Every folder is read-only no matter what

[cosmin]

It seems to have started happening recently, at first I thought some
third-party app was to blame, but after some googling I found out it's good
ole Windows' fault. When creating a folder, it's automatically set to read
only and good luck trying to unset that attribute. Every folder I have on my
computer is set to read-only and it's causing me troubles with applications,
especially since I can't unset it.What's the point of this nonsense? I know
there's a KB that advises using attrib to unset the attribute, (gee thanks),
but what I need to know is why do I have to go through this? If I want a
folder to be read-only, I'll set it to read only myself, goddamnit! Is there
anyway to report this as a bug to MS? Will anyone there care? (after all
there are bugs that go back years, like "the invisible folder named Windows
in the recycle bin" for instance) Or is this supposed to be a "feature" by
now (heaven forbid!)?

 

[cosmin]

Hmm. I fail to see what security attributes have to do with read-only
settings. When you create a folder on your PC, is it automatically set to
read-only? Win2K didn't do this, neither did XP, until recently. I did have
some problems (hardware, I think) and had to run chkdsk. It found that all
my security descriptors were bad and I of course let it fix it. OK, now
suppose it messed up my NTFS permissions. How do I set them up correctly? I
tried setting Creator Owner full control on the D partition and the
checkboxes uncheck themselves. I am an admin, it's my own PC.

This did not just start!

HOW TO: Take Ownership of a File or Folder in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=308421

Read-only means nothing for folders. Only a file can be Read-only.

The Read-only check box for folders is there for convenience, it allows
you
to change the Read-only attribute of all the files contained in that
folder.

The HELP question mark (?) explains it this way.
[[Specifies whether the files in this folder are read-only, which means
that
they cannot be changed or accidentally deleted.

For multiple folders, if you select this check box all of the files in the
folders will be read-only. If you clear the check box, none of the files
in
the selected folders will be read-only.]]
---

[[Apply the read-only attribute to folder contents

A folder itself cannot be made read-only. Nevertheless, the properties
dialog box for a folder does include a read-only check box. You can use
this check box to set or clear the read-only attribute for all existing
files in the selected folder. This action has no bearing on files that
you
create subsequently.

In most cases, when you open the properties dialog box for a folder, the
Read-Only check box will contain a green square. This indicates either a
mixed or undetermined condition. Windows displays this green square
because
it would take too long to check the state of the read-only attribute for
every file in the folder. To apply the read-only attribute to the contents
of a folder, click the check box until a check mark appears. To clear the
attribute, click the check box until it is empty. When you leave the
dialog
box, Windows asks whether you want to apply your action to subfolders and
files. Be sure you select this option; if you select Apply Changes To
This
Folder Only, nothing at all happens.]]
From...
Microsoft Windows XP Inside Out Deluxe, Second Edition
Author Ed Bott, Carl Siechert, Craig Stinson
http://www.microsoft.com/products/i...216cbfc3-ff30-42db-9c32-995a75dfafbe&type=ovr

[[Unlike the Read-only attribute for a file, the Read-only attribute for a
folder is typically ignored by Windows, Windows components and
accessories,
and other programs.]]

[[The Read-only check box for folders is not available because it does not
apply to the folder. You can use this check box to set the Read-only
attribute for files in the folder.]]

The gray/green state means...

[[Microsoft calls this a tri-mode flag. When it has gray in the
background,
it indicates that some file or folder anywhere under that particular
folder
has been set to Read-only.

This checkmark does not actually control the Read-only attribute on the
child files and folder. It just displays their status.]]

Rally 'Round the Tri-Mode Flag
http://www.mcpmag.com/columns/article.asp?EditorialsID=652

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.

Wes
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User

In

It seems to have started happening recently, at first I thought some
third-party app was to blame, but after some googling I found out it's
good ole Windows' fault. When creating a folder, it's automatically set
to read only and good luck trying to unset that attribute. Every folder I
have on my computer is set to read-only and it's causing me troubles with
applications, especially since I can't unset it.What's the point of this
nonsense? I know there's a KB that advises using attrib to unset the
attribute, (gee thanks), but what I need to know is why do I have to go
through this? If I want a folder to be read-only, I'll set it to read
only myself, goddamnit! Is there anyway to report this as a bug to MS?
Will anyone there care? (after all there are bugs that go back years,
like "the invisible folder named Windows in the recycle bin" for
instance) Or is this supposed to be a "feature" by now (heaven forbid!)?

