Windows Vista Forums

Folders - read-only
  1. #1


    Michelle Guest

    Folders - read-only

    I have copied all my internet favourites folders in from Windows XP (IE7). I
    didn't use a password in XP and still don't in Vista.

    Now, I can't organise or add-to any of the folders in Vista. It says they
    are read-only.

    When I display the properties of the folders, they have a green square
    (mixed content) in the read-only tick-box. I switch it off and accept the
    prompt which says that it will apply to files and sub-folders.



    But when I go to use them they are still read-only, and when I look at their
    properties, they are unchanged - still flagged with mixed content. And I
    still can't organise or add to them.

    What can I do to make them useable again?

    thanks...

    M


      My System SpecsSystem Spec

  2. #2


    David Morgan \(MAMS\) Guest

    Re: Folders - read-only


    "Michelle" <mh_londonSPAMSTOP@xxxxxx> wrote in message news:ukcgnikYIHA.3400@xxxxxx

    > I have copied all my internet favourites folders in from Windows XP (IE7). I
    > didn't use a password in XP and still don't in Vista.
    >
    > Now, I can't organise or add-to any of the folders in Vista. It says they
    > are read-only.
    >
    > When I display the properties of the folders, they have a green square
    > (mixed content) in the read-only tick-box. I switch it off and accept the
    > prompt which says that it will apply to files and sub-folders.
    >
    > But when I go to use them they are still read-only, and when I look at their
    > properties, they are unchanged - still flagged with mixed content. And I
    > still can't organise or add to them.
    >
    > What can I do to make them useable again?
    >
    > thanks...
    Possible....

    Try opening the folder and "select all" then go through the same proceedure
    changing the properties of all of the selected files. Also, there may be some
    hidden system files in these folders that you can't readily see.






      My System SpecsSystem Spec

  3. #3


    Paul Adare Guest

    Re: Folders - read-only

    On Tue, 29 Jan 2008 07:29:10 -0000, Michelle wrote:

    > I have copied all my internet favourites folders in from Windows XP (IE7). I
    > didn't use a password in XP and still don't in Vista.
    >
    > Now, I can't organise or add-to any of the folders in Vista. It says they
    > are read-only.
    >
    > When I display the properties of the folders, they have a green square
    > (mixed content) in the read-only tick-box. I switch it off and accept the
    > prompt which says that it will apply to files and sub-folders.
    >
    > But when I go to use them they are still read-only, and when I look at their
    > properties, they are unchanged - still flagged with mixed content. And I
    > still can't organise or add to them.
    >
    > What can I do to make them useable again?
    Your problem is not the Read only file attribute on the folder. Read this
    article for more details:

    http://support.microsoft.com/kb/326549

    More than likely you have an NTFS permissions problem on the folder. What
    are the permissions on the folder in question and where exactly is the
    folder located?

    BTW - you've cross-posted this question excessively. I've set follow-ups to
    this post to go only to the vista.security group.

    --
    Paul Adare
    MVP - Virtual Machines
    http://www.identit.ca
    The program is absolutely right; therefore, the computer must be wrong.

      My System SpecsSystem Spec

  4. #4


    Max Guest

    Re: Folders - read-only

    It's likely a 'permissions' thing.
    Files/folders copied from another machine or Windows install do not 'belong'
    to the Vista system or user--they are flagged with previous ownership and
    therefore are limited in what can be done with them.
    Take Ownership of the files/folders and you should be fine.
    Here is an easy way:
    http://www.mydigitallife.info/2007/1...menu-in-vista/

    --
    Maxwell Bluemeanie
    "Michelle" <mh_londonSPAMSTOP@xxxxxx> wrote in message
    news:ukcgnikYIHA.3400@xxxxxx

    >I have copied all my internet favourites folders in from Windows XP (IE7).
    >I didn't use a password in XP and still don't in Vista.
    >
    > Now, I can't organise or add-to any of the folders in Vista. It says they
    > are read-only.
    >
    > When I display the properties of the folders, they have a green square
    > (mixed content) in the read-only tick-box. I switch it off and accept the
    > prompt which says that it will apply to files and sub-folders.
    >
    > But when I go to use them they are still read-only, and when I look at
    > their properties, they are unchanged - still flagged with mixed content.
    > And I still can't organise or add to them.
    >
    > What can I do to make them useable again?
    >
    > thanks...
    >
    > M

      My System SpecsSystem Spec

  5. #5


    Mr. Arnold Guest

    Re: Folders - read-only


    "Michelle" <mh_londonSPAMSTOP@xxxxxx> wrote in message
    news:ukcgnikYIHA.3400@xxxxxx

    >I have copied all my internet favourites folders in from Windows XP (IE7).
    >I didn't use a password in XP and still don't in Vista.
    >
    > Now, I can't organise or add-to any of the folders in Vista. It says they
    > are read-only.
    >
    > When I display the properties of the folders, they have a green square
    > (mixed content) in the read-only tick-box. I switch it off and accept the
    > prompt which says that it will apply to files and sub-folders.
    >
    > But when I go to use them they are still read-only, and when I look at
    > their properties, they are unchanged - still flagged with mixed content.
    > And I still can't organise or add to them.
    >
    > What can I do to make them useable again?
    >
    There is no such thing as a read-only folder. That check-box for read-only
    at the folder level means nothing, it's just cosmetics.

