Why can't I unset read only from the startup folder

LAPIII · Mar 2, 2024

The properties window reads that it was read-only and after I uncheck it and click apply then I will be prompted that I need to provide administrative permissions and to click continue. I've done so and rechecked Properties, even after a restart, Read Only stays checked.

Rollback_Jockey · Mar 2, 2024

That flag refers to the files inside not the folder.

antspants · Mar 2, 2024

Curious as to why you would want to?
If you want to add a startup icon to the folder, all you have to do is click on yes or whatever is asked of you when it says you need admin privileges to do so, and it’s done.

abactuon · Mar 2, 2024

Maybe it's safer that way.
But if you want
$TargetDirectory = "$env:UserProfile\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup"
(Get-Item $TargetDirectory -Force).Attributes = 'Directory, NotContentIndexed'

Try3 · Mar 3, 2024

LAPIII said:
The properties window reads that it was read-only

That indicator has been virtually meaningless for over a decade.
Don't even bother looking at it.

Denis

LAPIII · Mar 3, 2024

I forgot to mention that I just want to modify the files.

Try3 · Mar 3, 2024

LAPIII said:
I forgot to mention that I just want to modify the files.

That's not a bother.
Just go ahead and edit them.
That indicator will not stop you.

LAPIII said:
The properties window reads that it was read-only ... Read Only stays checked

It did not have a tick in it.
It was black meaning that it was in its middle state [it has three states, it is not on/off like normal checkboxes].

LAPIII said:
I will be prompted that I need to provide administrative permissions

Only if that folder has that limitation in its Permissions.
And if it does it has nothing to do with that indicator.

If you have nothing useful to do and want to waste part of your life, you can study these explanations.
folder read-only indicator [KeithM] - TenForums
Read Only (Folders) - [Fred Long, LemP] MSA forum
You cannot view or change the Read-only or the System attributes of folders [Win7 etc] - MSSupport

Denis

LAPIII · Mar 3, 2024

antspants · Mar 3, 2024

LAPIII said:

I believe you will need to create a shortcut to the file (a.txt) then copy the shortcut to the startup folder. I may be wrong.

Try3 · Mar 3, 2024

You need to check the Permissions of that destination.
Your problem has nothing you do with that indicator. You can check this by looking in the existing files in that folder. They are not marked as read-only.

What are the Permissions on that folder?
You'll see in those Permissions that they are stopping you creating files in that folder.
Change Permissions of Files, Folders, Drives, Registry Keys for Users and Groups in Windows 10-11 - TenForumsTutorials
Your problem has nothing you do with that indicator.

The easiest course of action would be to create & edit the file elsewhere then copy it to that destination folder. You'll be asked to give Admin approval and then the copying will be done.
I'm trying to help you do what you want to do. I don't know why you want to copy a file there; I have never had to do so.
Your problem has nothing you do with that indicator.

Denis

antspants · Mar 3, 2024

What happens if you try copying a.txt to
%AppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\startup\

LesFerch · Mar 3, 2024

As @antspants noted, %AppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\startup\ is the normal place to put your startup items.

Are you trying to create a startup item for yourself or all users?

LAPIII · Mar 3, 2024

antspants, The file copied just fine and I was even able to edit it.

Now I would like to pin in this folder to Quick Access.

EDIT: space I hope this works:

Code:

($QuickAccess.Namespace("shell:::{679f85cb-0220-4080-b29b-5540cc05aab6}").Items() | where {$_.Path -eq "C:\YourFolderPath"}).InvokeVerb("pintohome")

Wisewiz · Mar 3, 2024

LAPIII said:
Now I would like to pin in this folder to Quick Access

I didn't understand that. Could you please say again what you want to do?

antspants · Mar 3, 2024

You want to pin this folder to Quick Access?
%AppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\startup\

You would do it the same as any folder you pin to quick access I believe.

Wisewiz · Mar 3, 2024

Wait. Why would you want the Startup folder in Quick Access? Do you actually change the contents of that folder frequently?

antspants · Mar 3, 2024

I personally believe you would of been better to save the “a.txt” file somewhere safe in your Documents folder, created a shortcut and then pasted the shortcut into the above folder.
Editing a txt file that lives in the startup folder seems unnecessary

But if you’re happy doing it the way you have, that’s fine I suppose?