 

[cosmin]

Hmm, now that you mention it...
The checkbox is greyed out, or fully green (I'm using the Royale Windows MCE
theme), it doesn't have the green tick. And no, in details view, the "R"
attribute doesn't appear. But I've had complaints from applications that
they can't write to their settings file because "folder is read-only". And
that's when I noticed that even if I apply uncheck read only it comes back
defiantly as greyed out. And

Is it really read-only? Add the attributes column to a detail view of
windows explorer and see.
The only folders with their read-only attribute set are those that use a
desktop.ini file for
customization. It does not affect your ability to manipulate files within
that folder.

--
Good Luck,

Keith
Microsoft MVP [Windows XP Shell/User]

It seems to have started happening recently, at first I thought some
third-party app was to blame, but after some googling I found out it's
good
ole Windows' fault. When creating a folder, it's automatically set to
read
only and good luck trying to unset that attribute. Every folder I have on
my
computer is set to read-only and it's causing me troubles with
applications,
especially since I can't unset it.What's the point of this nonsense? I
know
there's a KB that advises using attrib to unset the attribute, (gee
thanks),
but what I need to know is why do I have to go through this? If I want a
folder to be read-only, I'll set it to read only myself, goddamnit! Is
there
anyway to report this as a bug to MS? Will anyone there care? (after all
there are bugs that go back years, like "the invisible folder named
Windows
in the recycle bin" for instance) Or is this supposed to be a "feature"
by
now (heaven forbid!)?

 

[cosmin]

You are confusing NTFS security and file attributes. XP has always shown
folders to be read only. It is ignored and doesn't cause any problems. It
has nothing to do with setting the Creator Owner. I don't think you can
change the permissions for Creator Owner. If you take ownership you will
get Creator Owner permissions.

Kerry

I'm not confusing anything. It was the previous poster who suggested that
this might require me to change permissions. I know the difference between
the two.

Well it does cause me problems because it doesn't seem to be ignored. Some
programs complained about their settings folders being read-only. And attrib
allows you to set read-only attributes on folders as well. Doesn't seem like
it is ignored to me.
Besides, if read only is only applied to customized folders (IE those with
desktop.ini files inside) which are shown in details view with "R", then why
can't I unset it for those either?

 

[Wesley Vogel]

This did not just start!

HOW TO: Take Ownership of a File or Folder in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=308421

Read-only means nothing for folders. Only a file can be Read-only.

The Read-only check box for folders is there for convenience, it allows you
to change the Read-only attribute of all the files contained in that folder.

The HELP question mark (?) explains it this way.
[[Specifies whether the files in this folder are read-only, which means that
they cannot be changed or accidentally deleted.

For multiple folders, if you select this check box all of the files in the
folders will be read-only. If you clear the check box, none of the files in
the selected folders will be read-only.]]
---

[[Apply the read-only attribute to folder contents

A folder itself cannot be made read-only. Nevertheless, the properties
dialog box for a folder does include a read-only check box. You can use
this check box to set or clear the read-only attribute for all existing
files in the selected folder. This action has no bearing on files that you
create subsequently.

In most cases, when you open the properties dialog box for a folder, the
Read-Only check box will contain a green square. This indicates either a
mixed or undetermined condition. Windows displays this green square because
it would take too long to check the state of the read-only attribute for
every file in the folder. To apply the read-only attribute to the contents
of a folder, click the check box until a check mark appears. To clear the
attribute, click the check box until it is empty. When you leave the dialog
box, Windows asks whether you want to apply your action to subfolders and
files. Be sure you select this option; if you select Apply Changes To This
Folder Only, nothing at all happens.]]
From...
Microsoft Windows XP Inside Out Deluxe, Second Edition
Author Ed Bott, Carl Siechert, Craig Stinson
http://www.microsoft.com/products/i...216cbfc3-ff30-42db-9c32-995a75dfafbe&type=ovr

[[Unlike the Read-only attribute for a file, the Read-only attribute for a
folder is typically ignored by Windows, Windows components and accessories,
and other programs.]]

[[The Read-only check box for folders is not available because it does not
apply to the folder. You can use this check box to set the Read-only
attribute for files in the folder.]]

The gray/green state means...

[[Microsoft calls this a tri-mode flag. When it has gray in the background,
it indicates that some file or folder anywhere under that particular folder
has been set to Read-only.

This checkmark does not actually control the Read-only attribute on the
child files and folder. It just displays their status.]]

Rally 'Round the Tri-Mode Flag
http://www.mcpmag.com/columns/article.asp?EditorialsID=652

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.

Wes
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User

In

 

[cosmin]

When applications get that error it is usually caused by a permissions
problem either, share permissions or NTFS permisions.

Kerry

Then I'll ask the question again. I'm logged on as admin. How do I set the
permissions to be correct, because I have the feeling that chdsk really
messed them up.

