Permissions stuck on HDD from previous WinXP PC


  1. quanzaboy
    Posts : 29
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 (SP1)
       New #1

    Permissions stuck on HDD from previous WinXP PC


    Hi Guys!

    I'm having this very weird problem! I just bought a new PC and installed on it Windows 7 Ultimate x64.

    I also unplugged my WD 1000GB Caviar Green Hard Drive from my old PC and connected it to the new one.

    The problem now is that Windows 7 refuses to grant me permissions to change the folders/files from 'read-only' on my 1000GB drive from my old system.

    At first when I tried to do that I got the typical message "You will need to provide administrator permissions to change these attributes". Then I had the option of clicking 'Continue', so I clicked it, and then it looked like it updated the permissions anyway. However once I clicked on 'OK' and the re-opened the folder properties, it was again set to 'read-only'.

    I then opened the 'Security' tab, and saw that there was an 'unknown user' in the list there, which was probably the user from my old PC's WinXP installation. I then proceeded to delete that user, and made sure that my username had 'Full Control', and I also set the owner to my username. However, none of this has helped since I still keep getting the message "You will need to provide administrator permissions to change these attributes", and then it's the same thing again... it looks as if Windows 7 proceeds to changes the permissions, but after you click 'OK' and the re-open the properties it's still set to 'read-only'.

    I tried changing the permissions and ownerships on a folder by folder basis, and also for the entire drive. I also tried between changing the ownership from my username to 'Administrator' (my username has full Admin privileges as well). Still, the problem persists!

    At this point I'm completely at a loss as to what to do next... so I'm hoping this forum can give me some answers! Any help or advice will be greatly appreciated!

    Thanks,
    John
      My Computer
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  3. quanzaboy
    Posts : 29
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 (SP1)
    Thread Starter
       New #2

    Anyone?
      My Computer
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  4. Barman58
    Posts : 31,249
    Windows 11 Pro x64 [Latest Release and Release Preview]
       New #3

    Hi John and welcome to Sevenforums

    This is a long running issue with NTFS based windows but I think it may be made more difficult to solve with the UAC in place.This is one of those occasions tha I would advise switching off UAC. What you are doing is the correct procedure though I would always advise the take ownership first then add full control to your user then remove the unknown user.

    Depending on the complexity of the folder structure you may have to repeat the procedure for any stubborn sub trees

    I would personally add full control for administrators group and your actual user plus give everyone read and execute permissions once you have this set in the top level folder use the replace permissions in sub-folders and files option in the advanced dialogue to cascade down the tree.

    once all is finished and working reset UAC and check normal operation
      My Computers
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  6. quanzaboy
    Posts : 29
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 (SP1)
    Thread Starter
       New #4

    Okay, I managed to resolve it! ^^

    Thank you very much for the help Barman58, much appreciated! :)
      My Computer
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