no change is made. “
So, Jerry DOES NOT HAVE FULL ADMINISTRATOR PRIVLEDGES to make changes.
“It even asks me if I want to change all the contents of the file but it doesn't change anything.”
Once again, without FULL ADMINISTRATOR privileges no changes can be made to any folders or files.
If for any reason Jerry’s logon was modified either to a RESTRICTED USER or ADMINISTRATOR was REMOVED from Jerry’s login he will not be able to modify the Attributes Via Explorer or DOS command line.
Explorer USES the SAME DOS command line program “Attrib”, it just dresses it up with a pretty GUI interface. If for any reason you lose your Administrator privileges or User has be set to RESTRICTED, NT security features WILL prevent the User from making any changes. This includes running DOS Command lines.
The difference however is using Explorer to change the Attributes vs DOS command line will be that Explorer IGNORES all changes and will go about it’s business with no messages.
Running the DOS command line under a DOS window should result in a message stating that you do not have ADMINISTRATOR access privileges or something to the effect you can not run the program..
Why would this happen? Windows default setting of RESTRICTED USER states “USERS CAN OPERATE THE COMPUTER AND SAVE DOCUMENTS BUT CAN NOT INSTALL PROGRAMS OR CHANGE SYSTEM SETTINGS”
Guess what? Changing the Attributes IS the same as CHANGING SYSTEM SETTINGS!
Losing ADMINISTRATOR privileges can result in the same thing happening.
Primary causes of this happening comes from one accidently removing the ADMINISTRATOR privilege or setting it to a RESTRICTED USER.
Worse yet is when it happens from a Virus, Malware, Browser Hijack and so on. It is not uncommon or unusual for any potential destructive payload contained within Virus, Malware, Browser Hijacks to REMOVE your ADMINISTRATIVE privileges in order to prevent you from removing the unwanted attack.
“How can I change my files out of a read only?”
Go to Control Panel
OPEN USER ACCOUNTS
Check your USER login to see if your login is a member of ADMINISTRATORS group.
If it is set to RESTRICTED USER or you are not a member of the ADMINISTRATOR group, that IS THE PROBLEM. Windows may even prevent you from opening or modifying USER ACCOUNTS.
If you can not open or modify USER ACCOUNTS you are out of luck with your USER login.
If you are the only USER and you are no longer are a member of ADMINISTRATORS group then you will not be able to add yourself to the ADMINISTRATORS group since you would not have high enough privileges to do so. In this case, your only hope is to be able to run Antivirus and Malware (if it allows). If not you might be looking at a wipe and reinstall from scratch.
Windows default setup is the FIRST USER and ALL added USERS will be set to ADMINISTRATORS unless modified by another USER with ADMINISTRATORS group privileges.
For this reason it is a good idea to setup and use a different USER profile which could be STANDARD USER or RESTRICTED USER when connected to the Internet. This reduces the chances of a Hacker (or any other unwanted programs) gaining enough access to remove you from ADMINISTRATORS group (only a member of the Administrators Group has authority to add, remove or change USERS settings).
1492, by trying to fix via Attrib DOS command line (if it is possible in this case) the OP would have to do this for every FOLDER AND FILES CONTAINED WITHIN. It also would not correct the fact that every new FOLDER and FILE created are AUTOMATICALLY and GLOBALY being set to Read-Only. Using the Attrib DOS line command does not affect any NEWLY CREATED folders or files. But most likely NT security will prevent the OP from running Attrib DOS command line.
As part of my current job, I am a SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATOR for a standalone server network within my company (it is not attached to our main IT network, no internet connections for security and speed issues). I have at times setup PCs for several “problem” people who couldn’t resist messing with their PC. Restricted USER locks the computer down to the point they can’t even change or modify the screen saver, let alone modify any file attributes. Restricted User does what it says, RESTRICT.
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TreeSeeker
San Diego
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OK, 1492 and Gdetrailer, I don't think we have enough information yet to know what the OP is doing.
>"When I want to save anything I create a folder and save it to My Documents.”
Hmm, maybe he is just creating a folder and thinks it is a document. Perhaps he is not ever even saving the document. I certainly don't create a folder EVERY time I save a document, but he says he does. Maybe he thinks a document is automatically created and placed in the new folder he created. Who knows...
>“I've gone to "properties" and clicked out the read only button then hit apply but no change is made. It even asks me if I want to change all the contents of the file but it doesn't change anything.”
