Cannot change Read-Only attribute in any folders.

Question

I am an admin and only user of my PC Win 10 10.0.19045 Build 19045

I tried to remove the Read Only attribute of the Download folder or Program Files folder and none would work. It would always revert back to Read-Only. For that reason, I am unable to install a software.

I have tried all that is explained in this web-page and nothing worked:
https://blog.pcrisk.com/windows/13392-how-to-fix-folders-reverting-to-read-only-on-windows-10
I don't know what to try anymore.

I have Full Control under the Security tab in Properties, yet, every time I remove the Read-Only option, when I click apply, it start a pop up windows like this :

In the end I close it and when I open back the properties, it is back to Read Only Box checked again.

I honestly don't know what to do anymore.

All the DISM.exe and the SFC scanNow were clean and not a single error was detected.

What's wrong ?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hi, my name is Anderson Souza, I hope I can help you with your issue.

Do you use any third-party antivirus solutions?

Could you test starting Windows in safe mode and see if you can change ownership of the folder?

Safe mode starts Windows in a basic state, using a limited set of files and drivers. If a problem doesn't happen in safe mode, this means that default settings and basic device drivers aren't causing the issue. Observing Windows in safe mode enables you to narrow down the source of a problem, and can help you troubleshoot problems on your PC.

See the reference below on how to start Windows in Safe Mode:

https://support.microsoft.com/windows/92c27cff-...

Do you use any third-party antivirus solutions?

Could you test starting Windows in safe mode and see if you can change the folder permission? Test with the Download folder initially.

Answer 2

Hi Anderson,

Thank you for your reply.

First, I don't use a third party antivirus or anything related.

I just followed your instructions and I was able to change ownership in safe mode. I was also able without being in safe mode.

I tried changing Removing the Read Only mode on Download and it didnt work in Safe mode nor in my normal admin account.

It still revert back to Read Only once I click apply and close the properties window and reopen it.

Thanks fro your help. I appreciate.

Answer 3

Sorry, I'm out of ideas on how to continue helping you in this case, but I believe someone else will have a solution for you.

Answer 4

Hello,

Thanks for reaching out! I'm Microsoft user like you.

Please let me know why you require to change permissions for Program Files folder , as this folder is protected by OS ( Windows ) and it is not best practice to change permissions of Program Files folder.

Most of the Installers or .exe or .msi file are able install Program in Program Files folder only if run as Administrator.

Is this your custom Program developed by your own ?

In case of additional questions, reach out back to me, and I will be happy to help and try our best to resolve your issue.

Best Regards,

Prakash

Answer 5

As the saying goes, you're barking up the wrong tree. The read-only indicator on folders is meaningless. That's not the root cause of not being able to install software. Let's find out what's really wrong. Please post any error message you get when you try to install something and we'll go from there.