XP – Removing Read Only For Files Or Folders Copied From A CD

When you copy files off a CD you will have to remove the read only attribute, before you can edit the file.

There are a few ways to do this, but I will show you what I think is the easiest:

  • In Windows Explorer, find the file / folder you copied from the CD.
  • Right Click that file / folder and select Properties.
  • Uncheck the Read-only box in the Attributes section.
  • Click on OK.

Of course there are utilities out there you can use and commands that can be entered in DOS mode, but this should be the cheapest and easiest way for most people. If you do a lot of copying from CDs you might want to look for the alternatives.

If you want to make a file read only, so you don’t make a change by mistake for instance, follow the same basic procedure outlined above, but place a check in the Read-only box, instead of unchecking it.

Retired, grandfather, blogger, participating in creative writing prompt blogs, and love to read.