My C:\ drive is now read only

by garyzerfas Oct 14, 2005 2:25AM PDT

Recently I tried to run my Autocad program. It faulted on an error stating that it couldn't create files in the Temp directory and that I should check to see if it was marked Read Only. I found that the entire drive is marked Read Only. When I went to Properties and tried to reset it to normal it went right back to Read Only. I was able to create a new Adminstrator User on my PC to get around the problem, but that means all my user settings are lost. It appears that I have lost administrative rights to the drive. All my other apps seem to work fine. How do I correct the problem without loosing my current user configurations. Why doesn't Windows XP allow one to copy or save a user configuration?

Discussion is locked

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Re: My C:\ drive is now read only

by pip22 Oct 15, 2005 9:00PM PDT

hard-disks and folders cannot be set to 'read only'. That attribute applies only to files. I'm curious to know how you discovered that the entire C drive is 'read only'? If you right-click on the drive and choose 'properties', there is nothing to see regarding the drive's read-only status. If you look at the properties for any folder, there is a 'read only' option but it's disabled, as indicated by the solid square. This means that folders cannot be made read-only.

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Read Only Hard Drive

by garyzerfas Oct 16, 2005 1:10AM PDT

I open windows Explorer and right click on a directory and select Properties. I should have said that the directories on my C drive are marked read only. If I drill down to the files they are not read only, which would explain why I can open them using Office. However, when my AutoCAD program sees the C:\Temp folder marked Read Only it stops and reports an error. De-selecting the Read Only box does not permanently change its status which makes me think it is a security problem. It reacts just like I was going across the network to view another computer that I don't have Full permission to operate on.

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For futer reference

by calvin.paxson-22782878907421702681816796371637 Feb 19, 2009 1:00AM PST

Folders cannot be set as read only. Only files can be set as read only. Folders will allways show a green box, it means that it's indeterminate. Drill down to a file and check for read only there.

Cal

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Ownership

by Paul Roantree Oct 15, 2005 9:38PM PDT

I think you should try to take ownership of the file when you are in your own account. File > Properties > Security > Advanced > Object dialogue box write your name and tick boxes about permissions. Hope this helps

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Ownership?

by garyzerfas Oct 16, 2005 1:56PM PDT

Thanks for your reply. I guess I don't know exatly where you are referring to. Would you be a little more specific? I remember in previous versions of windows setting permissions, but I can't seem to find it in XP. Thanks.

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In the read only check box.......

by Hour_House Oct 16, 2005 2:37AM PDT

Do you have a tick or a square filling the box?

Andrew

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Reply to tick / square

by garyzerfas Oct 16, 2005 3:15AM PDT

Square with light green fill

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I believe Paul is correct.

by MarkFlax Former Forum moderator Oct 16, 2005 5:33AM PDT

You need to take ownership.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;308421

Mark

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How?

by garyzerfas Oct 17, 2005 12:56AM PDT

Thanks for the link. I don't mean to be dense but I don't have the security tab. I checked on "How to disable simple file sharing" I don't have this option in my Advanced Settings to clear. On the folder properties I have a check box for sharing but no tabs for security or sharing.
When I check the files in a folder they are not Read Only. However, the folders have a green fill in the box. It looks the same when I go across the network and view another computer that is sharing a folder. When I create a new administrator on my computer this box is clear. My Autocad which is checking for a Temp directory runs properly from this user.

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Google how.

by r. proffitt Former Forum moderator Oct 17, 2005 1:00AM PDT

http://www.dougknox.com/xp/tips/xp_home_sectab.htm (found with google.com on the phrase Security Tab) should be helpful.

Bob

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Did you read the link Mark provided?

by Edward ODaniel Feb 19, 2009 1:51AM PST

It clearly tells you that if you are using XP Home you need to log in to Safe Mode aned if you are using XP Pro you must have Simple File Sharing disabled.

By the way, despite what others here have mentioned folders (directories) and drives themselves can be made read only either for all or for only specific users and/or groups through permissions granted or denied.

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Yep no problems with read only

by Hour_House Oct 16, 2005 6:26AM PDT

It is only read only if it is ticked.

Andrew

My C:\ drive is now read only

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