The Old Joel on Software Forum: Part 4 (of 5) - Directory write protected. Can't make it writeable

Directory write protected. Can't make it writeable

This problem has been bugging me for a while.

Some of the directories in my installation of Goldmine are WRITE PROTECTED. (If I view properties of the folder, they're write protected).

And when I unprotect the directories, they STAY protected.

What's up with that? I don't get it.

I've even tried using the CACLS.exe command to make those directories editable for all users. No effect.

Any ideas?

Mr. Analogy
Friday, May 14, 2004

I think this can be solved by logging on as Administrator and then taking ownership of the files/folders in question.

I am assuming you're running on Windows here.

I had to do something similar when I pulled the hard disk out of my dead laptop and wanted to copy the files to my main PC.

Steve Jones (UK)
Saturday, May 15, 2004

"I think this can be solved by logging on as Administrator and then taking ownership of the files/folders in question.
"

I have only one primary login, as an Administrator.

Are you saying that I need to log in as THE Administrator (as oppsed to my account which has Admin privledges?)

If so, how do I take ownership?

Mr. Analogy
Saturday, May 15, 2004

From Windows XP Help (after searching for "file ownership"):

To take ownership of a file or folder:

Open Windows Explorer, and then locate the file or folder you want to take ownership of.

Right-click the file or folder, click Properties, and then click the Security tab.

Click Advanced, and then click the Owner tab.

In the Change owner to box, click the new owner.

(Optional) To change the owner of all subcontainers and objects within the tree, select the Replace owner on subcontainers and objects check box.

Notes

To open Windows Explorer, click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, and then click Windows Explorer.

If you are not joined to a domain and want to view the Security tab, see To display the Security tab.

You can transfer ownership in two ways:

The current owner can grant the Take ownership permission to others, allowing those users to take ownership at any time.

An administrator can take ownership of any file on the computer. However, the administrator cannot transfer ownership to others. This restriction keeps the administrator accountable.

In Windows XP Professional, the Everyone group no longer includes the Anonymous Logon group.

Hope that helps.

Steve Jones (UK)
Saturday, May 15, 2004

Can I make clear one delusion some people seeim to suffer from Windows NT/2K/XP does not have an animal called THE Administrator.

When you can't do something even though you are in the administrators group then it will be because your individual account does not have ownership of that file. The fact that another user in the Administrator group does, does not make him THE Administrator, any more than the fact I own one plot of land and you another makes me THE owner.

What any member of the administrators group can do, unless there are some strange custom settings in place, is take ownership of any other file or directory. Once you have ownership of the file you can then distribute the permissions on that file or directory as you wish.

Stephen Jones
Saturday, May 15, 2004

"Can I make clear one delusion some people seeim to suffer from Windows NT/2K/XP does not have an animal called THE Administrator."

While I agree with your analysis, you're actually wrong on this one (relatively unimportant) fact.

There is a built-in administrator account that you cannot delete. It's the one generally titled "Administrator", although you can rename the user if you wish. (There's also a built-in guest user account that you can't delete.)

You are right, though, that this account doesn't bestow any magical powers. Being in the Administrators group is what lets you do things, not logging into the well known Administrator account.

Brad Wilson (dotnetguy.techieswithcats.com)
Saturday, May 15, 2004

Although beware of privileges which are granted to 'Administrator' alone instead of members of the Admin group.

Simon Lucy
Saturday, May 15, 2004

Yea, thanks for pointing that out. Brad. I don't think I actually denied it - more just forgot to mention it.

Stephen Jones
Saturday, May 15, 2004