How to Remove Permissions in Windows XP

Permissions allow you to give access to files and folders to specific users or groups. You must remove permissions when you no longer want a user or group to access a particular file or folder. It only takes a few steps to remove permissions in Windows XP.

Instructions

1. Press the "Start" button on the lower left corner of your computer screen so the Start menu opens. Right-click on "Control Panel" on the right side of the Start menu and choose "Explore" from the shortcut menu. The My Computer window will open onto the desktop.

2. Browse to find the file or folder that needs removal of permissions for a certain user or group.

3. Right-click on the file or folder and choose "Properties" from the shortcut menu. The Properties dialog box will open.

4. Choose the "Security" tab from the top of the Properties dialog box. At the top of the dialog box you will see a list of all the users or groups who have some sort of permission to this file or folder.

5. Select the group or user to which you want to remove access to the selected file or folder. Use the CTRL key to select multiple users or groups.

6. Click the "Remove" button to remove the selected user or group. The user or group will now be removed from the list and no longer have permission to access that file or folder.

7. Close the "Properties" dialog box and My Computer window.