Folder structure suddenly read-only on DATA drive

Windows is my C: drive. All my data files are on D: the issue I'm having is with folders inside a folder structure that looks like this, on my DATA drive:

D:\Photo\Catalog\Half-Done catalogs

Suddenly some sub-folders inside this folder structure are read-only. I did the normal right-click Properties, and saw that the read-only box was black. So I clicked on that box to clear it, and Windows applied the new permissions to all sub-folders. It worked, but right away some of the sub-folders reverted to read-only.

So inside the Properties windows, I clicked on the security tab, changed ownership to Administrators, checked the box to apply to sub-folders. That worked, again, until some sub-folders reverted to read-only. A windows reboot didn't clear up the problem.

On the Microsoft web site, they advise doing a clean Windows install to deal with this problem. What a crock!

I may need to hand-fix the offending folders, but I need a way to locate them. Suggestions gratefully accepted.

Are the folders really read-only? Does it matter?
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/...4-6130ba85b296

Are you experiencing difficulty accessing any files in practice? If not, best leave well alone.

You might try to see if you can discover what is making those changes. No idea if it will succeed- never tried...
E.g. - as you have Pro-
How to Keep Track of Changes Made to Your Files and Folders

Then there are tools that can watch for changes- you'd need to pick one that can detect the change:
10 Tools to Monitor Files and Folders for Changes in Real Time • Raymond.CC

Further- does the change occur
a. in Safe Mode
b. after a clean boot

Basic article:
How to Fix Folder Keeps Reverting to Read Only on Windows 10 - Appuals.com

Folder read-only attributes are almost completely meaningless. They have no effect on you and you should ignore them.

On the Microsoft web site, they advise doing a clean Windows install to deal with this problem

Some misunderstanding is in play. MS do not make any such recommendation.

I think you would benefit from undoing the changes you have made.

Denis