How to Prevent the Copying of WMV Files

WMV (Windows Media Video) is a video format developed by Microsoft. Windows XP/Vista implements a list of permissions associated with each file. Permissions determine specific access rights to a file such as file reading, writing or execution. Removing the permission to read would prevent WMV files from copying by other users.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Changing the Permission for WMV Files

1. Click "Start" in the lower-left corner of your screen.

2. Click "Computer" to open Windows Explorer and browse to the WMV files.

3. Right-click on a WMV file and choose "Properties" from the pop-up menu. Then, select the tab "Security." Note: If you use Windows XP, work through Section 2 to enable this tab.

4. In Windows Vista, click "Edit. If you use Windows XP, go directly to Step 5.

5. Click on "Users" under "Group or user names."

6. Check the box "Deny" in the row "Read in the permission field. Click "OK" and then "Yes" to confirm.

7. Click "OK" to close the File Properties window.

8. Repeat Steps 3 to 7 for the other WMV files.

Enabling the Tab "Security" in Windows XP

9. Click the menu "Tools>Folder Options" in Windows Explorer.

10. Select the tab "View."

11. Scroll down the list of advanced settings and find "Use simple file sharing (Recommended)." Uncheck the box for this option.

12. Click "OK."

Resources

• Windows File Permissions