windows.old is a System File which can only be deleted by Disk Cleanup>System Files. So it's not a good example. But if this is happening to ordinary data files too then See if these help: All folders & subs suddenly have 'read only' attribute Solved - Windows 7 Help Forums
all files suddenly Read Only - Microsoft Community
Documents suddenly become "read-only" - Why? - Microsoft Community
This happens on every folder. Even if I create a new folder, it automatically makes the files inside read-only. No installer works, most of the time I can't delete stuff, and documents don't save. If one of the files from the infected computers makes it on a clean computer running Windows, that computer gets infected. If I reinstall Windows, I can't save my files.
Did you try the fix from Brink in the SevenForums thread about this issue? You didn't really have time to try anything I listed or even read the threads before replying did you?
I would also start a new thread in System Security forum here to ask for a specific solution to this possible infection based on what has been found already or scans they give you. This will help you disinfect to get either a working installation to try to restore the files from, or clean the files in quarantine enough that they can be adjusted in a new install. There is a tutorial by Brink in the first link I provided in my last post for how to change them back.
I don't know what you've tried so can't advise anything else yet.
Maybe you need some time to catch up with the reading and steps.
The reality is that there is often not a fix for these things. In those cases what's best is to focus on the future by doing the best possible Clean Reinstall Windows 7 and then after it's all set up with the best tools and methods, save a backup image and file backup so that you don't end up with ruined files ever again.
However I would not dispose of the files whatever you do because there is probably a way to adjust them. I'd ask Brink in the tutorial comments once you try it and if you need more help.
Just saw this thread looking for information on if this is virus related & I'm curious if you've been able to solve the issue.
We just had a machine come in where I work at with a similar issue. It was saying certain software couldn't open cause of access to folder rights like one of your posts above. All the files/folders being read only was the cause.
I would recommend looking at the files you're having the issue with & seeing where they inherit their permissions from. If it's changing the perms back to read only every time you change them, you may have to go up a folder level to fix it. The C drives root folders may be set to read only, & may need to be changed so all the permissions get propogated to the subfolders & files.
I recently purchased Avast Internet Security.
The 'read only" problem started after the install and stopped when it was un-installed.
Avast "free" does not have this problem!
I am now in the process of trying to get my money back.
I would also check around on Avast's AV settings to see what in there is causing the issue. I know Avast is a pretty solid AV, so there should be something that is causing the issue in particular with your machine. What do you have in the free version vs in the paid for version that's different?
Also if you're certain about kicking Avast to the curb, Webroot is a good one we use at our customers via paid method. It is a very light weight app.
Thanks.
Does the Avast you have include Ransomware protection?
Due to the nature of Ransomware, folder protection is used by most major AntiMalware suites to prevent infection
It works by locking all data files from access by all applications, the user is should be able to whitelist the applications they use (over time as they use them). If an app that is not on the whitelist attempts to access a file the protection prevents it.
This type of system caused a lot of perceived issues such as yours recently when Anti Ransomware was added to Windows Defender (on Windows 10)
If it is this causing the issue the best cure would be to check the Avast documentation and set up your whitelist of applications ( this should include system apps such as Explorer due to the fact that the apps are digitally fingerprinted to prevent a rogue copy malware app from getting access.
If you do not feel that you need this extra protection and still want to use avast there should be a way of switching the anti-Ransomware module off
Thanks for the replies General and the Barman. I have un-installed it. At the same time this was happening, I did a long overdue Windows Update, which failed, and I now am left without my USB keyboard and the laptop keyboard. A missing file prevents a system restore. This is being typed on the Windows virtual keyboard. DM code 19 has been fixed, but keyboard still UTS.
i won't reply anymore till the keyboard issue is resolved.
Thanks guys.
Quote