Unusual Permissions problem: certain files deny a Save command

I'm running Win10 Version 1803 on a Dell 3650 with 16 GB RAM. The problem I'm having is relatively new, and to the best of my knowledge I have never previously set or reset Permissions for folders. Here's the problem.

I have a folder under Documents where I store CAD files for circuit board layouts. The files all have a .PCB suffix and all open under a single program that's more than 20 years old, but has never given trouble running under Win10.

I can open files and use the program to make changes, but when I try to save my changes, I get a big red X and "Error writing file: C:\Users\Lab\Documents\PCB Layouts\525 Circuit Board Rev F. Access Denied." This did not happen last time I used the program, which was probably two or three months ago.

Following instructions posted several places on the Web, I've tried extending permissions, adding 'Everyone' and giving them the ability to make any changes to all subfolders, and files. I also checked that the files are set to inherit this permission, and have gone back through the entire path for the files, making sure that every folder and subfolder has been given the chance to cooperate. But no dice, still get the notification when I try to save.

Here's the clincher/workaround.

I tried putting a Word .doc in that same folder and was able to change and save it just fine. If I transfer the .PCB files to the Desktop and work on them there, no problem. I can save them to the file on the Desktop and then transfer them back where they belong. But if I make a new folder under Documents and try to put the .PCB file there, I'm locked out as well. So for now I keep the project on the Desktop.

Here's another hint. If I have the file open in the program and do a Save As, I can save it on the Desktop that way as well. But if I try to Save As in a New Folder (C:\Users\Lab\Documents\New Folder) I'm told "File Not Found"; that is, it won't create the file name from the Save As utility.

This is maddening, but the workaround is okay for now. Open to any suggestions and very grateful for any help.

Thanks for the tip, but no, that's what really mystifies me. Nothing (that I know of) has changed, and no other type of file is evidently affected. It's almost as though Windows sees a .PCB suffix and says, "Oh, no you don't!"

The files have been on this Win10 computer for several years now. Before that they were on a Vista machine. This function worked just fine until probably a couple of months ago or more recently (I used the program last a couple of months ago). It has to have something to do with Permissions, but according to what I see under folder Properties, it should work. The only thing that's changed on this machine is due to MS updates.

I'm the same owner that I was back when it worked. Nothing should have changed following a Windows regular update, but who knows. I changed the Permissions from the usual suspects to "Everyone," still can't save just that one file type. Other types of files in the same folder save just fine. It may well be the program that's not talking to Windows properly; worst case I'll reinstall it.

Electrojim said:

I'm running Win10 Version 1803...
...I have a folder under Documents where I store CAD files for circuit board layouts. The files all have a .PCB suffix and all open under a single program that's more than 20 years old, but has never given trouble running under Win10.

I can open files and use the program to make changes, but when I try to save my changes, I get a big red X and "Error writing file: C:\Users\Lab\Documents\PCB Layouts\525 Circuit Board Rev F. Access Denied." This did not happen last time I used the program, which was probably two or three months ago.


....I tried putting a Word .doc in that same folder and was able to change and save it just fine...

This doesn't sound like permissions if you can save a Word document there. Something else may be blocking access to the folder for some but not all apps. The only 'something else' that comes to mind that can be selective about which apps it allows is Windows Defender Security's Controlled Folder Access (aka Ransomware Protection).

In the two or three months since you last use this program have you turned on controlled folder access (or has it been turned on after an update)? Check to see if it's on. and if so try turning it off.

Enable or Disable Controlled Folder Access in Windows 10

If that allows you to save to the folder and you wish to have controlled folder access turned on, then add your program to the list of those allowed through.

Add or Remove Allowed Apps for Controlled Folder Access in Windows 10

1803 is quite old now and some of the controls for Controlled Folder Access have changed. The tutorial have been updated and may not be precisely what you see in your 1803, but they'll put you on the right track.

To Samurai:
Here's what I get when I question the SID thing:
C:\Users\Lab>wmic useraccount where name='%username%' get sid
SID
S-1-5-21-572709066-2931371650-4259622231-1001
Don't know if that tells you much.

To Bree:
Thanks for the tips. I'll check that now. Stand by...

- - - Updated - - -

Well I'll be dipped in... tar. That was it, Bree, as soon as I termporarily turned the ransomware protection off, I could save in that folder. I added the program to the list of allowed ones and am back in business now... with the protection turned back on.

This is what's absolutely great about these usergroups, someone, somewhere knows the answer. Now that I've been helped, maybe I can reciprocate someday. Many thanks to you guys!