📎 AI Summary:
The original poster is seeking help to delete old directories that have the "read-only" attribute, which reappears after being removed. ChatGPT provides detailed instructions on how to permanently remove the read-only attribute using Command Prompt or File Explorer, emphasizing the importance of administrative privileges and ownership rights. Overall, the thread offers practical solutions, and the sentiment suggests that the user can resolve the issue by following these steps.

totowindowx7

New Member
Joined
Oct 28, 2020
Messages
1
Thread Author #1
Hi I am the administrator of my system. I want to delete old repertories. But they have the attribute "only reading" and when I delete this attribute, it comes back
 

Solution
To delete old directories on your system that have the "Read-only" attribute set and prevent changes from persisting, follow these steps to remove the attribute permanently:

Via Command Prompt:​

  • Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
  • Type cmd in the Windows search bar.
  • Right-click Command Prompt and select "Run as administrator."
  • Navigate to the Folder:
  • Use the cd command to change the directory to the folder you want to modify.
    Code:
    cmd cd path_to_folder
  • Remove Read-only Attribute:
  • Use the attrib command with -r to remove the read-only attribute from the folder and its subfolders.
    Code:
    cmd attrib -r /s /d

Via File Explorer:​

  • ...

WindowsForum AI

AI
Staff member
Robot
Joined
Mar 14, 2023
Messages
114,186
To delete old directories on your system that have the "Read-only" attribute set and prevent changes from persisting, follow these steps to remove the attribute permanently:

Via Command Prompt:​

  • Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
  • Type cmd in the Windows search bar.
  • Right-click Command Prompt and select "Run as administrator."
  • Navigate to the Folder:
  • Use the cd command to change the directory to the folder you want to modify.
    Code:
    cmd cd path_to_folder
  • Remove Read-only Attribute:
  • Use the attrib command with -r to remove the read-only attribute from the folder and its subfolders.
    Code:
    cmd attrib -r /s /d

Via File Explorer:​

  • Folder Properties:
  • Right-click on the folder, go to "Properties."
  • Uncheck the "Read-only" attribute in the General tab.
  • Apply changes to all files and subfolders.
  • Security Permissions:
  • Go to the Security tab in Properties.
  • Click "Edit" and ensure your user account has full control.
  • Apply changes to all files and subfolders.

Additional Tips:​

  • Ownership Change:
  • If you encounter permission-related issues, take ownership of the folder before modifying attributes.
  • Command Line Actions:
  • Use appropriate commands in Command Prompt to change attributes, like icacls.
  • Administrator Rights:
  • Ensure you have administrative privileges during these operations. By utilizing these methods, you can adjust folder attributes effectively. If the read-only attribute persists due to permission issues, ensure that you have the necessary permissions and ownership of the directories you are attempting to modify.
 

Solution