Setup permanently (!) Write permission for folder tree / Read-only attribute not changeable?

[Thommy Kanther]

I setup a new WinXP Prof installation on partition C:\ and everything works fine
so far except one thing:

I cannot set permanently write permissions for "normal" data folder (trees) on
partition D:\

First of all I logged on as an user with administrator rights.

Then I open WinExplorer and right click on one of the folders say D:\myfolder\
In the properties I can see "Read-only" attribute checked. Ok, I disabled Read-only,
then click "Apply" (for this folder, subfolders and trees) and finally clicked "OK"

Now I expect that the folder is writable for me. But much to my surprise
when I re-enter the properties for this folder the "Read-only" flag is enabled again.

Why ?

Thommy

 

[Bob Milton]

For directories, the read-only control is a three state. One is
read-only (with a check mark), one is writeable (blank), and one is it
doesn't matter (the one you see). Try writing a file to the directory and it
will work.
Bob

 

[Larry Samuels]

Ignore the read only setting on the folder--it does not apply.All folders
appear to be marked as read-only by XP by design.


--
Larry Samuels Associate Expert
MS-MVP (2001-2005)
Unofficial FAQ for Windows Server 2003 at
http://pelos.us/SERVER.htm
Expert Zone-

 

[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.

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

HOW TO: Take Ownership of a File or Folder in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=308421

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.

Wes
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User

In

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi Thommy,

You are confusing attributes and permissions. "Read only" as an attribute is
ignored by Windows at the folder level, it only applies to files. For why,
read:

Unable to remove Read-Only attribute from folder
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=256614

Basically, you use permissions, not attributes, control read/write
permissions on a folder.

Pro only:
How to disable simplified sharing and set permissions on a shared folder in
Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=307874

Both Home and Pro:
HOW TO: Set, View, Change, or Remove File and Folder Permissions in Windows
XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=308418

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

 

[Kerry Brown]

This is normal in Windows XP. Folders show as read only which is ignored for
the most part. It will not cause any problems with setting NTFS permissions
for the folders.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/326549/

You are confusing NTFS permissions and folder attributes. To set NTFS
permissions see the following.

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=308418

You will probably have to disable simple file sharing first.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;307874