How to permit editing/creating files in Program Files?

doveman · Jul 12, 2014

On my Windows 7 system, I can edit or create files in Program Files/ or Program Files (x86)/. On my newly installed Windows 8 system however I can't, despite running as Admin and even if I disable UAC.

Anyone know what I need to tweak to permit this? I can edit files if I first open Notepad with Run as Admin but that's rather a pain.

Robert17 · Jul 12, 2014

You need to enable permissions in several folders to get full access to edit some folders and files. Check your system's permissions here:

doveman · Jul 12, 2014

Sorry, what am I supposed to do there?

Robert17 · Jul 12, 2014

You select various folder names, one at a time, in the computer management folder. Once selected go to the 'Action' tab and edit permissions. Or you can 'right click' with your mouse to access the same functionality.

doveman · Jul 12, 2014

It doesn't show folder names there though, only users/groups.

I checked via Windows Explorer though, and under Effective Permissions it shows I have full permissions to Program Files (including Create files/write data), other than Full Control, Delete subfolders and files, Change permissions and Take ownership.

It seems when I launch an app, e.g. notepad by double-clicking on an .ini file, or 7-Zip by right-clicking on a file and selecting Create Archive, those apps aren't inheriting my permissions, so they can't create/edit the files.

Robert17 · Jul 12, 2014

doveman said:
It doesn't show folder names there though, only users/groups.

I checked via Windows Explorer though, and under Effective Permissions it shows I have full permissions to Program Files (including Create files/write data), other than Full Control, Delete subfolders and files, Change permissions and Take ownership.

It seems when I launch an app, e.g. notepad by double-clicking on an .ini file, or 7-Zip by right-clicking on a file and selecting Create Archive, those apps aren't inheriting my permissions, so they can't create/edit the files.

So perhaps you'll need to give yourself permission for full control, delete subfolders and files, change permissions and take ownership.

redduc900 · Jul 12, 2014

I think the only way around the permissions issue in Win8/8.1 is to enable and log in w/ the hidden admin account...

How to enable and disable the Windows Administrator account
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/enable-disable-windows-administrator-account/

doveman · Jul 13, 2014

Robert17 said:
So perhaps you'll need to give yourself permission for full control, delete subfolders and files, change permissions and take ownership.

I'd rather wait until someone can tell me for sure, rather than just change things in the hope that they're correct and won't risk anything.

doveman · Jul 13, 2014

redduc900 said:
I think the only way around the permissions issue in Win8/8.1 is to enable and log in w/ the hidden admin account...

Hmm, that sucks if that's the case. It's less hassle to just Run as Admin Notepad, 7-Zip or whatever I need to have permission to write to those folders than switch to the hidden admin account every time, as I wouldn't want to run as that all the time.

TheCheat · Jul 18, 2014

I found this helpful reg edit to remedy issues like this... Hope it can help you!

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2814-take-ownership-add-context-menu-windows-8-a.html

How to permit editing/creating files in Program Files?

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