HOW TO: Remove the Read-Only Attribute While You Copy Files from a CD-ROM in Windows 2000 (323002)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
This article was previously published under Q323002

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SUMMARY

This article describes how to remove the read-only attribute while you copy files from a CD-ROM.

When you copy files to a recordable CD-ROM, the read-only attribute is typically set for the files on the CD-ROM. When you use Windows Explorer to restore the files from the CD-ROM to the hard disk, the read-only attribute remains set for the files. Therefore, you cannot edit the files unless you manually clear the read-only attribute for the files.

Additionally, if certain types of files remain read-only, the programs that are associated with those files may not start. For example, if you restore a Microsoft Outlook personal folders (.pst) file from a CD-ROM and you do not clear the read-only attribute, Outlook may not start, and you may receive the following error message:
Cannot start Microsoft Outlook. File access is denied. You do not have the permission required to access the file.
You can either manually clear the read-only attribute from the restored files, or you can remove the read-only attribute while you copy the files from a CD-ROM.

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Remove the Read-Only Attribute While Copying Files

You can use the xcopy command to remove the read-only attribute while you are copying files from a CD-ROM. Xcopy.exe resets the read-only attributes unless you specify otherwise by using the /k switch (this switch copies attributes). To use this method:
  1. Click Start, and then click Run.
  2. In the Open box, type cmd, and then click OK.
  3. Type xcopy drive letter:\*.* destination /e /h, where drive letter is the CD-ROM drive letter and destination is the path to the destination for the files, and then press ENTER. For more information about command-line switches for Xcopy.exe, type xcopy /? at a command prompt.
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Manually Remove the Read-Only Attribute from a File

To manually remove the read-only attribute from a file:
  1. in Windows Explorer, right-click the file that you want to change, and then click Properties.
  2. On the General tab, click to clear the Read Only check box.
  3. Click OK.
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Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:11/20/2003
Keywords:kbhowto kbHOWTOmaster KB323002 kbAudITPro
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