can't see .swf files saved to hard drive

[mark]

I have a program which enables me to save embedded flash files to my hard
drive. I just got a lap top, with Vista installed, and for some reason I am
unable to see swf files that I save. They *are* there, because if I try to
re-save the same file to the same folder, I get the file already exists
message.

I never had this problem with XP, so I'm thinking it's something about Vista
settings. I've already tried enabling show invisible files and checking "read
only" in folder options. No help.

Please advise, someone. Thanks.

 

[Dave]

What folder are you trying to save them to?
It sounds like you're running into the junction points.
Vista uses a different file structure than XP does. Those familiar folder
names you may be used to, like "My Documents", "Documents & Settings", etc.
are not folders in Vista. They are junction points, and are used for legacy
programs which were written to utilize the XP file structure. They will
redirect the programs to use the equivalent Vista folders.
If you keep the protected operating system files hidden, you won't see them.

In Vista......
Documents & Settings -> \Users
My Documents -> \Users\youraccount\Documents
My Music -> \Users\youraccount\Music
Application Data -> \Users\youraccount\AppData
etc.

 

[Michael Walraven]

Mark,
Where are you trying to save the files? Vista has some interesting behaviors
when using certain locations that are protected by the operating system esp
when using legacy programs.

Michael

 

[mark]

I created a folder on my desktop for downloads. Like I said earlier, if I try
to resave the file to the same folder, it says file already exists there. It
may be there, but I sure can't see it.

 

[Michael Walraven]

The 'desktop' is not one of the special places I was thinking of.

You say you enabled 'invisible files', in Vista there are two selections
that need to be made
Show Hidden files and folders, and Hide protected operating system files
(uncheck). Did you do both?

As an aside the 'read only' attribute does not apply to a folder, note that
the box is a filled in square not an empty or checked square as would be the
case with a 'file'.

It is also possible that the invisible file has ownership/permissions that
do not allow your account to see it. One of the attributes of a folder
security setting is 'list folder contents'. Right click on the folder and
select the security tab. For a folder you created on your desktop
you should have 'full control' which is all but 'special' checked. Also
examine the ownership tab and effective ownership (of yourself) from the
advanced button. The effective permissions should also be everything and the
owner should be yourself. These permissions should be applied to 'this
folder, subfolders, and files'.

Michael

 

[mark]

Thanks for hanging in there with me, Michael. I did everything you suggested,
to no avail. The only thing you suggested that I'm unsure about is the
effective permissions thing... when I looked at them, the boxes are all
shaded grey. Nothing happens when I click on them. I am the only user of this
laptop, and I have no password set. I should have all permissions, no?

I tried re-saving the same swf file again, and I still get the file already
exists, overwrite? message. This is getting kinda frustrating. If you wanna
hang in there further, I'm all ears (or eyes as the case is).

Mark

 

[Michael Walraven]

Mark,

First recommendation: set a password for your account. Vista EXPECTS that
your account is secured with a password, if it is not then it will make
assumptions about access of objects which may not be what you want.

The boxes in effective permissions are grayed out until you select a Group
or user name.
This would be the account name for what you are trying to check here.
Click the Select button.
Enter the object name to select (account name), select OK. Now the check
boxes should be useful.

Also if you have followed any advise to disable the UAC (constant nattering
at you about need to be administrator etc.), re-enable the UAC. It may very
well be trying to tell you something you need to know.

Michael

 

[mark]

I set up a password, but the below procedure totally lost me. I tried to do
it, but am obviously doing something wrong. I keep getting an error msg.
Perhaps I should contact Microsoft?

The boxes in effective permissions are grayed out until you select a Group
or user name.
This would be the account name for what you are trying to check here.
Click the Select button.
Enter the object name to select (account name), select OK. Now the check
boxes should be useful.

 

[Michael Walraven]

Mark here is step by step as I find the efective permissions for myself for
a folder called 'New Folder' which resides on my desktop. There is one file
in this folder called dummy.txt (My account is named Walraven, the computer
name is DESKTOP).

Right click on the folder Icon 'New Folder' on my desktop.
Left click Properties.
The General tab is already selected.
Folder name is New Folder
Type is File Folder
Location is c:\Users\Walraven\Desktop
Size is 20 bytes (20 bytes)
Size on disk is 4.00 KB (4,096 bytes)
Contains 1 Files, 0 Folders

Left click on Security tab
There are three Group of user names in the box
SYSTEM
Walraven (DESKTOP\Walraven)
Administrators (DESKTOP\Administrators)

Left click on your name (Walraven (DESKTOP\Walraven for me)
All permissions except for 'Special permissions' should have gray checks

Left click Advanced button
The Permissions tab should have been selected
Object name: C:\Users\Walraven\New Folder
Permission entries
Type|Nameermission|Inherited From|Apply To
Allow|Walraven (DESKTOP\Walraven|Full control|C:\Users\Walraven|This
folder, subfolders and files
Allow|SYSTEM|Full control|C:\Users\Walraven\|This folder, subfolders and
files
Allow|Administrators (DESKTOP\Adminstrators)|Full
control|C:Users\Walraven\This folder, subfolders and files

Left click Owner tab
Object name: C:\Users\Walraven\Desktop\New Folder
Current owner: Walraven(DESKTOP\Walraven)

Left click Effective Permissions
Object Name: C:\Users\Walraven\Desktop\New Folder
(all boxes are gray, Group or user name box is blank)

Left click Select button
Select this object type: User, Group, or Built-in security principal
From this location: DESKTOP
Enter the object name to select: type in Walraven (use your account of
course), Left click OK button
Group or user name is now Walraven instead of blank, the gray boxes now
have checks in ALL of them.

Let me know where your results begin to change from mine (except for account
name (Walraven), machine name (DESKTOP) and file name (New File).)

You would be better off asking for help from the maker of the software
rather than Microsoft as MS is unlikely to be of much help for a third party
program, it would hurt to try however.

Additional point, are you really sure that the application is putting the
file where you think it is going? Usually applications don't place files on
the desktop. More likely would be for the program to want to place the file
in 'Documents' for instance. If you know the name of the file you might try
searching for in across the entire system.
Windows Key / F should bring up search window
Select Advanced search
In name put the name of the file (*.swf for instance)
In location select everywhere
Check box Include non-indexed,hidden, and system files (might be slow)
click on Search, go for a cup of coffee (or two)!

Hope this helps,

Michael

 

[Andi]

I happened to have a similar problem..

supposed to export a csv file from an application (that use java) to my
Document folder..

when i check to users\{my username}\Documents, i can't see the file.. but
when i check from the application , it is there..

then i tried to login as Administrator..

same thing, export the csv file, but this time i can see the file in the
explorer..

the user used previously also included in Administrators group (Local)

i've tried to find the csv file exported when i login as another user (not
admin) but still unable to find it..

 

[mark]

Michael. I followed your step by step, did it all to the letter. Ni help. Any
way I could email you some screenshots to see if I'm missing something?
Still, I wonder why it is that I can see all file types saved except for
swf???

 

[Michael Walraven]

I don't see that I can be of much more (?) help, but if you would like to
try send screen shots, send to
(e-mail address removed)

(remove the NNN)
(esp a shot of the open folder that you are expecting the file to be in,
please also tell me the name that you are looking for, and
a snapshot of the download dialogue. You mention 'you have a program' is it
written by you or a commercial program?)
Michael

 

[Andi]

Don't worry.. finally got the answer..

just need to turn off the User Account Control..

after that then i'm able to see the saved files on the folder.. but the
previous one is lost.. no problem, as from now i can see & access the files
from the Windows Explorer..