Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was co-authored by Garnik Ovsepyan and by How.com.vn staff writer, Darlene Antonelli, MA. Garnik Ovsepyan is a Computer Specialist and the Owner of HeliX PC based in Burbank, California. With over 25 years of experience, Garnik specializes in custom computer builds, computer repairs, virus removal, computer tune-ups, hardware and software troubleshooting and installations, diagnostics, and data backup and recovery.
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In some cases, you may have difficulty deleting a file from your Windows or Mac computer because the file is classified as Read Only. By changing the file attributes, you can easily delete Read Only files in Windows or Mac OS X. This How.com.vn article teaches you how to get rid of Read Only files.
Quick Steps
- Right-click the file and select Properties.
- Uncheck the "Read-only" box and click OK.
- Select the file and click Delete, or drag it to the Recycle Bin.
Steps
Right-click the file in File Explorer.[1] You can right-click the file on your desktop as well as within File Explorer.
Click Properties from the drop-down menu. It's at the bottom of the menu.Advertisement
Uncheck the box next to the "Read Only" option in the "Properties" menu.[2]- If the box is checked and grayed out, either the file is in use or you don't have permission to change it.
- Quit any programs that are using the file. If needed, login as an administrator to gain permission to alter the file.
Delete the file. Once you've removed the Read Only status, you can right-click it and delete it or drag it to the Recycling Bin.[3]
Open Finder. Find the file that you want to delete and click to highlight it.
Click "File" and select Get Info. It's near the middle of the File drop-down menu.- Alternatively, press Cmd + I when you have the file selected to open "Get Info" using a keyboard shortcut.
Select the "Privilege" option in the Sharing & Permissions section.
Click on the box next to "Owner."
Set the file to Read & Write status.[4]
Delete the file. Right-click the file and select Move to Trash or drag and drop it to the trash icon in the Dock.[5]
Community Q&A
- QuestionMine is a CD, and it comes up as no such file or directory. What do I do?
Community AnswerFormat it, like nfts or so. If it shows up as no directory, try another CD, and if that doesn't work, your disc drive is broken. - QuestionHow do I delete "read only" files from a Blackberry?
Community AnswerClick and hold on the files icon, and drag it to the trashcan icon. - QuestionWhat should I do if the attribute box is faded?
JulieCommunity AnswerIf the attribute box is faded, that means it has an attribute attached to it. In this case, you would use Method 2 to remove the attribute.
Tips
- For Mac OS X, you can set file permissions for entire groups. "Read Only" files can be changed and deleted by other users on your network if you give them access.Thanks
- If you cannot delete a Read Only file on a Windows computer, try a utility program such as MoveOnBoot, Delete FXP Files, Delinvfile, or Unlocker.Thanks
- On Linux instead? This How.com.vn goes over deleting read-only files in Linux.Thanks
Warnings
- Deleting certain Read Only files may cause certain programs to malfunction. Be sure to research what the file does before deleting it.Thanks
References
- ↑ Garnik Ovsepyan. Computer Specialist. Expert Interview. 1 July 2021.
- ↑ Garnik Ovsepyan. Computer Specialist. Expert Interview. 1 July 2021.
- ↑ https://filext.com/faq/delete_or_rename_stubborn_file.html
- ↑ Garnik Ovsepyan. Computer Specialist. Expert Interview. 1 July 2021.
- ↑ https://support.apple.com/my-mm/guide/mac-help/mchlp1203/mac
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