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I have a problem with the write protection of Windows 7. All my files in my users folder are protected and it is impossible to remove. When I uncheck the checkbox, a progressbar runs threw but everything stays unchanged. I've also tried to change it in the command line with

attrib -r C:\Users\Username\*.* /d /s

but nothing has changed. What else can I try? Thanyou!

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I am desperate. I've tried everything. chkdsk.exe doesn't help, check disk on start-up doesn't help. I can't even download music from the iTunes store because the entire library is locked. – skotschi Apr 28 '11 at 14:02
What version of Windows 7? – Kyle Apr 28 '11 at 15:04
The /d switch in your command line means it will apply only to directories, and the ReadOnly attribute on directories is pretty much meaningless. If you cannot create files in those directories, there is something else preventing it, such as permissions. – kreemoweet Jan 31 '12 at 5:52
@kreemoweet, you can use the attribute to give folders their own icons. ;-) But yes, the problem should be solved by running it again without the /d switch to strip the read-only attribute from files. – Synetech Sep 4 '12 at 15:59
Do you have write permission for the files? In the GUI, right click on the directory, go into the security tab, and give yourself full control. Then, try to change the attributes again. – Konstantin Naryshkin Sep 4 '12 at 16:16

3 Answers

up vote 0 down vote

Try a chkdsk.exe C: to do a basic check of the disk. Sometimes this fixes your problem. Make sure to use an elevated command line.

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When I start the chkdsk.exe the first thing it says is: Warning! The parameter F wasn't stated. chkdsk works in protected mode. Sorry if it istn't the acurate warning, but I have to translate it. – skotschi Apr 23 '11 at 20:47
@skotschi, see this...howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/… – Moab Apr 24 '11 at 3:22
up vote 0 down vote

Maybe it is a virus?
I saw joke-viruses like that. They lock files simply opening them in "lock read write" mode. Try Sysinternals' Handle.exe . If the files are locked with that method, Handle will give you the name of locker.

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Download Hiren Boot Cd 15.2, burn to CD, then boot your computer from CD. Executes the mini version of Windows XP. Optimizations in the disk section there is a simple application to reset the NTFS permissions of a folder or entire disk.

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