Documents folder keeps changing to read-only.

Question

i can uncheck the attribute, but when i open the properties window again, its back on. This is happening to my documents folder,  and i am logged in on my administrators account, i thought it was my antivirus app, but i uninstalled that when i encountered the problem, but it changed nothing.

Answer 1

Hi MAds121212,

The Read-only and System attributes is only used by File Explorer to determine whether the folder is a special folder, such as a system folder that has its view customized by Windows (example: My Documents, Favorites, Fonts, Downloaded Program Files), or a folder that you customized by using the Customize tab of the folder's Properties dialog box. The File Explorer will not allow Read-only or System attributes of folder to view or change.

In that case, you will need to use Attrib command at a command prompt to view or to remove the Read-only or the System attributes of folders. To do this:

1. Hold the Windows key + R, type cmd.exe then press Enter.

To remove the Read-only attribute and to set the System attribute, use the following command:

attrib -r +s drive:<path><foldername>

For example, to remove the Read-only attribute and to set the System attribute for the C:\Test folder, use the following command:

attrib -r +s c:\test

Be aware that some programs may not operate correctly with folders for which the System attribute and the Read-only attribute are set. Therefore, use the following command to remove these attributes:

attrib -r -s c:\test

Let us know how it goes.

Answer 2

"Documents" is not a folder, but a "library."  It's an aggregator of sorts.  Are you unable to save files?  It's normal for the properties of libraries and folders to display as read-only.