    I hear you have to take ownership of the folder in this situation. You have
    an user-account permission issue.


      My System SpecsSystem Spec

  6. #6


    David Morgan \(MAMS\) Guest

    Re: Folders - read-only


    "Max" <max@xxxxxx> wrote in message news:u7EFvOmYIHA.6140@xxxxxx

    > It's likely a 'permissions' thing.
    > Files/folders copied from another machine or Windows install do not 'belong'
    > to the Vista system or user--they are flagged with previous ownership and
    > therefore are limited in what can be done with them.
    > Take Ownership of the files/folders and you should be fine.
    > Here is an easy way:
    > http://www.mydigitallife.info/2007/1...menu-in-vista/
    Nice tip, thanks...

    More evidence as to why VISTA is less than ready for prime time.


    >
    > --
    > Maxwell Bluemeanie
    > "Michelle" <mh_londonSPAMSTOP@xxxxxx> wrote in message
    > news:ukcgnikYIHA.3400@xxxxxx

    > >I have copied all my internet favourites folders in from Windows XP (IE7).
    > >I didn't use a password in XP and still don't in Vista.
    > >
    > > Now, I can't organise or add-to any of the folders in Vista. It says they
    > > are read-only.
    > >
    > > When I display the properties of the folders, they have a green square
    > > (mixed content) in the read-only tick-box. I switch it off and accept the
    > > prompt which says that it will apply to files and sub-folders.
    > >
    > > But when I go to use them they are still read-only, and when I look at
    > > their properties, they are unchanged - still flagged with mixed content.
    > > And I still can't organise or add to them.
    > >
    > > What can I do to make them useable again?
    > >
    > > thanks...
    > >
    > > M
    >


      My System SpecsSystem Spec

  7. #7


    Robinb Guest

    Re: Folders - read-only

    lol it is waiting for Windows 7 to come out in 2009
    robin
    "David Morgan (MAMS)" <findme@xxxxxx-a-m-s.comC/Odm> wrote in message
    news:dRHnj.7467$v86.1246@xxxxxx

    >
    > "Max" <max@xxxxxx> wrote in message
    > news:u7EFvOmYIHA.6140@xxxxxx

    >> It's likely a 'permissions' thing.
    >> Files/folders copied from another machine or Windows install do not
    >> 'belong'
    >> to the Vista system or user--they are flagged with previous ownership and
    >> therefore are limited in what can be done with them.
    >> Take Ownership of the files/folders and you should be fine.
    >> Here is an easy way:
    >> http://www.mydigitallife.info/2007/1...menu-in-vista/
    >
    > Nice tip, thanks...
    >
    > More evidence as to why VISTA is less than ready for prime time.
    >
    >

    >>
    >> --
    >> Maxwell Bluemeanie
    >> "Michelle" <mh_londonSPAMSTOP@xxxxxx> wrote in message
    >> news:ukcgnikYIHA.3400@xxxxxx

    >> >I have copied all my internet favourites folders in from Windows XP
    >> >(IE7).
    >> >I didn't use a password in XP and still don't in Vista.
    >> >
    >> > Now, I can't organise or add-to any of the folders in Vista. It says
    >> > they
    >> > are read-only.
    >> >
    >> > When I display the properties of the folders, they have a green square
    >> > (mixed content) in the read-only tick-box. I switch it off and accept
    >> > the
    >> > prompt which says that it will apply to files and sub-folders.
    >> >
    >> > But when I go to use them they are still read-only, and when I look at
    >> > their properties, they are unchanged - still flagged with mixed
    >> > content.
    >> > And I still can't organise or add to them.
    >> >
    >> > What can I do to make them useable again?
    >> >
    >> > thanks...
    >> >
    >> > M
    >>
    >
    >


      My System SpecsSystem Spec

  8. #8


    Rick Rogers Guest

    Re: Folders - read-only

    Has nothing to do with Vista, it's a permissions issue associated with the
    creator/owner of a folder. Same thing existed in XP, 2K, and NT before it.
    Folders created in another operating system have to be taken over by the
    owner of the different operating system when migrated. This is an inherent
    part of any NT system, as opposed to the 9x line where security was pretty
    much non-existent.

