Shared Folder Read Only Attribute problem

[Guest]

I am using Windows XP Home Edition, have all the updates on too. I have a
Folder in 'shared documents' called 'Shared Pictures'. It sits in
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents\My Pictures

I have created this folder so that multiple users on this PC can write files
to a shared area and share pics.

For some unknown reason the 'Read Only' Attribute Check Box keeps checking
itself but not with a tick, it is with a green square. When I uncheck it and
apply to all subfolders, it appears to work but I still cannot create new
directories in this folder. When I go back to check, the 'read only' attrib
is the same.

The only way I can get round this is to go to the folder above (shared
documents) C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents and uncheckthe 'read
only' attribute. This does work temporarily but appears to re-apply itself
after letting me create a folder???

Does anyone know why this happens or how I can prevent it from happening
again? Help is much appreciated. Thanks

 

[Wesley Vogel]

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

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.
---

[[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.]]

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