Word changes open documents to Read Only - why?

[Millie]

I have Word 2007. Why does Word change open documents randomly to Read Only?

 

[JP]

You would think only two users have this problem! I use XP Word 2007. If I
open a file on my laptoo, edited on my PC, sometimes it spontaneously changes
to read-only. I do not realize a file has been changed to read-only until I
try to save it. I would like to get rid of the read-only feature because I am
the only user. The only answer I found that MAY help is below; but I have not
tried it yet. If you have figured this out, let me know. Thanks!

How to set, view, change, or remove special permissions for files and
folders in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308419

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

How are you moving the file from one machine to another?

 

[JP]

wireless network

How are you moving the file from one machine to another?

--
Suzanne S. Barnhill
Microsoft MVP (Word)
Words into Type
Fairhope, Alabama USA

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

That *shouldn't* result in their being tagged as read-only (moving them on a
CD would), but you should still be able to right-click them in Windows
Explorer (My Computer), select Properties, and remove the Read Only flag (by
clearing the check box).

--
Suzanne S. Barnhill
Microsoft MVP (Word)
Words into Type
Fairhope, Alabama USA

wireless network

 

[Millie]

My problem is peculiar. When the open file says 'read only' the read only
check box ISN'T ticked when I look into the file properties in windows
explorer.

I can get around it by copying the text in the document before I close,
ticking the 'read only' check box, opening and closing the file again and
then removing the tick. Next time I open it, the Read Only lable disappears.
I can then paste my updates back into it and save as normal. This is such a
pain though.

Do you know why it's happening in the first place?

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

Unfortunately, no. There has been a rash of reports of files mysteriously
becoming Read Only, but I don't seem to recall having seen any explanation.

--
Suzanne S. Barnhill
Microsoft MVP (Word)
Words into Type
Fairhope, Alabama USA

My problem is peculiar. When the open file says 'read only' the read only
check box ISN'T ticked when I look into the file properties in windows
explorer.

I can get around it by copying the text in the document before I close,
ticking the 'read only' check box, opening and closing the file again and
then removing the tick. Next time I open it, the Read Only lable
disappears.
I can then paste my updates back into it and save as normal. This is such
a
pain though.

Do you know why it's happening in the first place?

 

[JP]

I looked at the properties of the Folders I am using--e.g. Recent Documents,
My Documents, etc.--they were all read only. I changed every folder I use but
only time will tell if that worked. My question: why were folders read only
when I never made that change?

 

[Millie]

Thanks. At least I know it isn't something I'm doing. Maybe it's a bug.

 

[Robert T]

I want to add my experience to this issue. I can open a document, edit it,
save it from time to time, but then it changes to read only compelling me to
save it under a different name. It would be helpful if MS would provide a fix
or an explanation.

Word 2007, Home and Student Edition, SP1, XP SP 3