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Question

How to Definitively Set Windows 8 Permissions???

Aug 16, 2013 1:00AM PDT

The "robust" security settings in Windows 8 are driving me crazy. I only use my computers at home and have no worries about anyone stealing data. The problem is that when I try to copy, move or delete files I am frequerntly presented with "access denied". Now, before anyone starts ragging on me about the 1000 other posts on permissions, let me say that I have read many of these posts, but the problems persist.

What I want is a foolproof way to disable ALL security settings on Windows 8 in such a way that I will NEVER see that "access denied" message again. I wish to do this for entire hard drives, boot drives as well as data drives. Your help would be greatly appreciated!

Discussion is locked

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Answer
You would have to change to another OS.
Aug 16, 2013 1:03AM PDT

There are folders that permissions are burnt into the OS to change back or block access at the OS level so what you are asking for is not possible.

You've read the discussions so you know a lot that I won't cover here. But do you know why it ended up this way? I have my thought on this but as it stands, this OS is not for you.
Bob

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Answer
No Security?
Aug 18, 2013 4:11AM PDT

As a security professional, I can NOT advise disabling security. Computers are lost/stolen a LOT. You may not think you have anything valuable on your computer, but, if someone breaks into your house and steals your computer, they are not looking for computer parts. They scan your hard drive outside of Windows looking for things like where you have been surfing to (banks? credit cards?) and see if they can pick up on any deleted files that might give a hint as to user names and passwords.

Sorry that I can't help you much short of suggesting to go into the properties of the drive, security tab and set a permission for "everyone" to full control. You really should think about what will happen if this computer is lost (especially if a portable) or stolen. You won't be able to blame Microsoft nor your bank or anyone else. Just for a little bit of ease-of-use?