 

[cosmin]

OK. Running Media Center, SP2, logged on as administrator (please don't
pester me about this, I'm fully aware of the risks, it's not my fault most
applications don't work with users accounts, I don't feel like fighting
Windows every step of the way, and I don't have the time).
Had some problems recently, I let chkdsk run upon restart, said the security
descriptors are wrong (i'm not sure if this was the exact message, there's
nothing in the event log). It spent about 40 minutes fixing them for all
about 100 000 files. Now

Hi,

It's not that the folder is read only, it's that the user account
attempting to run the application only has read privileges on that folder.
At a minimum they need read & execute, and possibly write permissions for
the program to run correctly. This has naught to do with the percieved
"read only" attribute, it has everything to do with user account
permissions.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

Hmm, now that you mention it...
The checkbox is greyed out, or fully green (I'm using the Royale Windows
MCE theme), it doesn't have the green tick. And no, in details view, the
"R" attribute doesn't appear. But I've had complaints from applications
that they can't write to their settings file because "folder is
read-only". And that's when I noticed that even if I apply uncheck read
only it comes back defiantly as greyed out. And

Is it really read-only? Add the attributes column to a detail view of
windows explorer and see.
The only folders with their read-only attribute set are those that use a
desktop.ini file for
customization. It does not affect your ability to manipulate files
within that folder.

--
Good Luck,

Keith
Microsoft MVP [Windows XP Shell/User]


It seems to have started happening recently, at first I thought some
third-party app was to blame, but after some googling I found out it's
good
ole Windows' fault. When creating a folder, it's automatically set to
read
only and good luck trying to unset that attribute. Every folder I have
on my
computer is set to read-only and it's causing me troubles with
applications,
especially since I can't unset it.What's the point of this nonsense? I
know
there's a KB that advises using attrib to unset the attribute, (gee
thanks),
but what I need to know is why do I have to go through this? If I want
a
folder to be read-only, I'll set it to read only myself, goddamnit! Is
there
anyway to report this as a bug to MS? Will anyone there care? (after
all
there are bugs that go back years, like "the invisible folder named
Windows
in the recycle bin" for instance) Or is this supposed to be a "feature"
by
now (heaven forbid!)?

 

[Keith Miller MVP]

Is it really read-only? Add the attributes column to a detail view of windows explorer and see.
The only folders with their read-only attribute set are those that use a desktop.ini file for
customization. It does not affect your ability to manipulate files within that folder.

 

[cosmin]

If a program is getting errors then the files are read only or there are
permission problems. Earlier you mentioned that chkdsk had fixed the
security descriptors. This is most likely the cause of any problems. Do
you have the same problem with files/folders on other drives?

Kerry

No, not really (at least not yet). But some applications can't update their
settings files (namely Portable Firefox).

 

[Kerry Brown]

Hmm. I fail to see what security attributes have to do with read-only
settings. When you create a folder on your PC, is it automatically
set to read-only? Win2K didn't do this, neither did XP, until
recently. I did have some problems (hardware, I think) and had to run
chkdsk. It found that all my security descriptors were bad and I of
course let it fix it. OK, now suppose it messed up my NTFS
permissions. How do I set them up correctly? I tried setting Creator
Owner full control on the D partition and the checkboxes uncheck
themselves. I am an admin, it's my own PC.

You are confusing NTFS security and file attributes. XP has always shown
folders to be read only. It is ignored and doesn't cause any problems. It
has nothing to do with setting the Creator Owner. I don't think you can
change the permissions for Creator Owner. If you take ownership you will get
Creator Owner permissions.

Kerry

 

[Kerry Brown]

Hmm, now that you mention it...
The checkbox is greyed out, or fully green (I'm using the Royale
Windows MCE theme), it doesn't have the green tick. And no, in
details view, the "R" attribute doesn't appear. But I've had
complaints from applications that they can't write to their settings
file because "folder is read-only". And that's when I noticed that
even if I apply uncheck read only it comes back defiantly as greyed
out. And

When applications get that error it is usually caused by a permissions
problem either, share permissions or NTFS permisions.

Kerry

 

[Keith Miller MVP]

OK. So the read-only attribute is not the problem. It most likely is a permissions/ownership
issue.

Are you running Home or Pro?

In the properties dialog for a folder, do you have a 'Security' tab?


--
Good Luck,

Keith
Microsoft MVP [Windows XP Shell/User]

Hmm, now that you mention it...
The checkbox is greyed out, or fully green (I'm using the Royale Windows MCE
theme), it doesn't have the green tick. And no, in details view, the "R"
attribute doesn't appear. But I've had complaints from applications that
they can't write to their settings file because "folder is read-only". And
that's when I noticed that even if I apply uncheck read only it comes back
defiantly as greyed out. And

Is it really read-only? Add the attributes column to a detail view of
windows explorer and see.
The only folders with their read-only attribute set are those that use a
desktop.ini file for
customization. It does not affect your ability to manipulate files within
that folder.