    --
    Best of Luck,

    Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP
    http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/
    Windows help - www.rickrogers.org
    My thoughts http://rick-mvp.blogspot.com

    "David Morgan (MAMS)" <findme@xxxxxx-a-m-s.comC/Odm> wrote in message
    news:dRHnj.7467$v86.1246@xxxxxx

    >
    > "Max" <max@xxxxxx> wrote in message
    > news:u7EFvOmYIHA.6140@xxxxxx

    >> It's likely a 'permissions' thing.
    >> Files/folders copied from another machine or Windows install do not
    >> 'belong'
    >> to the Vista system or user--they are flagged with previous ownership and
    >> therefore are limited in what can be done with them.
    >> Take Ownership of the files/folders and you should be fine.
    >> Here is an easy way:
    >> http://www.mydigitallife.info/2007/1...menu-in-vista/
    >
    > Nice tip, thanks...
    >
    > More evidence as to why VISTA is less than ready for prime time.
    >
    >

    >>
    >> --
    >> Maxwell Bluemeanie
    >> "Michelle" <mh_londonSPAMSTOP@xxxxxx> wrote in message
    >> news:ukcgnikYIHA.3400@xxxxxx

    >> >I have copied all my internet favourites folders in from Windows XP
    >> >(IE7).
    >> >I didn't use a password in XP and still don't in Vista.
    >> >
    >> > Now, I can't organise or add-to any of the folders in Vista. It says
    >> > they
    >> > are read-only.
    >> >
    >> > When I display the properties of the folders, they have a green square
    >> > (mixed content) in the read-only tick-box. I switch it off and accept
    >> > the
    >> > prompt which says that it will apply to files and sub-folders.
    >> >
    >> > But when I go to use them they are still read-only, and when I look at
    >> > their properties, they are unchanged - still flagged with mixed
    >> > content.
    >> > And I still can't organise or add to them.
    >> >
    >> > What can I do to make them useable again?
    >> >
    >> > thanks...
    >> >
    >> > M
    >>
    >
    >

      My System SpecsSystem Spec

  9. #9


    David Morgan \(MAMS\) Guest

    Re: Folders - read-only


    "Rick Rogers" <rick@xxxxxx> wrote in message news:%232wKc0tYIHA.5208@xxxxxx'

    > Has nothing to do with Vista, it's a permissions issue associated with the
    > creator/owner of a folder. Same thing existed in XP, 2K, and NT before it.
    > Folders created in another operating system have to be taken over by the
    > owner of the different operating system when migrated. This is an inherent
    > part of any NT system, as opposed to the 9x line where security was pretty
    > much non-existent.
    OK.... At first I started to rant and disagree.... then I realized I have *never*
    used a "migrate" function in any shape for or fashion. I simply transfer files
    and settings by copying.

    So... If I copy a CD full of files to VISTA from an XP PC, this 'issue' is non-existant?





    > Best of Luck,
    >
    > Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP
    > http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/
    > Windows help - www.rickrogers.org
    > My thoughts http://rick-mvp.blogspot.com
    >
    > "David Morgan (MAMS)" <findme@xxxxxx-a-m-s.comC/Odm> wrote in message
    > news:dRHnj.7467$v86.1246@xxxxxx

    > >
    > > "Max" <max@xxxxxx> wrote in message
    > > news:u7EFvOmYIHA.6140@xxxxxx

    > >> It's likely a 'permissions' thing.
    > >> Files/folders copied from another machine or Windows install do not
    > >> 'belong'
    > >> to the Vista system or user--they are flagged with previous ownership and
    > >> therefore are limited in what can be done with them.
    > >> Take Ownership of the files/folders and you should be fine.
    > >> Here is an easy way:
    > >> http://www.mydigitallife.info/2007/1...menu-in-vista/
    > >
    > > Nice tip, thanks...
    > >
    > > More evidence as to why VISTA is less than ready for prime time.
    > >
    > >

    > >>
    > >> --
    > >> Maxwell Bluemeanie
    > >> "Michelle" <mh_londonSPAMSTOP@xxxxxx> wrote in message
    > >> news:ukcgnikYIHA.3400@xxxxxx
    > >> >I have copied all my internet favourites folders in from Windows XP
    > >> >(IE7).
    > >> >I didn't use a password in XP and still don't in Vista.
    > >> >
    > >> > Now, I can't organise or add-to any of the folders in Vista. It says
    > >> > they
    > >> > are read-only.
    > >> >
    > >> > When I display the properties of the folders, they have a green square
    > >> > (mixed content) in the read-only tick-box. I switch it off and accept
    > >> > the
    > >> > prompt which says that it will apply to files and sub-folders.
    > >> >
    > >> > But when I go to use them they are still read-only, and when I look at
    > >> > their properties, they are unchanged - still flagged with mixed
    > >> > content.
    > >> > And I still can't organise or add to them.
    > >> >
    > >> > What can I do to make them useable again?
    > >> >
    > >> > thanks...
    > >> >
    > >> > M
    > >>
    > >
    > >
    >


      My System SpecsSystem Spec

  10. #10


    Rick Rogers Guest

    Re: Folders - read-only

    No, it'd still be the same. In an NT system, the creator/owner is the only
    account to automatically have full access to a folder. When migrated to
    another installation, the permissions on that folder must be altered by the
    user to match the user account on the target installation.

