Can't change read-only attribute on folders in Windows XP

[Dark Messenger]

In windows xp pro u can't change the read-only attribute on any folders...

this is how I did it..just curious how u did if u even noticed it.

Similar problem to other readers on this thread. I was not able to make inserts or updates to a database in a read-only folder. HTTP Error page said that the database was read-only.

Faced the same problem of not being able to uncheck the Read-Only box.

Tried: from command prompt "attrib -r +s c:\inetpub /s /d" and on subdirectories. Nothing worked.

Reference URLs:

http://www.windowsitpro.com/Articles...rticleID=24940 (this thread); and

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/326549/ (Microsoft solution...which didn't work)

What I did:

In Windows Explorer, went to the directory containing the database and right-clicked on that directory. Accessed its Properties. Selected the Sharing tab. Checked the box next to "Share this folder on the network". The Share name defaulted to the name of the directory. Whatever.

Also checked the box next to "Allow network users to change my files".

Pretty drastic, but it works now.

System: Windows XP Pro, on a Tablet PC. Non-networked.

Sources:

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[multi]

In Windows Explorer, went to the directory containing the database and right-clicked on that directory.

cant see what database you mean anywhere ?
what is the path ?

did you try the reg fix from m$ ?

[Dark Messenger]

Originally Posted by multi

cant see what database you mean anywhere ?
what is the path ?

did you try the reg fix from m$ ?

directory name = 'mysql'

haven't tried the regfix yet...but will give it a go....enabling it as a shared folder on the network was quick fix..other directories affected included a few download folders for some files i was grabbing off bittorrent and also my cache folder for grabit..it wouldn't let me read or write to the cache for the newsgroups nor could I even click on an avi file without it crashing my system.

[Dark Messenger]

an update on this...first off how many of you have folders on your desktop? Try right-clicking one of them and on the properties tab see if they are read only? Can you change their status from read only by unchecking the arrow in the box and clicking okay? Seems like u can doesn't it? Now right-click that same folder again...is the read-only attribute for the folder still checked? it is isn't it.....weird.

Now back to topic. Running windows xp professionel (dell oem version with windows service pack 2 installed and no known patches)

I think this is default behaviour for at least dell oem version of windows professional that I have...I didn't really have a problem with it until grabit couldn't update my cache and I couldn't select an avi file to play.

Enabling sharing as already mentioned worked it allowed the programs to access the folders they previously didn't have permission to...however its a security risk to have that enabled especially when you don't really need it.

I disabled sharing altogether on this pc by right-clicking on my computer icon on the desktop and selecting manage properties>services>Server and dsiabling 'server'....now filesharing via netbios is off and everything seems to work....but what other than an unexpected power interrupt could have caused this woeful misfortune for something working fine to fail overnight....the grayed out checked 'read only' attribute still remains a mystery but I can now play my avi files and update my cache again...no lan sharing though (I no longer have a Lan).

[mealzer]

I have the same problem as the original one here. I can't delete a folder because the "Read Only" box is grayed out and checked, and when I uncheck it, it just goes back to how it was when I close the properties box. I tried opening command prompt and doing the whole attrib -r -s C:\ business, but it says "Parameter format not correct -"


So in my command prompt it says

C:\documents and settings\user>attrib -r -s c:\The Sims
Parameter format not correct -

C:\documents and settings\user>


Any ideas?

[w31n3r]

if deleting the file is what you want, then you can try unlocker, it does the trick in most cases as long as you're logged in as administrator.

unfortunately, the read only attribute thingy is common across all XP SP2 machines i've come across, i suppose it's another m$ screwup. it shouldn't affect your day to day usage, but if it does, you can try turning off simple file sharing (google how), go to the security tab of the folder/files properties, and take ownership and assign permissions.

note that if you setup a share, windows will take into account the most restrictive settings, so if you set a user permission for a share to read and write, and set it to full control in the security tab, windows will take it at read and write.

just my 2 bits.

[LeviGarrett]

Try this Microsoft website page.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308421

What happened to me was that a folder somehow got moved into an update folder and the folder that was moved took on the properties of the folder it was moved to, which was protected. When I moved the folder back out, it maintained those properties as Read-Only could not be changed because the administrator no longer had ownership. I had to:

Open the properties of the folder or file,
Select the Security Tab, Advanced button,
Owners Tab, select administrators and then check the radio button beside replace owner on subconatiner and objects.
Select ok and that should do it.

I had to call Microsoft to solve this and was charged $59, so if this helps you, please send me $1. Once I get $58 returned I will stop asking for the $1. ;-) Cheers.

[dubimport]

I wasnt as much concerned about the folder showing read only as I was with the files within the folders. They all opened up as read only and I also couldnt add a new doc to folder either. Came as as access denied. This is despite the fact that the end user had full control within the folder.

Very very simple solution in the end guys....

Make sure that the share you have created for the network folder has the proper permissions. Mine was set up that the group "Everyone" only had read access. Changed that to "Full control" and it worked fine then for all authorised users of the folder and sub folders.

If this helps, you might let me know. Dubimport@live.ie

Thanks,

Pat