Change Permissions on Multiple Folders
Does anyone know of a way to change the permissions on multiple folders? I am able to change them if I select each folder individually, but changing permissions on multiple folders doesn't seem to work. I have also noticed this with Server 2008 as well. I am logged in as the local admin on this machine, so I don't know if that's the issue. I don't really have any other ideas though...any thoughts?
July 20th, 2009 6:26pm

Wow, I've got this same issue! We are in a domain environment and as an admin there are a number of instances where we need to highlight a number of folders or files and change the permissions on all of them. We have always been able to do this with Windows XP and Server 2003. Not having this feature in Server 2008 and Windows 7 is a huge time waster for our organization!Thanks.
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July 20th, 2009 6:39pm

Hi guys. I have the same problem. I have folder, for example "Exchange", and a lot of subfoldersnamed asUsers, about 300 folders. All I need, to have only READ permissions for Exchange folder, without any Changing and deleting folders and files in Exchange.And Read/Write/Delete permissions for subfolders of Exchange(in Users folders). How can i do that stupid thing ????I have Windows Server 2008 STD with SP2 installed.With Best regards, Michael
July 21st, 2009 12:04am

By default we have limited permissions for some system folders, such as Windows, Program Files, ProgramData, System Volume Information, etc. We could not change the permissions for some system components. Please let us know which folders you would like to modify. If you would like to change permissions for certain folders, you may use CACLS commands and use a batch file to execute the commands. Windows Client TechCenter - CACLS To change the read/write attribute, please try "attrib" commands. Windows Client TechCenter - attribArthur Xie - MSFT
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July 21st, 2009 12:27pm

These could be folders on the network or folders on the local machine. Nothing like the Windows directory. I am logged in as the Domain Admin when I am trying to change the permissions on these folders, and I know I have access to change all of the folder permissions. I can do them all individually, but I can't change them all at once.
July 21st, 2009 5:46pm

Arthur, Thanks for the response. In my case we are trying to modify the permissions for multiple folders on a data drive - they are not system files.I'm aware that we can use CACLS, but that's no where near as convienient as modifying permissions on multiple files was in Windows XP. Did you guys actually remove the fuctionality that was in Windows XP and Server 2003?-Hoping there is just some way to turn it back on the way it was in XP/2003.-Justin
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July 21st, 2009 5:48pm

Hi, In Windows Vista and Windows 7 RC, we are not able to change permissions for multiple folders by select all and choose Properties->Security. If you would like to change permissions, please try command lines. It is a simpler way to realize.Arthur Xie - MSFT
July 23rd, 2009 9:18am

Hmmm....that's very disappointing. Why was that feature dropped when it has been in Windows for so long? Is the only alternative using the command line?
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July 24th, 2009 5:29pm

Hi Arthur, thank you for reply. CACLS utility it's that i need. I have forders on my File Server, so it's not any system ones. I'm very dissapointed to not to see such functionality in GUI.Hace a nice day, Michael
July 24th, 2009 10:33pm

Hi Arthur,Is there a reason why this feature is removed from the new versions?I find it unlogical to remove such a simple function.Iwas forcedto install and configure a new server becauseof a breakdown and chose server 2008 instead of 2003,I had to sit for hourstrying to figureout how to change the permissions!cacls, icacls xcalcs... jesus christwhich one is the right one to use! I have to admit that xcacls is easy to use after you learn it, but for those who have never tried it, or are trying to install a new server maybe even a rookie then this is defently not intuitive!
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August 7th, 2009 3:02pm

As a techie, but just sorting out a home HD issue, I'm also suprised and disappointed that this functionality has been removed. I'd be very interested to hear why I'm unable to change the permissions of multiple folders in one go...
September 4th, 2009 1:15am

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