File protection problem

[AWJ]

This is an ongoing problem I am experiancing and can't seem to fix. I have
some file folders that won't let me open, move or delete any of the files or
subfolders. I can't drag and drop them either. I have the files backed up by
Windows Backup and if I restore them to a tempory file I can use them but if
I restore them to the parent folder where they were originally backed up I
can't. This is the same folder that I am having the problem with but not all
files in it are affected and some subfolders work just fine. If I look at
the attributes of the affected files and folders they indicate they are Read
Only. If I clear this setting it appears to work but when I go back and
check after closing the Property Window they are Read Only files again. I am
running MS XP home and most of the files affected are MS Word documents.
What am I missing?

 

[Paul Vasquez]

Are the files on an NTFS file system? Are you the creator/owner of the file?
If NTFS and you are not the owner, you may need to take ownership of the
files. On the other hand you may have a virus that is affecting these files.

Paul

 

[Nog]

This is an ongoing problem I am experiancing and can't seem to fix. I have
some file folders that won't let me open, move or delete any of the files
or subfolders. I can't drag and drop them either. I have the files backed
up by Windows Backup and if I restore them to a tempory file I can use
them but if I restore them to the parent folder where they were originally
backed up I can't. This is the same folder that I am having the problem
with but not all files in it are affected and some subfolders work just
fine. If I look at the attributes of the affected files and folders they
indicate they are Read Only. If I clear this setting it appears to work
but when I go back and check after closing the Property Window they are
Read Only files again. I am running MS XP home and most of the files
affected are MS Word documents. What am I missing?

That's the problem with NTFS. If there is a bit error on the drive you can
be lock out of your own files.

 

[AWJ]

Yes it's an NTFS system and I'm the only the user of this computer which is
on a home network system with a couple of kids computers. I also do have the
latest version of Norton antivirus.

 

[AWJ]

How did I get a bit error and can I save the rest of my files in the
directory before they're affected.

 

[Sharon F]

This is an ongoing problem I am experiancing and can't seem to fix. I have
some file folders that won't let me open, move or delete any of the files or
subfolders. I can't drag and drop them either. I have the files backed up by
Windows Backup and if I restore them to a tempory file I can use them but if
I restore them to the parent folder where they were originally backed up I
can't. This is the same folder that I am having the problem with but not all
files in it are affected and some subfolders work just fine. If I look at
the attributes of the affected files and folders they indicate they are Read
Only. If I clear this setting it appears to work but when I go back and
check after closing the Property Window they are Read Only files again. I am
running MS XP home and most of the files affected are MS Word documents.
What am I missing?

It sounds like you may be running into permission problems. I suspect this
because you are able to work with the files when copied to another folder
and permissions are cumulative there. When you go back to the original
folder, you lose access again. Boot to Safe Mode and log on with account
named "Administrator." The password should be blank unless someone has
changed it on your system.

Take ownership of the folders and files that are giving you trouble:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;308421

Also, it can be difficult interpreting "read only" status in XP. There is
the usual check, dimmed check and blank box. With NTFS, there is also the
colored square placed in the box. At first glance it appears to be saying
that read only is active but that is a misinterpretation. This signifies an
"indeterminate" state and confuses the heck out of folks when they first
notice it (did that to me anyhow).

"Indeterminate" means that there may or may not be restrictions on the
ability to see/work with the folder's contents. Those restrictions could be
the normal attributes (read only, hidden, system) or there could be
restrictions due to permissions. You can click to clear the box but when
you return later it will be there again. So you can stop clicking, the box
will not go way.

NOTE: Some folders in XP do have the Read Only attribute and this should be
left alone too. Well-mannered programs concern themselves with read only on
files and ignore that designation on folders. Windows steps in and uses it
for folder customizations.

 

[AWJ]

Thank you very much Sharron. You were right on the mark. everything is
working fine now once I took back ownership. Not sure how I lost it though.
What would we poor computer chalanged people do without angles like you
floating around cyberspace lending a helping hand. Thanks again.

 

[Sharon F]

Thank you very much Sharron. You were right on the mark. everything is
working fine now once I took back ownership. Not sure how I lost it though.
What would we poor computer chalanged people do without angles like you
floating around cyberspace lending a helping hand. Thanks again.

You're welcome and thank you!

Not sure why permissions went awry with your files. Often this happens when
someone reinstalls Windows. Or creates a new user account for themselves.
Even if your new user account has the same name as the account from the old
install, there are security identifiers that do not match up. "Owner"
overrides "administrator and XP will continue to protect the files for the
original owner/creator. In other words, XP has no way of knowing that the
"old you" and the "new you" are one and the same. Taking ownership restores
access to the files.