Why can't VISTA delete read-only files?

[Guest]

Why is it that Vista cannot delete read-only files? I have some files on the
network that are marked read-only. When I try to delete them Vista says:

Destination Folder Access Denied
You need permission to perform this action
Try Again | Cancel

I thought it was permission related, but I have full permissions to the file
and I get this even if I run elevated. I then noticed the file was marked as
read/only. If I clear the read-only attribute I can then delete the file
without issue.

What's going on here?

On XP it would ask you "are you sure you want to delete read-only file...
?". Clicking yes would allow me to proceed with deletion.

What is going on with Vista and how can I get around it?

I have a network directory with thousands of sub directories that I need to
delete and trying to remove read-only attributes from them is going to be a
pain. There has to be a better way.

Thanks in advance,
Matthew

 

[Andre Da Costa[ActiveWin]]

Try taking ownership of the folder then delete contents:
How to take ownership of a file or folder:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308421

 

[dennis@home]

Why is it that Vista cannot delete read-only files? I have some files on
the
network that are marked read-only. When I try to delete them Vista says:

Destination Folder Access Denied
You need permission to perform this action
Try Again | Cancel

I thought it was permission related, but I have full permissions to the
file
and I get this even if I run elevated. I then noticed the file was marked
as
read/only. If I clear the read-only attribute I can then delete the file
without issue.

What's going on here?

Its working as it should.

On XP it would ask you "are you sure you want to delete read-only file...
?". Clicking yes would allow me to proceed with deletion.

XP is short cutting by changing it from read only quietly before deleting
it.

What is going on with Vista and how can I get around it?

Its working OK AFAICS, just different to XP.

I have a network directory with thousands of sub directories that I need
to
delete and trying to remove read-only attributes from them is going to be
a
pain. There has to be a better way.

Well if you right click on the directory and select properties and then
uncheck the read only box it asks if you want to apply it to just that
folder or all folder and files below that. Just say all. It may take a while
depending on what your server is. On mine I just loaded a new kernel on the
server and used ssh to log in and used rm -rf to get rid of a big folder.
Someone else suggested taking ownership but I don't see that being necessary
unless there is some side effect that makes it easier, I haven't tried that
myself.

 

[Guest]

Taking ownership has no effect.

I don't see how XP is "doing things quietly" when it flat out prompts me
"are you sure you want to delete read-only file: blah blah"?

This can not be normal behavior. Vista throws an error citing access is
denied, simply because the file is read-only. Read-only does not equate to
"no access", so that error should not display.

Furthermore, Vista is supposed to be more advanced than XP. Why can XP see
the file is read-only and offer a solution, whereas Vista just flat out
doesn't know what to do?

Something is not right. I'd be more willing to think this is a bug, not by
design.

 

[Richard Urban]

No access, and improper network access credentials are not the same.

When I first set up a computer to be used strictly for backup purposes I ran
into the same thing. After properly configuring the two computer, and
applying the necessary access privileges, I had no problems.

--

Regards,

Richard Urban
Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User
(For email, remove the obvious from my address)

 

[Dave]

You need to take ownership, and change the permissions on the file or
folder.

http://blogs.msdn.com/tims/archive/2006/11/10/windows-vista-secret-11-deleting-the-undeletable.aspx