Cannot unset read-only attribute

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Windows10 20H2, 2nd March Update.

I’ve just discovered that my computer has my folders and files set to read-only. I’ve just run into problems modifying and saving numerous different types of files because suddenly they’ve been set to read-only. Using Explorer, selecting a folder, going in to properties shows read-only set. Unchecking read-only, applying and answering yes, looks like it’s working. But closing explorer, going back in and verifying shows the read-only property still set. I’ve checked security and permissions, and the user I log in as has full permissions on the folder.

Can anyone help? I need to do some work.

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I can open the files, see the content, move them around at will. I just can’t modify them.

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The read-only property on a folder is does not mean the same thing as it does on files. It has been like this for a long time. See You cannot view or change the Read-only or the System attributes of folders in Windows Server 2003, in Windows XP, in Windows Vista or in Windows 7 (microsoft.com) for an explanation.

--Joe

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wavy, Tom, b

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After the update did your desktop or folders change? It’s possible you have a new user ID that doesn’t have correct permissions.

Open Explorer
Navigate to one of the files that you can’t change
Right click on the file and select Properties > Security
Select your user ID
The permissions should be as shown in the attached pic

If the permissions are OK you may have controlled folder access turned on but not set correctly.

cheers, Paul

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Tom

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I got it sorted. User hasn’t changed because of an update. Everything as it was except the read-only setting. So I just used attrib -r -s *.* on the folder containing the files. That worked.

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Just wanted to add here that I updated my 20H2 PC yesterday and found this same thing this morning. In my case, the read-only bit would immediately reset. I discovered that my security settings didn’t include my user account anywhere – even in my user folder. After looking at the security/advanced/permissions and rebooting, my security settings returned to normal.

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