How to Change File Permissions on Windows
Windows XP/Vista implements a list of permissions associated to each file. Permissions determine specific access rights to a file such as reading from a file, writing to a file and the file execution. For instance, if the permission to read a file is removed, then it will not be possible to open or even copy this particular file. The main reason to change permissions is to prevent (or allow) access to certain files for other users on a computer.
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Instructions
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Changing File Permissions in Windows XP/Vista
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1
Click "Start" at the left lower corner of your screen.
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2
Click "Computer" to open Windows Explorer and browse to the target file.
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3
Right-click on the file and choose "Properties" from the pop-up menu. Select the tab "Security." Note: if you use Windows XP, work through Section 2 to enable this tab.
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4
In Windows Vista, click "Edit." If you use Windows XP, go directly to Step 5.
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5
Check a box "Allow" or "Deny" against a permission you wish to change. For instance, to remove the permission to write a file, check the "Deny" box in the row "Write."
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6
Click "OK." If you seek to deny a permission, click also "Yes."
Enabling the Tab "Security" in Windows XP
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7
In Windows Explorer, click the menu "Tools > Folder Options."
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8
Select the tab "View."
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9
Scroll down the list of advanced settings and find "Use simple file sharing (Recommended)." Uncheck the box for this option. Click '"OK."
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1
Tips & Warnings
If you check "Full control" boxes under the tab "Security," it allows or denies all file permissions altogether.
