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General discussion

What is the right way to copy files from

May 17, 2005 2:48PM PDT

one Hard disk to another device - and put it back without the need of 'take ownership' step?

Pentium 4 2.4ghz, 256mb memory, 64mb VGA, NTFS, Windows XP-Pro-SP2 + most of critical updates, NAV, Adaware Se, Spybot SD, Spywareblaster (all with the latest updates- run all + online scan, found nothing bad)

Situation:

Copying files from a computer to another storage device (Hard disk, CD, external storage device etc.)

Reformat (NTFS) and Reinstall the computer... (windows XP Pro + including SP2 and most of the critical updates + all needed application)

Copy back the files...

Everything seems OK.

Problem:

On the newly reformat/reinstall computer...

I can Open and Edit the files, BUT I can not SAVE it, I can not Delete (any files or folder)

with a message Access denied and/or files being use..

Solved the problem by 'Taking the ownership' of those files and folder.

Question:
How to copy the files and folder, so I don't have to do 'Take ownership' ritual?

Thank you for any information and help.

Discussion is locked

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This maybe the cause
May 17, 2005 7:04PM PDT

When you copy files to a CD they become read only - sometimes when you copy them back to a disk they remain "read only" - this can happen particularly if you copy folders at a time and the whole folder becomes read only. Simply click on the folder and reset properties - It will ask you if you want to change the properties of all the files and sub files in the folder.
The only other cause I can think of is that you haven't set your account with full admin privilege.
Also why not use the "settings and transfer wizard"
Peter

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I wish its that simple
May 18, 2005 4:45AM PDT

Its not read only problem... its ownership problem.

Maybe I left some more info.. here it is..

The PC (before reformating) have 4 accounts which are 1 Administrator, 1 user with admin priviledge and 2 limited users.

The files are located in a folders is created by all tree users.

The copying step was done using the Administrator (ctrl-Alt-del .. twice)

After reformating and reinstall, there are also 4 users (using the same name)

The copying back was done using the Administrator account.

The Administrator can do anything to the files, but the limited user only able to open, No saving, no delete, no moving, eventhough those files are originally created by that user.

Currently I have to make all users as administrator, then doing the 'take ownership' step, then make the users back to limited account.


Thank you

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Wishful thinking on my part as well!!
May 18, 2005 5:15AM PDT

I was hoping for a simple solution to this one - haven't taken a trick all day!!
However.... I think there is a way around this from memory ...and is it has something to do with using regedit to change folder permission by right clicking on the mouse. Go to regedit and right click on any folder and select permission - from here its just a matter of finding the right place in the registry to change things. I'll do a bit of searching and get back to you.
Peter