How do I change folder and file Permissions?

Question

I am trying to delete a folder on my computer and am getting a message box saying I need permission to do this.

Why is this, and how do I change it?

Answer 1

Folder and file permissions

 Here are the steps to modify ownership and permissions of folders and files:

  1.       Right-click the file or folder, click Properties, and then click the Security tab.

  2.       Click Advanced, and then click the Owner tab.

  3.       Click Edit, and then do one of the following:

 ·         To change the owner to a user or group that is not listed, click Other users and groupsand, in Enter the object name to select (examples), type the name of the user or group, and then click OK.

  ·         To change the owner to a user or group that is listed, in the Change owner to box, click the new owner.

  4.       If you want to take ownership of the contents of the folder, select the Replace owner on sub containers and objects check box.

  5.       Click OK, and then click Yes when you receive the following message:

You do not have permission to read the contents of directory folder name. Do you want to replace the directory permissions with permissions granting you Full Control?

All permissions will be replaced if you clickYes*.*

Notefolder name is the name of the folder that you want to take ownership of.

  6.       Click OK, and then reapply the permissions and security settings that you want for the folder and its contents.

Additional considerations

   ·         An administrator can take ownership of any file on the computer.

   ·         Assigning ownership of a file or a folder might require you to elevate your permissions using User Access Control.

Answer 2

Hi,

The below also works on 32 and 64 bit Vista

Download - SAVE - go to where you put it - Right Click on - RUN AS ADMIN

FileAssassin - Free

http://www.malwarebytes.org/fileassassin.php

Force Delete (Cannot Delete) Locked or In Used Files or Folders with FileASSASSIN

http://www.mydigitallife.info/2008/12/27/force-delete-cannot-delete-locked-or-in-used-files-or-folders-with-fileassassin/

Download - SAVE - go to where you put it - Right Click on - RUN AS ADMIN

And this - MoveOnBoot

MoveOnBoot

http://www.softwarepatch.com/software/moveonboot.html

Hope this helps.

---

Rob - Bicycle - Mark Twain said it right.

Answer 3

Dear MS,

I am trying to delete a huge (slightly over 1GB) Adobe Acrobat file on a NTFS formated 250GB external hard drive.  I am the administrator and the only user of this computer (need fingerprint swipe to log on), running Vista 64bit Home.  I have gone through the above steps and taken "ownership" of the file and still can't delete it. My "Program File Properties" window has an "allow"  check mark only beside "Special Permissions".  Clicking "Advanced>Permissions" shows that I have full control.  (There are six different permission entries, which surprises me since I'm the only user).  Any advice on how to get control and delete this file?

Answer 4

Hi,

Here are easy ways to Take Ownership and Grant Full Admin Control

Add "Take Ownership" to Explorer Right-Click Menu in Win 7 or Vista

http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/add-take-ownership-to-explorer-right-click-menu-in-vista/

Take and Grant Full Control Permissions and Ownership in Windows 7 or Vista Right Click Menu

http://www.mydigitallife.info/2009/05/21/take-and-grant-full-control-permissions-and-ownership-in-windows-7-or-vista-right-click-menu/

Hope this helps.

---

Rob - Bicycle - Mark Twain said it right.

Answer 5

thank a ____ alot man...i was dying for this solution...b4 this i had to permit myself to allllll the folders one by one...thanks alot man...btw i voted for ur answer...

chears :D