Cannot change attribute of a folder

  • Thread starter Thread starter Jerry
  • Start date Start date
J

Jerry

A user folder (C:\Users\<username>) is marked as hidden and the hidden
setting is grayed out. I tried to change it while logged as that same user
and also as administrator, but it stays grayed out. Also tried using ATTRIB,
but result the same. The owner of the folder is listed as SYSTEM, same as in
case of all other folders, but only this one is presenting this strange
behavior.

How can I re-gain access to the hidden attribute setting?
 
Jerry

What is the name of the folder?

If this is one of the folders that starts with the "MY" name (ie: My
Documents, My Pictures, etc.) then this is normal behavior. This is not an
actual folder, but a Junction. It is only there for backward compatibility
with legacy programs that are looking for that name.

The "MY" designation for folders has been dropped in Vista and folder names
are different. Take a look at the following website for a complete
explanation. This website has a list of all the changed folder names and
their new name/location in Vista.

Svrops.com - Windows Vista Junction Points:
http://www.svrops.com/svrops/articles/jpoints.htm
 
No, this is a user "home" folder. Not a junction. I have several users on
this PC and all have their folders in C:\Users, created by the system at the
time when users have been defined, like this:

C:\Users\<username1>, C:\Users\<username2>, C:\Users\<username3>, etc.

Except for this particular folder (say, C:\Users\<username2>), for all
others I can change the hidden attribute. Only this one has the attribute
check box grayed out, therefore inaccessible. To its legitimate owner, to
the administrator, to all. Running ATTRIB under DOS prompt doesn't work
either.
 
I'm not sure how your user folders are becoming hidden, but try this:

Open Command Prompt, by right-clicking on it and choosing Run as
Administrator. At the prompt, type:

attrib -s -h -r "C:\Users\exampleusername"

Press Enter. This will restore the default attributes of a user folder, and
"ungray" the hidden attribute in Properties...
 
That worked!
Thank you very much!
When I was trying with ATTRIB, I only used the -h switch, and that didn't
work.
Thanks a lot again.
 
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