I think the only time you are going to get a question resembling what he describes is when attempting to change the readonly attribute of a folder--it will ask if you want to apply the change to this folder only or all subfolder also. I don't remember ever seeing a question about "change all the contents of the file." So, this is more evidence that he is working with folders and not documents.
I have been a computer consultant for many years and I learned long ago that you have to ask lots of questions to get to the bottom of the problem. As I said, I don't think we have enough information to understand what the OP is doing.
Further, the OP doesn't seem very interested in finding the answer to his question since he hasn't returned.
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1492
No. Virginia
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TreeSeeker wrote:OK, 1492 and Gdetrailer, I don't think we have enough information yet to know what the OP is doing.
..........
Further, the OP doesn't seem very interested in finding the answer to his question since he hasn't returned.
I agree! The post is not specific enough, so basically just guessing what exact issue the OP is experiencing. So, I'm passing on this one. Hopefully, the rest of you can figure it out. Good luck!
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Jerrybo66
AZ
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Joined: 10/07/2003
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It was ignorant of me not returning to my post but have been busy and haven't been on this machine. It's 2:30AM and playing catch up.
I checked "Users" and I am the Owner/administrator. It seems like the Folders in My Docs are read only but some of the contents aren't. The pictures in my "Kodak" folder are read only also. Some of the other WPS files in other folders aren't read only. Nothing seems to be consistent.
What started this problem was that I copy/pasted recipes from Camp Cooks to the Works Word Processor then saved them to a Recipe folder in My Documents. They are designated a WPS files. Individual WPS files, not in a folder aren't read only. I can attach the individual files in the folder to E-mail but they won't open when I sent them to myself as a check. I have to Copy/paste them. I wanted to send the whole recipe folder to a buddy who just got a new set of teeth.  I have run an AVG and Ad ware scans that found nothing. I have Service Pak 3. I also delete all cookies except the ones that get used such as RVnet. I want to thank all you folks who are trying to help.
Jerry.
Support the Country you live in or live in the Country you support
2003 Sierra SP 26'Toy Hauler
1997 F-350, PSD, 4X4, red Crew Cab, long bed.
2007 Arctic Cat Prowler, Arctic Cat 500
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modmidget
Woodland, CA
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Are you retrieving these files from a CD/DVD and then saving them to your hard drive? By default, files stored on a CD are set to read only.
To some it's a six pack, to me it's a support group.
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TreeSeeker
San Diego
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Quote:I can attach the individual files in the folder to E-mail but they won't open when I sent them to myself as a check.
Some mail software won't open attachments by default (for security). Outlook Express is like this and maybe Outlook (I can't remember). They can be reconfigured.
Can you open other attachments sent by anyone?
Are you able to open any of the Works files that you saved (without emailing them)? Are all the Works files marked as Read Only?
Note that folders may appear to be Read Only when they are not. By default they have a checkbox that is shaded (mine is green). This is confusing but really means that the checkbox is nil (not filled out). If you click on the box once it becomes clear (white) and again then it has a check. Only if it has a check, is it Read Only.
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Jerrybo66
AZ
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TreeSeeker wrote:Quote:I can attach the individual files in the folder to E-mail but they won't open when I sent them to myself as a check.
Can you open other attachments sent by anyone?..................
NO PROBLEM OTHER THAN POWER POINT.....
Are you able to open any of the Works files that you saved (without emailing them)?.................
EVERTHING WORKS UNLESS I TRY TO MOVE OR SEND THEM. I CAN OPEN THEM AND READ THEM ON MY COMPUTER BUT THAT'S ABOUT ALL. .
Are all the Works files marked as Read Only?...
NO.........
Note that folders may appear to be Read Only when they are not. By default they have a checkbox that is shaded (mine is green). This is confusing but really means that the checkbox is nil (not filled out). If you click on the box once it becomes clear (white) and again then it has a check. Only if it has a check, is it Read Only...........
MINE ARE DEFFINATELY CHECKED. IF I ATTEMPT TO CHANGE THE ATTRIBUTES IT GOES THROUGH THE TIME PROGRESS BAR BUT NOTHING CHANGES...
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Jerrybo66
AZ
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modmidget wrote:Are you retrieving these files from a CD/DVD and then saving them to your hard drive? By default, files stored on a CD are set to read only.
No CDs involved. From Camp Cooks and Connoisseurs to Works Word Processor to Recipes in My Docs.......
I must disagree with you that a six pack is a support group. The trouble this devil machine causes, it takes a lot more than a six pack to console me.. 
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