Read Only Files

[andy]

Recently upgraded from 98 to xp. Loaded all my files and
shuffled them around into various "users" my documents
folders. Some are also shared. It's all confusing. Now
all docs in those folders are "read-only". Prompt says
file is currently in use by Ganster Family and asks if
you want to make a copy. I've tried numerous times to
changes folder/file settings by right clicking
properties and deselecting read-only option. Read only
boxes are NOT actually checked, but have a green hue to
them. Toggling the space bar will change the green hue
to a clear box to a check mark. I clear the read only
box...click apply...then ok. Closing and reopening the
file or folder andf I'm back to square one. The changes
don't stick. This should be soooo simple. I've checked
user accounts and windows help and support without
getting this resolved. Any help is appreciated.

Much Gratitude in advance!!

 

[Colin Nash [MVP]]

It's normal for the "read only" box to remain checked on a folder. The box
has a different meaning for folders and it will not affect whether or not
you are able to change them.

What exact files are you trying to move around? Some folders are considered
"special" and shouldn't be moved around arbitrarily.

Each user who has an account (and who has logged on at least once) will have
a folder under his/or her name located in C:\DOCUMENTS AND SETTINGS. It's
best not to play with this actual folder structure-- it holds things like
your "My Documents" folder, Internet Favorites, email if you use Outlook
Express, Start Menu/Desktop icons, and other settings and preferences
relating to that user account. Although you can see them by browsing
through the C: drive, you can get to them in other ways (for example, you
can play with your Favorites through Internet Explorer and you can see your
documents through the "My Documents" link on the Start Menu.)

There's also a shared folder which can contain documents that all users of
the system can see.

Have a look here for info on XP's "multiple users" features...
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/learnmore/share/intro.mspx
(5 pages... use the little arrows at the bottom of the page.)

 

[Juan]

Greetings:

Read the info in the following pages. You may have to take ownership of
files
and folders and grant read and write privileges to users. You must be
running
NTFS file system and enable Simple File Sharing in Windows Explorer\
Tools\Folder Options\View\uncheck Simple file sharing (recommended).
go to folder properties\security\apply permissions.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;326549&Product=winxp
(326549) - You may experience any of the following symptoms: You cannot view
or
change the Read-only or System attributes of a folder by using the
Properties
dialog box for the folder. For example, you may experience the following
symptoms:
When you view the...

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;328065&Product=winxp
(328065) - By default in Windows XP Service Pack 1 (SP1), if you click the
Sharing
tab of the Properties dialog box for the folder, and then share the folder
for other users
to access over the network, the folder has permissions that give everyone
read-only...

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;304040&Product=winxp
304040) - Describes the file sharing features in Windows XP and how to
configure
permissions for access to your files and folders.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;308418&Product=winxp
(308418) - Explains how to set and modify permissions in Windows XP.



http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;308421&Product=winxp
(308421) - Describes how to take ownership of files or folders that you may
not have
permissions for if you are an administrator for that computer.

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