grey checkmark in read-only checkbox

This tutorial should help with taking ownership.
Look at option 2.

Take Ownership of file - Vista Forums

Thanks for the help, but I think the issue is not what you are both thinking. The problem is not ownership of any specific folder or file, but the fact that the gray checkbox is present for ALL folders and files regardless of volume (drive or packet-writable media). In addition, the gray check mark has absolutely no effect...I can write to the file, change a folder or file name, move files and folders, all without issue. I am admin, I am owner, my rights and permissions AND effective permissions are all full control. This is sounding more and more like a system bug, to me.

You could run the System File Checker and see if it finds any problems.

SFC /SCANNOW Command - System File Checker

Well, it said it found some damaged files, but also says it repaired them. I rebooted, but same problem.

You may need to run it up to 3 times, re-booting after each run to fix all issues.

Will give that a try.

Also, discovered that the problem is more extensive than I thought. Not only can I not force a cleared checkbox, I can't force it to a solid black check either. Applying, OKing out then going back into properties shows that the gray check mark comes back. So the control is just dead.

DavidW7ncus > 3 tries and no-go.

Thanks Hammerhead for the info. That explains all I need to know.

UnFing believable that MS sits back with their arms folded, essentially giving the finger to their customer base once again. And in the same vein as going to the Start button to shut your computer down, they create a meaningless little checkbox that offers zero security AND slows down network traffic. It may not look like it, but I think MS's days are numbered. People will only take so much and when MS least expects it, they'll find their market share start to dwindle away.

OK...That's my rant for the day.

Anyway, thank you to everybody for taking the time to reply to my problem.