Cannot alter files in Shared documents file XP Professional

[Gail L]

Last year I discovered that I could no longer alter or remove files from my
shared documents folder (C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents) and
its subfolders.
I have tried to change the accesses so that the folder/files are NOT
read-only. Somehow, the files and folders bcame read-only. When I try to
change them, i.e. rename, delete, update I get Cannot ----- Access is
denied. Make sure the disk is not full or write-protected and that the file
is not currently in use.

How do I unprotect the files? I am the only user on the computer so I should
have administrator authority. I have right clicked on the Shared Documents
folder; selected Properties, then clicked on the Read-Only attribute and
pressed Apply; and pressed OK with the Apply changes to this folder,
subfolder and files. I get an error applying attributes.
Also, under the Sharing Tab of the Shared Properties window, I have the
Share this folder on the network box selected. I again get error messages
when I select Apply.
I do not have the Windows Firewall turned on as I use Norton.

What do I need to do to be able to make the files in this folder and its
subfolders alterable? I am using the Professional version of XP.

Because I couldn't modify files in this folder I wasn't able to go to a new
verions of Print Shop. I could deal with that. But today I can't get a new
version of Kodak's EasyShare ( and I can't back up to the older version)
because I can't write to that folder.

Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[Nepatsfan]

Last year I discovered that I could no longer alter or remove files from my
shared documents folder (C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents) and
its subfolders.
I have tried to change the accesses so that the folder/files are NOT
read-only. Somehow, the files and folders bcame read-only. When I try to
change them, i.e. rename, delete, update I get Cannot ----- Access is
denied. Make sure the disk is not full or write-protected and that the file
is not currently in use.

How do I unprotect the files? I am the only user on the computer so I should
have administrator authority. I have right clicked on the Shared Documents
folder; selected Properties, then clicked on the Read-Only attribute and
pressed Apply; and pressed OK with the Apply changes to this folder,
subfolder and files. I get an error applying attributes.
Also, under the Sharing Tab of the Shared Properties window, I have the
Share this folder on the network box selected. I again get error messages
when I select Apply.
I do not have the Windows Firewall turned on as I use Norton.

What do I need to do to be able to make the files in this folder and its
subfolders alterable? I am using the Professional version of XP.

Because I couldn't modify files in this folder I wasn't able to go to a new
verions of Print Shop. I could deal with that. But today I can't get a new
version of Kodak's EasyShare ( and I can't back up to the older version)
because I can't write to that folder.

Thanks in advance for the help.

What you're dealing with is probably misconfigured permissions on that folder.
The solution could be as simple as disabling simple file sharing and correcting
the permissions issue. You might also need to take ownership of the folder in
order to set the proper permissions. Take a look at this article first.

Courtesy of Ramesh Srinivasan, MS-MVP
Access is denied when opening the Shared Documents folder
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/sdperms.htm

If that doesn't fix the problem, take a look at the information in these
articles.

"Access is Denied" Error Message When You Try to Open a Folder
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/810881

How to take ownership of a file or folder in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;308421

Good luck

Nepatsfan