'Read only' issue

[MigBug]

I have a couple of HD connected to my PC with music files and image (photos)
files but I can't edit them because VISTA makes them 'read only' and doesn't
allow me to change it.

I have adjusted all my permissions to 'complete control' , have disabled UAC
but to no avail.

If I change the file properties from read-only to read/write (ie uncheck the
read-only file attribute), it comes back as read-only!!! What? I uncheck the
checkbox, close the folder properties dialog window, and re-open it only to
find the read-only checkbox selected. And yes I’m in Admistrator mode.

I sure regrett I didn't buy a MAC ...

If someone has a solution please post it .
Rgs

 

[PaulB]

Take ownership of the file.

 

[Rick Rogers]

The solution is to ignore "read only" in a folder's properties. It (the
"read only" attribute) doesn't apply to folders, only to files. If you are
unable to open a file for editing, it's because you lack permissions or
ownership.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org
My thoughts http://rick-mvp.blogspot.com

 

[MigBug]

Thank u PaulB, but didn't help.
I took control of the full drive G:\ , than I changed the properties to be
able to edit the files, the computer goes through all the files , tells me it
is done, than I check the folders and files properties and everything is the
same, back to 'read only' !!!

 

[Dave]

Take ownership and change the permissions.....

I have this in a batch file named setowner.bat

takeown /f %1 /r /d y
icacls %1 /grant administrators:F /t

to run, open a cmd window and type

setowner c:\"foldername"

 

[MigBug]

It works , but on a file by file aproach.
When you have thousands of locked files it becomes a pain in the ass ... I
was trying to do it on a folder basis, but than it doesn't work ...
Do you know if there is a way to run through a hard drive unlocking all the
files stored in it ?
thank you Dave, I already did that.

 

[MigBug]

Well, I do own the files, and I can unlock them on a file by file aproach, but
when you have thousands of locked files it becomes a pain in the ass ... I
was trying to do it on a folder basis, but than it doesn't work ...
Do you know if there is a way to run through a hard drive unlocking all the
files stored in it ?

 

[Dave]

It will work on a whole folder, and even a whole drive if you specify it....
Run it from an elevated CMD prompt

 

[Kurt Herman]

And, for Gods sake don’t pay any attention to the blue box in the "read
only" section of the properties. The selection is ONLY viable if it’s a
check mark, and you cant mark folders read only in Vista at any rate.

Kurt