Wednesday 8 July 2009

*SOB*

In the past, I have railed against Windows Vista to anyone who will listen. I have shouted about it, got mad at it, and would have thrown it out the window if it hadn't had my computer attached. Today, however, is different. Today I have not got mad at Vista, I have simply been defeated by it.

Here is my problem: I have a folder which I created a couple of days ago. It is not anything fancy, just an ordinary folder. When I go to properties, it says it is 'read-only'. I do not want this, so I uncheck the box. It does things with progress bars, and I think 'well that worked'. Then I check and, no, no change, all still read-only.

The bizarre thing is that the files inside the folder do not appear to be read-only, as it lets me change them at will. But when my browser/apache configuration tries to access them - no, not a chance.

In addition, beside the 'read-only' box, it says "(applies only to files in folder)", implying that the files may be read only, but the folder is not. This is, of course, the opposite of reality.

I have trawled t'internet, dispatched a number of heated responses to Microcrap, and am on the verge of giving up.

Can anyone help?

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

hmmm no idea really.

maybe create a new folder of the same name (rename the current one to "_foldername" then copy the files to the new folder.

i dont actualy use vista though. XP in work and mac at home :)

Virtual Methodist said...

Are you able to open the documents and save as in a newly created folder?

At least MS didn't send your machine in to an almost terminal crash as did one of their blasted Vista updates with me last week. Had to get it kick-started by a friendly techie... How they have the nerve to charge collossal amounts of money for something that isn't half right is beyond me...

Anonymous said...

Considering that Windows is one of the most complex pieces of software on the planet I don't think it's that surprising to come across the odd bug. I suppose your alternative is to install Linux but in my experience any of the Linux GUIs I've used have been complete crap compared to Windows. Also, we've found a good few kernal bugs introduced in updates that have f**ked up our apps. Why can't you just ignore the folder or create a new one, is that not the sensible option?

Anonymous said...

Not just a Vista problem: http://windowsitpro.com/article/articleid/24940/why-cant-i-remove-the-read-only-flag-from-a-windows-xp-or-windows-2000-folder.html

ScatterCode said...

Thanks, I think I have it sorted now. Well, not sorted, but I have it working so apache can access it.

Still says 'read-only'.

Anonymous, I would go over to Linux straight away except that (1) iTunes doesn't work on it, and (2) I need to test my web designs in Windows because that's what everyone else uses.

Northern Focus said...

Get a Mac? Your iTunes will still work :-P

Joking aside - you can run virtual Windows in the Mac OS and so you can still test your web designs.

You could also try Linux on a bootable CD to access the hard-drive and force remove the folder ... maybe ...

ScatterCode said...

Ah, to be able to afford a Mac... or justify the expense even if I could afford one.

A problem with designing on a Mac is that everything looks class there. Then you stick it on Windows and think... no.

Sean said...

Use Linux and run Windows on on a virtual machine. VirtualBox is free.

ScatterCode said...

I have Linux running on Virtual Box, for when I need to do real things.

I don't have the original Vista disks, so not keen on removing it - the laptop came with Vista installed, so wouldn't know where to start with setting it up.

Anonymous said...

I really feel I have to say this. What is all this antiWindows sentiment about? 'To do real things'?? Am I not 'doing real things' when I check my emails. Am I not 'doing real things' when I'm writing image processing software? Are the IT infrastructures in many organizations 'not real'? I think it boils down to this... If you complain about Windows and praise Linux it makes you think you sound smart to people you couldn't give a toss about technology. Get a grip and see this stuff for what it is: Mundane, inanimate machines.

Rant over.............