XP and read-only files

[cableguy69]

Why does XP always want to make saved files read-only? Any way of changing that? Sometimes have a hard time saving one telling me I can't because it's read-only. Also annoying when it asks you if your sure you want to move a read-only file.

[BipolarBill]

It depends on your user group and which program. Are these Office docs?

[cableguy69]

Maybe I should elaborate a little. I'm having no problem with files I make, like in Office, or files I've downloaded. These are files that were archived. Like MP3's or digital pics, JPEG's on a CDR or CDRW. Could that have something to do with it? Since it was saved on a removable medium?

[BipolarBill]

Since CDs are read only by nature, the files placed there are usually set as read-only. That doesn't mean that you can't overwrite a CDRW - it may still show as read-only anyway though.

Files on CDRs are always read-only.

[cableguy69]

Thanks Bill. Do you know if there's a way or a program out there that can change all the file attributes at once? Say after I transfer the files from CD to the hard drive. Is there a way to group the files and change the attributes all at once? Or am I stuck changing them one at a time.

[BipolarBill]

You don't need an application for that. You already have one! It's called ATTRIB.EXE.

Open a command prompt (Run > CMD). Another neat trick is to install Command Prompt Here from the WinXP Powertoys:

http://download.microsoft.com/download/whistler/Install/2/WXP/EN-US/CmdHerePowertoySetup.exe

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/downloads/powertoys.asp

Now you can right-click any folder and select Open Command Window Here. Now type:

ATTRIB -R *.*

the -R switch removes the read-only attribute and *.* designates all files in the folder. If you used +R, you would add that attribute. Other switches are H for Hidden and S for System.

[cableguy69]

That seems pretty easy. Can you tell I'm not a software person. :rolleyes:

Thanks Bill