Can't get write permissions for files transferred from W2K

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Guest

I recently installed Vista Home Premium, and transferred a lot of
(non-system) files from a w2k installation over my wireless network. I can
access the files, change folder names (although not via the document tree. Is
this a Vista thing?), but every time I try to edit a file, I get "Cannot
create the <path\filename>. Make sure the path and filename are correct"
unless I run notepad as an administrator. I have tried:

1. Taking ownership, both through the properties dialog and through the
takeown cmd. Both occasions specified that should be applied to all
sub-folders etc (recursive)
2. Changing permissions. I am the only user in vista and my user name has
all the allow boxes except Special Permissions checked, and no deny boxes
checked. In advanced options, it says "Allow MyUserName Full Control
inherited from C:\Users\UserName Apply to Folder, sub-folders etc.
3. The Read-Only box for the folder where all the files and sub-folders are
contained is filled (not checked). I have tried unchecking it, running
explorer as administrator. This doesn't seem to stick. Sub-folders also have
the read-only box filled, but the read-only property for files is empty.

There are ~20000 files in about 100 sub-folders, and I need to edit them on
a daily basis. Everything else in vista is working, but this is driving me
crazy!

Any help would be gratefully received.

Thanks.
 
I don't really know, but could this be caused by the UAC? I tried
copying files in to the root drive, and even though I was an admin, I
did not get permissions.
Turned off User Account Control, and everything worked like a charm.
Might this help?

--Boris
 
You might try running this is a command prompt. You could substitute your
user name for Everyone if you prefer. I'd be interested to know if it
helps.

icacls "c:\MyFolder\*.*" /t /grant Everyone:F
 
Thanks for your suggestions; sorry it's taken me a while to get back.

Boris: I hadn't thought of switching off UAC. Unfortunately, it didn't work
this time, but it's probably the solution to most of the other problems I've
had.

GTS: I tried the command you suggested. Unfortunately, it didn't seem to
make a difference either, although surely it *should*?

I've just noticed something a bit odd about this: almost all of the files
are HTML, and I can't edit/change them at all (when opened in notepad).
However, the few .doc and .txt files, I can save with no problems. I don't
understand this at all. I've had a quick google, and haven't found anything
yet.
 
That's an interesting (and baffling) finding. It sure seems like rights
must be set correctly. I just edited and saved an html file in notepad
normally. Are you running any 3rd party security type software that could
be involved? What is the folder path, i.e.. is it off the root or under
your user documents?
 
I have AVG Anti Virus installed, and the Windows Firewall with default
settings.I tried switching them both off, but got the same result.

This is pretty weird, though. I can open up notepad, write an html file, and
save it to the root of the folder. However, when I open up the html file
again, it doesn't let me edit and save it even running notepad as
administrator, giving the same error message. Surely I should have rights on
a file I've just created in Vista.

The folder path is : C:\Users\UserName\Documents\Folder with a lot of
sub-folders and sub-sub-folders under it.

When I copy files from other areas in XP, I can edit them in vista. However,
even if I copy single files over from this particular folder, I can't change
them. I've tried changing their location to C:\Users\UserName\blah in case it
was an issue with the original top-level folder, but no change.

I'm thinking of just burning them to a cd and copying them that way - would
it make any difference?
 
Stranger and stranger. Your idea of copying via a CD could be worth a try.
It would remove any NTFS attributes or permissions carried in the transfer.
I know there are some differences in the NTFS implementations, but can't see
why it would affect only html files. I would maybe try running a chkdsk /f
also on the long shot chance that it might find an index or MFT problem.
I have a Win 2K machine here in the shop, and may see later if I can
duplicate the problem.

H. Browne said:
I have AVG Anti Virus installed, and the Windows Firewall with default
settings.I tried switching them both off, but got the same result.

This is pretty weird, though. I can open up notepad, write an html file,
and
save it to the root of the folder. However, when I open up the html file
again, it doesn't let me edit and save it even running notepad as
administrator, giving the same error message. Surely I should have rights
on
a file I've just created in Vista.

The folder path is : C:\Users\UserName\Documents\Folder with a lot of
sub-folders and sub-sub-folders under it.

When I copy files from other areas in XP, I can edit them in vista.
However,
even if I copy single files over from this particular folder, I can't
change
them. I've tried changing their location to C:\Users\UserName\blah in case
it
was an issue with the original top-level folder, but no change.

I'm thinking of just burning them to a cd and copying them that way -
would
it make any difference?
Click to expand...

<snip>
 
Okay, so much for copying on a CD - the CD drive on the W2K machine isn't
working! Tried chkdsk - reported no errors. I'm going to have one more go at
copying files to another username (i'm not hopeful), then I think I'll try
copying with a few FAT usb drives.
 
Well. I found a workaround (not a solution, unfortunately). Copy the files
from the Vista hard drive to a flash USB drive formatted as FAT, then back
onto the hard disk. This seems to have resolved the permissions issue, and
was faster and more reliable than CDs (which Vista didn't like). Also, easier
than transferring the files manually from computer to computer via USB.
Unfortunately, this does seem to wipe the properties associated with some of
the files, so it's not ideal.

Thanks for all your help.

H
 
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