Windows 10 All directories are Read Only. Help requested.

Nothing worked, did that include reinstalling Windows from scratch, of cause after backing up?
What a disaster....

If one of the solutions here does not resolve the issue
I would also recommend a backup and re-install.

Literally anything could cause the issue and it would be rather difficult and time consuming to try to try to troubleshoot with snippets of info.

• Malware
• Security softwre
• Really any software
• Operating system corruption
• A script
• Botched update, although this issue has not been reported in any recent patch cycles

Here are all of the details related to this problem to date in chronological order.

-I purchased my PC (Win 10) about 12 days ago. I installed the HD from my original PC into the new one simply because it was relatively new. It was also convenient that there was an additional bay in the PC for an extra HD.
-On the 2nd day Windows updated and immediately ALL of my directories turned to Read Only which prevented me from installing some programs or even updating some Word docs.
-Chrome began freezing my PC shortly after booting. I deleted chrome and reinstalled it but the problem persisted.
-Reformatted PC back to factory settings thinking it will fix the problem. Sadly, it did not.
-Returned PC for an exchange.
-Returned home with the replacement PC yesterday and began the process of installing all programs. Chrome problem disappeared, BUT, all directories on my HD remain Read Only.
-My PC now has 2 internal HD. I tried to install software on second HD (which came with the unit). I created a new folder and immediately it set to "Read Only".
-I have been researching solutions over the past week and tried EVERYTHING I could find online including apparent solutions to this Read Only issue which many people also have experienced after Windows updated their computers.
-As mentioned initially, I work from home and require all software up and running. So far I'm still unable to install some programs which means I can't work until this issue is fixed.

When Windows updated a week ago it affected all directories in such a way that I cannot remove the Read Only attribute regardless of what I do. I also have a back up drive but when I connect it via USB all of the directories there are now Read Only as well. My backup drive clearly reads off the OS and has attached the Read Only attribute to everything.

I don't know if there software exists that allows you to take control of directories by force in order to override this kind of problem but so far nothing works. I called a PC tech and explained this issue to him. He stated that he has heard of this happening but did not have a solution to this particular problem.

Neemobeer said:

If one of the solutions here does not resolve the issue

How to Fix Folders Reverting to Read-Only on Windows 10

blog.pcrisk.com

I would also recommend a backup and re-install.

Literally anything could cause the issue and it would be rather difficult and time consuming to try to try to troubleshoot with snippets of info.

• Malware
• Security softwre
• Really any software
• Operating system corruption
• A script
• Botched update, although this issue has not been reported in any recent patch cycles

Click to expand...

Hi Neemobeer.
I have looked at your link and will apply the suggestions. I'll post an update after trying them out.

I read that you did a reinstall of W10 with the medium of your previous PC.
Just a question. Have you ever tried just leave the new PC as it is, and only entering your account and coping your files over? That should be the way without any problem.