    --
    Best of Luck,

    Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP
    http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/
    Windows help - www.rickrogers.org
    My thoughts http://rick-mvp.blogspot.com

    "David Morgan (MAMS)" <findme@xxxxxx-a-m-s.comC/Odm> wrote in message
    news:Qz9oj.5731$z_6.4958@xxxxxx

    >
    > "Rick Rogers" <rick@xxxxxx> wrote in message
    > news:%232wKc0tYIHA.5208@xxxxxx'
    >

    >> Has nothing to do with Vista, it's a permissions issue associated with
    >> the
    >> creator/owner of a folder. Same thing existed in XP, 2K, and NT before
    >> it.
    >> Folders created in another operating system have to be taken over by the
    >> owner of the different operating system when migrated. This is an
    >> inherent
    >> part of any NT system, as opposed to the 9x line where security was
    >> pretty
    >> much non-existent.
    >
    > OK.... At first I started to rant and disagree.... then I realized I
    > have *never*
    > used a "migrate" function in any shape for or fashion. I simply transfer
    > files
    > and settings by copying.
    >
    > So... If I copy a CD full of files to VISTA from an XP PC, this 'issue' is
    > non-existant?
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >

    >> Best of Luck,
    >>
    >> Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP
    >> http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/
    >> Windows help - www.rickrogers.org
    >> My thoughts http://rick-mvp.blogspot.com
    >>
    >> "David Morgan (MAMS)" <findme@xxxxxx-a-m-s.comC/Odm> wrote in message
    >> news:dRHnj.7467$v86.1246@xxxxxx

    >> >
    >> > "Max" <max@xxxxxx> wrote in message
    >> > news:u7EFvOmYIHA.6140@xxxxxx
    >> >> It's likely a 'permissions' thing.
    >> >> Files/folders copied from another machine or Windows install do not
    >> >> 'belong'
    >> >> to the Vista system or user--they are flagged with previous ownership
    >> >> and
    >> >> therefore are limited in what can be done with them.
    >> >> Take Ownership of the files/folders and you should be fine.
    >> >> Here is an easy way:
    >> >> http://www.mydigitallife.info/2007/1...menu-in-vista/
    >> >
    >> > Nice tip, thanks...
    >> >
    >> > More evidence as to why VISTA is less than ready for prime time.
    >> >
    >> >
    >> >>
    >> >> --
    >> >> Maxwell Bluemeanie
    >> >> "Michelle" <mh_londonSPAMSTOP@xxxxxx> wrote in message
    >> >> news:ukcgnikYIHA.3400@xxxxxx
    >> >> >I have copied all my internet favourites folders in from Windows XP
    >> >> >(IE7).
    >> >> >I didn't use a password in XP and still don't in Vista.
    >> >> >
    >> >> > Now, I can't organise or add-to any of the folders in Vista. It says
    >> >> > they
    >> >> > are read-only.
    >> >> >
    >> >> > When I display the properties of the folders, they have a green
    >> >> > square
    >> >> > (mixed content) in the read-only tick-box. I switch it off and
    >> >> > accept
    >> >> > the
    >> >> > prompt which says that it will apply to files and sub-folders.
    >> >> >
    >> >> > But when I go to use them they are still read-only, and when I look
    >> >> > at
    >> >> > their properties, they are unchanged - still flagged with mixed
    >> >> > content.
    >> >> > And I still can't organise or add to them.
    >> >> >
    >> >> > What can I do to make them useable again?
    >> >> >
    >> >> > thanks...
    >> >> >
    >> >> > M
    >> >>
    >> >
    >> >
    >>
    >
    >

      My System SpecsSystem Spec

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Folders - read-only problems?

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
ALL folders are set on READ ONLY - WTF ? korvix Vista file management 1 16 Jun 2009
Help - How to select all folders or group of folders, and make them 'Mark as Read' ? User66 Live Mail 3 14 May 2008
Folders - read-only Michelle Vista performance & maintenance 12 01 Feb 2008
Folders - read-only Michelle Vista security 12 01 Feb 2008
Folders/files read only/can't create new folder in read only folde gshillitani Vista account administration 10 25 Sep 2007