Documents and Settings Folder is Read Only

I've been helping my neighor reinstall XP Pro on his computer. We did a clean install on a reformated C drive.

The data in his documents and settings folder was backed up using NTI Backup Now 3 and of course the same program was used to restore the data.

When we try to access word or excel files that are stored in the Documents and Settings folder we get an error saying the file is not accessable because it is Read Only. When I check the attributes of the files we tried to open the attribute is "A" and in properties for the file the read only box is not checked. HOWEVER, if I check the properties for the Document and Settings folder the Read Only box is highlighted, it is on my own computer also (and I'm not having a problem). When I uncheck the Read Only box I get errors for the files located in the folder that the attribute could not be changed and I can ignore, ignore all, retry, cancel.

Does anyone have any ideas on what is going on here. I'm stumped and we need to get to some of these files.

 

You probably need to take ownership of the files first. See the Microsoft Knowledge Base article, How to take ownership of a file or folder in Windows XP.

Once you have the ownership issue sorted out, you should be able to change the attributes.

You will find that all folders, including My Documents, have the read-only attribute. Fortunately, for folders it's a meaningless setting and as far as I know, only Microsoft programmers know why things are set up that way.

 

Miz, your a good American

You hit the nail right on the head and the problem is resolved.

Thanks so much for helping me out, 'cuz your smart makes my neighbor think I'm smart. Ha, love it!

 

You're quite welcome. I've used my computer guy's knowledge to look like a genius to a customer more than once. The trick is...never let them see you sweat.