Read-only means nothing for folders. Only a file can be Read-only.
The Read-only check box for folders is there for convenience, it allows you
to change the Read-only attribute of all the files contained in that folder.
The HELP question mark (?) explains it this way.
[[Specifies whether the files in this folder are read-only, which means that
they cannot be changed or accidentally deleted.
For multiple folders, if you select this check box all of the files in the
folders will be read-only. If you clear the check box, none of the files in
the selected folders will be read-only.]]
---
[[Apply the read-only attribute to folder contents
A folder itself cannot be made read-only. Nevertheless, the properties
dialog box for a folder does include a read-only check box. You can use
this check box to set or clear the read-only attribute for all existing
files in the selected folder. This action has no bearing on files that you
create subsequently.
In most cases, when you open the properties dialog box for a folder, the
Read-Only check box will contain a green square. This indicates either a
mixed or undetermined condition. Windows displays this green square because
it would take too long to check the state of the read-only attribute for
every file in the folder. To apply the read-only attribute to the contents
of a folder, click the check box until a check mark appears. To clear the
attribute, click the check box until it is empty. When you leave the dialog
box, Windows asks whether you want to apply your action to subfolders and
files. Be sure you select this option; if you select Apply Changes To This
Folder Only, nothing at all happens.]]
From...
Microsoft Windows XP Inside Out Deluxe, Second Edition
Author Ed Bott, Carl Siechert, Craig Stinson
http://www.microsoft.com/products/i...216cbfc3-ff30-42db-9c32-995a75dfafbe&type=ovr
-----
[[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.]]
[[The Read-only check box for folders is not available because it does not
apply to the folder. You can use this check box to set the Read-only
attribute for files in the folder.]]
The gray/green state means...
[[Microsoft calls this a tri-mode flag. When it has gray in the background,
it indicates that some file or folder anywhere under that particular folder
has been set to Read-only.
This checkmark does not actually control the Read-only attribute on the
child files and folder. It just displays their status.]]
Rally 'Round the Tri-Mode Flag
http://www.mcpmag.com/columns/article.asp?EditorialsID=652
[[Windows Explorer uses the Read-Only attribute to determine whether or not
a folder is customized.]]
Unable to Remove Read-Only Attribute from Folder
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/326549/
HOW TO: Take Ownership of a File or Folder in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=308421
Read-only means nothing for folders. Only a file can be Read-only.
--
Hope this helps. Let us know.
Wes
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User
In
steve said:
I copied some directories with files from one computer to another. 98
to XP.
When I right click on the directory name and click properties. The Read
Only [ ] box is green. Not checked mind you, but just green. Usually I
would think that this would indicate that some file or directory under
this directory tree has some read only setting.
Anyway I click the green square, to remove the green, then click apply.
Then I get the "Confirm Attribute Changes" screen. I then leave the
default on which says apply changes down the tree. Fine thats what I
want to do. I say ok.
But then when I close the window and then click on the directory again
and properties it shows up as green again. eg some file is possibly
read only.
Can anyone clarify why this is ?
Thanks.
