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In Windows, you can set or unset the read-only attribute for files and folders to give. Only files in the folder will be set as read-only instead. Jul 09, 2012 Unlike the Read-only attribute for a file, the Read-only attribute for a folder is typically ignored by Windows, Windows components and accessories, and other programs. For example, you can delete, rename, and change a folder with the Read-only attribute by using Windows Explorer.
![Only Only](/uploads/1/2/5/5/125516034/769927109.jpg)
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Making a file read-only in Windows means you or a colleague are less likely to delete or change it accidentally. This can be helpful if you don't want any unintended changes to client contracts or business invoices. If you need to save changes you can turn off the attribute temporarily, so the protection is limited. Changing a folder's read-only status is less straightforward because Windows Explorer uses the read-only flag to determine if the folder is a system or other special folder, or is customized. Recent versions of Windows, therefore, don't allow you to see or change the read-only attribute of folders in Windows Explorer.
Read-only Files
1.Open Windows Explorer and navigate to the file you want to edit.
2.Right-click the file name and select 'Properties.'
3.Select the 'General' tab and clear the 'Read-only' check box to remove the read-only attribute or select the check the box to set it. Click 'OK' to save your changes.
Read-only Folders
1.Click the Windows 'Start' button and type 'cmd' in the Search field.
3.Type the following command to remove the read-only attribute from a folder:
attrib -r drive:pathfoldername
Press 'Enter,' replacing 'drive,' 'path' and 'foldername' with the full path to the folder you want to change. Use the equivalent command, replacing '-r' with '+r' to set the folder to read-only.
4.Type 'exit' and press 'Enter' to close the command window.
Tip
- Make changes to read-only files and protect the original file by saving your changes as a copy.
![Read only won Read only won](/uploads/1/2/5/5/125516034/495685330.png)
Warning
- Removing the read-only attribute from a folder may result in the loss of some customization.
References (2)
About the Author
Isobel Phillips has been writing technical documentation, marketing and educational resources since 1980. She also writes on personal development for the website UnleashYourGrowth. Phillips is a qualified accountant, has lectured in accounting, math, English and information technology and holds a Bachelor of Arts honors degree in English from the University of Leeds.
Photo Credits
- Siri Stafford/Digital Vision/Getty Images
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Phillips, Isobel. 'How to Change Read Only Files or Folders.' Small Business - Chron.com, http://smallbusiness.chron.com/change-read-only-files-folders-54559.html. Accessed 17 January 2020.
Phillips, Isobel. (n.d.). How to Change Read Only Files or Folders. Small Business - Chron.com. Retrieved from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/change-read-only-files-folders-54559.html
Phillips, Isobel. 'How to Change Read Only Files or Folders' accessed January 17, 2020. http://smallbusiness.chron.com/change-read-only-files-folders-54559.html
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