Having searched these forums, to the best of my limited ability, I can see this is a topic that has regularly surfaced over the years. I found many instances of this issue and many, many suggested fixes. However, the fixes I've tried haven't worked for me.
Question is: after years of this problem surfacing, is there now a definitive solution and if so, would someone kindly provide a link.
Which files revert to read-only attributes?
Is the folder these files stored set to have read-only attribute.
I think I'm going mad! Yesterday and earlier today, all the personal files I checked had somehow converted to read only and I couldn't change them back. Just now though, when I checked, most of those files have changed back!?! They are not now "read only" I don't know what's going on. Maybe it's just me?
However, there is still one file (a spreadsheet) that is currently "read only". When I check properties, the "read only" checkbox is not ticked so to my way of thinking, this means it shouldn't be "read only" yet when I open the file, it says it is "read only" (i.e. marked as "read only" alongside the file title). And indeed I can't save any alterations to this file.
This particular spreadsheet file is in a folder that is marked "read only" and it refuses to change back - even though when I check Permissions for the folder, I appear to have authority to change it (i.e. greyed out ticks in all but the "special permissions" box).
EDIT: I shouldn't say "ticked". The Read Only attribute box contains a solid block, not a tick.
Last edited by dogfonos; 27 Oct 2020 at 13:36. Reason: correction
The check box need the have check mark for it to be read-only.
You can use attached batch script add a File Attributes context menu in Windows 10.
What is the fully qualified path to the file, like "C:\Users\xxxxxxxx\Documents\Cars\2013 Ford Fusion\2013 Ford Fusion Owners Manual.pdf"
Open a Command Prompt. Do a attrib "C:\Users\xxxxxxxx\Documents\Cars\2013 Ford Fusion\2013 Ford Fusion Owners Manual.pdf"
You should get a response something like this is the file is Read Only:
Code:A R C:\Users\xxxxxxxx\Documents\Cars\2013 Ford Fusion\2013 Ford Fusion Owners Manual.pdf
Thanks for your help, Ztruker. Although I see the point in your suggestion, I haven't the knowledge to carry out your instruction.
I know what command prompt is but I don't understand "Do a attrib". I typed 'cmd' in the Windows search box and opened the Command Prompt App but it automatically adds a ">" to the displayed instruction (probably an incorrect term?), which isn't shown in the example you give.
You can use attached batch script add a File Attributes context menu in Windows 10
Sorry FreeBooter, I'm afraid this sentence means nothing to me.
Maybe this helps Windows Command Line Tutorial - 7 - File Attributes - YouTube
Thanks for the link. Much of this tutorial makes sense but the section I really need to understand is at around 1:26 when the tutor mumbles something I can't hear clearly. I don't understand how he selects the file to see the attributes - in fact, he appears to create a file there and then? I don't see how to select my existing file?
There are other weird and annoying things going on with my W10 PC which are proving problematic and, for me, likely to be insoluble, even with your kind assistance so I've decided to call it a day with W10. I've never got along with W10 and made the decision to move over to Ubuntu weeks ago, following a very impressive trial period (probably a dual boot PC with W10). This seems a good time to bite the bullet.
I'd like to thank thread contributors for your help but this stuff is beyond me and I'm not enjoying the challenge. Sorry I'm not more clued up. Thread marked as solved.
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