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Protect files from being deleted

How do I protect files and/or folders from being deleted?  Our Photos and Videos are our most valuable possession and they need better protection - from us.  We back up to external drives.  But, we would also like to “lock” the files to ensure that when we are sorting, browsing, and copying they are not effectively deleted.  How do we eliminate deleting and/or moving of files?  If possible we would like to eliminate the possibility to delete while still allowing viewing, copying to project folders, tagging and rating.  Is this possible?  Please help.
Answer
Answer
Deny permissions always take precedence over allow permissions, so the easiest way to do what you want is to...

1 - Set "Everyone" as "Deny" for "delete".  Leave the other permissions in-tact.

It doesn't matter who the owner is, everyone will be blocked from deleting the files until they go through the steps to take ownership and then remove the deny permission, then go back and delete.

You'll retain your ability to add tags and such.





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Shawn "Cmdr" Keene | Microsoft MVP - Windows Insider | CmdrKeene.com | tweet: @CmdrKeene
Microsoft MVPs are independent experts offering real-world answers. Learn more at mvp.microsoft.com.

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Just to make sure we're on the same page, I'm going to give these instructions from the beginning (also to help future visitors).  To get to the true heart of the permissions, you have to click though a bunch of steps.  My only guess is that this is to scare away the faint of heart, lol.

  1. Right-click the folder you want to protect (I'm using c:\users\shawn\pictures) and choose Properties.

  2. On the Security tab, click Advanced.  The 'Advanced Security Settings for Pictures' dialog options.

  3. Click the Change Permissions... button.

  4. Click the Add... button, and type "everyone" (no quotes) into the box, then click OK.  A 'Permission Entry' dialog appears.

  5. Scroll to the bottom.  Place a checkmark in the 'Deny' column for "Delete".  Do not add any other checkmarks.

  6. Turn on (checkmark) the option at the bottom called 'Apply these permissions to objects and/or containers within this container only', then click OK.  You should be back at a screen that looks something like this.

  7. Turn on (checkmark) the option at the bottom called 'Replace all child object permissions with inheritable permissions from this object', then click OK.

  8. Windows will set the deny permission on every file and subfolder under this folder, unless you have set up one to not inherit permissions from its parent (you probably haven't done that).
Note: Deny permissions take precedence over allow permissions, so no one will be able to delete any file until/unless this permission item is removed.  This will block other apps from being able to delete either (for example, the Photo Gallery or Media Center).


If this was helpful, please vote by clicking the green triangle. If it solves the issue, click Propose as Answer. Thanks!
Shawn "Cmdr" Keene | Microsoft MVP - Windows Insider | CmdrKeene.com | tweet: @CmdrKeene
Microsoft MVPs are independent experts offering real-world answers. Learn more at mvp.microsoft.com.

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Last updated May 11, 2024 Views 123,957 Applies to: