read only

[Guest]

When i click on the attribute "read-only" i have three choices. a check, a
box, or empty.

can someone explain the box versus the check?

 

[Guest]

I cannot find any clear documention on the windows website

 

[Wesley Vogel]

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.

[[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.]]

Cannot View or Change the Read-Only or System Attribute of Folders
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/326549/

-----

The gray 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

If you uncheck the Read-Only attribute, Windows will prompt you to confirm
your changes.

-----
You have chosen to make the following attribute change(s):

unset read-only

Do you want to apply this change to this folder only, or do you want to
apply it to all subfolders and files as well?
-----

Click the option that you want, and then click OK.
---

Basically this means nothing for folders.

[[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/

You can't remove the read-only attribute from a folder?
http://www.jsiinc.com/SUBG/TIP3200/rh3212.htm

HOW TO: Take Ownership of a File or Folder in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;308421


--
Hope this helps. Let us know.

Wes
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User

In

 

[Guest]

that was helpful. However, When I go to a folder and click on the read only
attributes box in properties, i click it once to get a check, twice and the
entire box is colored in, and a third time to empty the box.

that is the part i don't understand. What is the difference between
selecting to check the box, or color it in completely?

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.

[[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.]]

Cannot View or Change the Read-Only or System Attribute of Folders
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/326549/

-----

The gray 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

If you uncheck the Read-Only attribute, Windows will prompt you to confirm
your changes.

-----
You have chosen to make the following attribute change(s):

unset read-only

Do you want to apply this change to this folder only, or do you want to
apply it to all subfolders and files as well?
-----

Click the option that you want, and then click OK.
---

Basically this means nothing for folders.

[[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/

You can't remove the read-only attribute from a folder?
http://www.jsiinc.com/SUBG/TIP3200/rh3212.htm

HOW TO: Take Ownership of a File or Folder in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;308421


--
Hope this helps. Let us know.

Wes
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User

In

I cannot find any clear documention on the windows website

 

[Rock]

that was helpful. However, When I go to a folder and click on the read only
attributes box in properties, i click it once to get a check, twice and the
entire box is colored in, and a third time to empty the box.

that is the part i don't understand. What is the difference between
selecting to check the box, or color it in completely?

The answer to your question is explained in the article Wes provided
above.

 

[Guest]

I am missing it. I am not asking what it means if the box is grayed out with
a check.

I can actually click on the box and get it to toggle between, clear, check,
and all filled in with a solid color.

I do not see were that is explained?

 

[Rock]

I am missing it. I am not asking what it means if the box is grayed out with
a check.

I can actually click on the box and get it to toggle between, clear, check,
and all filled in with a solid color.

I do not see were that is explained?

:

It's in the article. Look at the fourth paragraph under Symptoms - for
example. It starts with, "If you click Apply....". It changes the read
attributes of the files contained in that folder and possibly all
subfolders, depending on how you respond to the prompt that is
presented, but does nothing for the folder itself or any subfolders

 

[Guest]

I understand that read only affects the files not the folders. when i click
on a folder properties and check "read-only" it effects the files in the
folder(got it)

HOWEVER, what is the difference between a check (one click), and the whole
box being greened-out (two clicks). A third click empties the box

 

[Rock]

I understand that read only affects the files not the folders. when i click
on a folder properties and check "read-only" it effects the files in the
folder(got it)

HOWEVER, what is the difference between a check (one click), and the whole
box being greened-out (two clicks). A third click empties the box



:

One sets the read only attribute (checked), one removes it (empty), and
the shaded one is the default state for folders. Test it! Create a
folder, put in a file and make the changes. If you set it to checked or
blank, close the folder, then open it again it is set back to the
default of shaded. Test it and find out for yourself.