--
Good Luck,

Keith
Microsoft MVP [Windows XP Shell/User]

It seems to have started happening recently, at first I thought some
third-party app was to blame, but after some googling I found out it's
good
ole Windows' fault. When creating a folder, it's automatically set to
read
only and good luck trying to unset that attribute. Every folder I have on
my
computer is set to read-only and it's causing me troubles with
applications,
especially since I can't unset it.What's the point of this nonsense? I
know
there's a KB that advises using attrib to unset the attribute, (gee
thanks),
but what I need to know is why do I have to go through this? If I want a
folder to be read-only, I'll set it to read only myself, goddamnit! Is
there
anyway to report this as a bug to MS? Will anyone there care? (after all
there are bugs that go back years, like "the invisible folder named
Windows
in the recycle bin" for instance) Or is this supposed to be a "feature"
by
now (heaven forbid!)?

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi,

It's not that the folder is read only, it's that the user account attempting
to run the application only has read privileges on that folder. At a minimum
they need read & execute, and possibly write permissions for the program to
run correctly. This has naught to do with the percieved "read only"
attribute, it has everything to do with user account permissions.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

Hmm, now that you mention it...
The checkbox is greyed out, or fully green (I'm using the Royale Windows
MCE theme), it doesn't have the green tick. And no, in details view, the
"R" attribute doesn't appear. But I've had complaints from applications
that they can't write to their settings file because "folder is
read-only". And that's when I noticed that even if I apply uncheck read
only it comes back defiantly as greyed out. And

Is it really read-only? Add the attributes column to a detail view of
windows explorer and see.
The only folders with their read-only attribute set are those that use a
desktop.ini file for
customization. It does not affect your ability to manipulate files
within that folder.

--
Good Luck,

Keith
Microsoft MVP [Windows XP Shell/User]

It seems to have started happening recently, at first I thought some
third-party app was to blame, but after some googling I found out it's
good
ole Windows' fault. When creating a folder, it's automatically set to
read
only and good luck trying to unset that attribute. Every folder I have
on my
computer is set to read-only and it's causing me troubles with
applications,
especially since I can't unset it.What's the point of this nonsense? I
know
there's a KB that advises using attrib to unset the attribute, (gee
thanks),
but what I need to know is why do I have to go through this? If I want a
folder to be read-only, I'll set it to read only myself, goddamnit! Is
there
anyway to report this as a bug to MS? Will anyone there care? (after all
there are bugs that go back years, like "the invisible folder named
Windows
in the recycle bin" for instance) Or is this supposed to be a "feature"
by
now (heaven forbid!)?

 

[Kerry Brown]

I'm not confusing anything. It was the previous poster who suggested
that this might require me to change permissions. I know the
difference between the two.


Well it does cause me problems because it doesn't seem to be ignored.
Some programs complained about their settings folders being
read-only. And attrib allows you to set read-only attributes on
folders as well. Doesn't seem like it is ignored to me.
Besides, if read only is only applied to customized folders (IE those
with desktop.ini files inside) which are shown in details view with
"R", then why can't I unset it for those either?

I know you've already read the KB article.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;326549

It explains about the customised folders. This the way XP works. I had a
similar problem to what you are experiencing and spent several wasted days
trying to reset the read only attribute for folders. I tried registry hacks,
scripts to traverse the tree resetting things, using attrib etc. The problem
didn't go away until I figured out where the permissions problem lay. I got
the drive so messed up I finally formatted it and started again.

If a program is getting errors then the files are read only or there are
permission problems. Earlier you mentioned that chkdsk had fixed the
security descriptors. This is most likely the cause of any problems. Do you
have the same problem with files/folders on other drives?

Kerry

 

[Kerry Brown]

No, not really (at least not yet). But some applications can't update
their settings files (namely Portable Firefox).

If it looks like the problem is specific to that drive then it may be you
have to backup the files, format the drive, then restore the files. That is
route I used after spending several days on the problem I just gave up and
went that way. If you do this this make sure the backup program doesn't save
the permissions. I used xcopy to copy them to an external drive that was
formatted as FAT32.

Kerry

 

[Plato]

It seems to have started happening recently, at first I thought some
third-party app was to blame, but after some googling I found out it's good
ole Windows' fault. When creating a folder, it's automatically set to read
only and good luck trying to unset that attribute. Every folder I have on my

It's a feature of XP. If you dont like that feature, use another OS.