Can't unset 'Read-only (Only applies to files in folder)' in windows 7

Solution 1:

You really can't unset Read-only attribute on any folder in Explorer: Explorer always shows Read-only attribute in indeterminate state (starting from Windows 7, if I remember correctly). Yet attrib will tell you whether Read-only attribute is set or not.

Read-only attribute on a folder does not affect whether a user can modify its contents or not. However, Read-only attribute is a special attribute for Explorer. If Read-only attribute is set, Explorer will search for desktop.ini inside the folder and loads it. For example, this way Documents, Pictures and other folder are localized in your user profile.

If the folder is writable using Explorer or Command Prompt, then you have access to write to that folder.

Can't any Java application write to the specified folder?
Is it only one Java app that can't?

So the problem is somewhere in the Java app.

For example, Java Web Start (JWS) apps can be executed in a sandbox which blocks the app from accessing arbitrary files and folders on the file system.

Without more details about the application, it's hard to guess why it can't write to this folder.

Solution 2:

Microsoft explains all at this link.

Basically when viewing folders in Windows explorer the READ ONLY ATTRIBUTE is ignored at folder level. It is only applied at File level. you can check this by going into one of your READ ONLY folders and checking the properties on a file that is not read only. If your file is currently set to READ ONLY you will find that at folder level you can clear the READ ONLY attribute and it will stay that way when click APPLY.

BTW this is not the same as an issue I had with Scandisk USB stick where all my folders set themselves to READ ONLY and came up with a WRITE PROTECT message when I tried to write to it. Apparently when a Scandisk USB sticks detect an error it defaults to Write Protect mode. Scandisk will replace the stick if it is less the 5 years old, but you have to send your stick back to them. In my cae I cannot as I work on confidecntila patent information that was on the stick. So my advice in this case would be to avoid UAB sticks that default to Write Protect when they detect an internal error. Preferably find one with manual write protect switch (not easy!). The work round if you have this is isue is to copy the "READ ONLY" files to a new folder on your hardrive and then unset REAd ONLY attricbute to the the new folder and subfolders. Then even if the folders show READ ONLY you will be able to read from and write to the files at file level as outlined above.