In other words, the file can only beread from, notwritten to.
Other things besides files can also be read-only, like particularly configuredflash drivesand othersolid state storage deviceslike SD cards.
Certain areas of your system memory may also be set as read-only.
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What Types of Files Are Usually Read-Only?
A number of files in theC:\Windows\folder and its subfolders are read-only by default.
In older versions of Windows, some common ones includeboot.ini, io.sys,andmsdos.sys.
Most Windows files that are read-only are also usually marked ashidden files.
Then, once the editing is done, re-switch on the attribute.
For example, consider a situation where you want toedit the hosts filein theSystem32\drivers\etc\ folder.
Specifically, in the case of thehostsfile, it would go like this:
Copyhostsfrom theetcfolder to the Desktop.
Make the changes to thehostsfile that’s on the Desktop.
Copy thehostsfile on the Desktop to theetcfolder.
Confirm the file overwrite.
Another way is through the command line with theattrib command.
FAQ
Several scenarios might lead to an Excel spreadsheet opening as read-only.
For instance, ifthe file is password-protectedor wasshared as a copy, it might open as read-only.
Right-nudge the file and choosePropertiesto see if the Read-only attribute is checked.
If so, scrub the checkbox to edit the file.
