Unwanted 'Read Only' Attribute

[John Jeffrey]

Single-user, not very complex database, Access 2002 running under Vista. All
well until I moved the database from a Win XP PC to one running Vista and
also backed up to an external HD. It launches OK but has become 'Read Only'.
'Properties' contradicts this, so I have no idea how it happened or - more
important - how I can remove this property and start adding/amending data.
I have tried ticking the relevant box in properties, opening the file,
closing it, unticking again, but this doesn't change anything.

If it isn't amenable to a simple fix, could I create a new database with the
data from the old one, or would the problem come across with the data?

 

[Jerry Whittle]

By "I have tried ticking the relevant box in properties" are you doing this
from Windows Explorer?

Do you have read, write, create, delete, and maybe modifiy privileges for
the entire folder on the external drive?

 

[John Jeffrey]

Thanks for the prompt response.
Yes, I am inspecting the properties using Windows Explorer. (I have looked
at Properties from within the database itself, using File - Database
Properties. The box is not ticked, but that whole part of the dialogue box
is greyed out anyhow, so I can't change anything there).
Your second question re privileges - I'm afraid I don't know! How can I
check this?

 

[Jerry Whittle]

Hi John,

As that dialog box is grayed out, I bet that you don't have the proper
privileges.

If you have network people or IT support get them involved.

Other that that, I'd possible that only certain people have privileges to
the external hard drive. It might be a matter of logging in on the computer
as a different person.

Try clicking on the folder in Windows Explorer and bring up the folder's
properties. If the Read Only box is checked, try unchecking it. You should
get a dialog box asking whether to apply the change to all files and
subfolders. Say Yes.

If that doesn't work, again open the folder's properties and see if there is
a Security Tab. That can tell you who has what permissions for the folder.

 

[John Jeffrey]

Jerry -
No, the only network/IT support here is me! Which is why I'm grateful to
people like you, who give time to help people who need it.

I don't know why the permissions were as they were, but resetting them (for
the whole drive, for simplicity's sake) has made the problem go away. Thanks.