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External Hard Drive Folder/File access for ALL!

Anonymous
2021-07-19T13:52:51+00:00

HI Folks!

I have an external hard drive that when i use on a different computer other then the one it typically lives with, the "new to it" computer throws an error stating "You don't currently have permission to access this folder. Click Continue to permanently gain access to this folder". This happens with some files as well.

I understand that there are some user/groups set up under the properties tab / security of the drive and folders/files. Is there any way to remove these or, better yet, ensure that any computer I use this drive with works just by plugging it in? This is the first time I've come across this issue with an external drive. Typically I've been able to use them like large USB keys.

FYI, I'm typically using WIN 10, but occasionally need to use this on a win8.1 machine.

Thanks in advance for all you folks do in supporting us users!

mikey Blanchard

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Files, folders, and storage

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  1. @CmdrKeene 90,621 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2021-07-19T14:43:54+00:00

    Sure thing, just do this:

    1. Open File Explorer, go to "This PC"
    2. Right-click the drive and choose Properties
    3. On the Security tab, click Edit.
    4. Click Add.
    5. Type the word "everyone" and click OK.
    6. Make sure "everyone" is highlighted at the top, then turn on the "allow" checkbox to give everyone full control.
    7. Click OK to save the permissions, then click OK to save the properties window.

    "Everyone" is the Windows term that basically describes "all users not otherwise restricted" (deny always takes precedence over an allow permission). If "everyone" has access, then the permissions are basically wide open.

    Consider the physical security of the drive in this arrangement - if someone steals it, they will have full access to the data stored upon it.

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  2. Anonymous
    2021-07-19T18:15:10+00:00

    Thanks so much for the speedy reply!

    I tried what you suggested, but im getting errors coming back with

    "an error occurred while applying securty information to: (all folders with in the drive) Failed to enumerate objects in the container. Access is denied."

    Would you have any thoughts on this?

    mikey

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  3. @CmdrKeene 90,621 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2021-07-19T18:25:36+00:00

    Most likely you need to "take ownership" first. There's lots of ways to achieve it, but one way that makes it easy is to Add a "Take Ownership" to right-click menu in Windows 10. Once that's setup, you can easily right-click a folder and "take ownership" of it, so that you can then go adjust the permissions.

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