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Questions tagged [read-only]

In computing, the term "read-only" refers to the ability to read, but not alter or delete something. This is most typically used in reference to file system permissions, but can also refer to devices, such as read only memory (ROM), or storage media which cannot be written to.

In computing, the term "read-only" refers to the ability to read, but not alter or delete something. This is most typically used in reference to file system permissions, but can also refer to devices, such as read only memory (ROM), or storage media which cannot be written to.

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How to mount an NTFS partition read-only in Windows?

I feel like this is a really simple and fundamental function that Windows should have, but so far Google has been telling me it isn't possible. How can I mount an NTFS partition read-only in Windows?
netvope
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55
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3 answers

What can I do if my USB flash drive is write-protected or read-only?

When I plug in my USB flash drive, it shows up on my computer as write-protected or read-only. I am unable to transfer data to it, nor can I modify or delete any files already stored on it. I also cannot repartition or reformat the drive using…
bwDraco
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18 answers

Can I encrypt data in a way that it can be read normally but can't be copied or edited?

I want to share my 500 GB hard drive with a friend but I want to encrypt it in a way that all data can be read normally but cannot be copied or edited in any way. Is that possible?
Jilos
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29
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4 answers

How do I prevent Excel from locking files by default?

When I double-click on a CSV file on a network share, the file is opened in Microsoft Excel (which is what I want). However, Excel assumes that I'm going to modify the file, and that everyone else is too, and so puts a lock on it. In practice I…
Andrzej Doyle
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25
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5 answers

Windows 7 - Cannot remove read-only attribute

I am logged in on my admin account. When I was trying to edit a python project using PyCharm (an IDE), it told me that the folder was marked as read-only (square box). I open the folder in explorer, go to properties and uncheck read-only. I then…
Lanaru
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5 answers

How to edit a read-only document in LibreOffice?

I need to fill a form (which I received in .doc format and saved as .odt). The file is read-only except for the fields where I can enter the information. Unfortunately, with the fields filled it doesn't fit on one page, and I need to edit it so I…
TestUser16418
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2 answers

Will mounting a file system read-only increase the lifespan of an SSD?

Let's assume I have some data that once created, never again has to change. I have copied this data to an SSD and then re-mounted the file system as read-only and leave it that way from now on. Will doing so increase the lifetime of the SSD? I am…
dtmland
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4 answers

Remove read-only attribute from folder after Windows reinstall

I reinstalled a fresh copy of Windows 8.1 on my laptop after formatting drive C. Then I tried to access my Photos folder on drive D and got the error Access is denied It turned my folder into a Read Only folder. All other folders on the drive work…
shiva86
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11 answers

How to make USB flash drive immutable/read only forever?

I need to provide some proof for the judge on a pendrive. I bought new 32GB pendrive and would like to upload 8MB file on it and make the pendrive read only forever, so nobody tampers with it. Is it doable?
Yoda
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2 answers

how to make my D: drive read only?

I want Drive(Volume) D to be read-only so people can view its content but no file would be altered/added/deleted. For example if a user selects a file and clicks "delete" nothing would happen.
theroyn
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15
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9 answers

Make a USB drive read only

I have a 1.5TB USB drive with many important files that I want to give to a friend (they have Windows7) for reading only purposes. thumbscrew appears to flip a registry switch but it seems to be on the local pc only. UPDATE: Are you aware of any USB…
iKarampa
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2 answers

Can't remove read only attribute from folder windows 8.1

I am using windows 8.1 64 bit I am unable to remove the read only attribute on folders on my computer. I have tried multiple folders on my desktop, and in my documents folder, if I uncheck the read only box and hit apply, then close and reopen the…
user3308082
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How do I make a USB partition so no one can erase it

An office has contacted me because they have branded USB drives @ $4 each which they use for giveaways but at conferences people will sometimes grab them by the fistful, and presumably not so they can promote this office themselves. They want to…
seizethecarp
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3 answers

How to make a partition on external storage read-only? And revert to normal?

Sometimes, I have to give my external storage someone else. But, I am worry about files and folders which accidentally deleted, moved, changed etc... Therefore, it is enough that data on the disk can be readable. Writing support not desired. So, 1)…
mmdemirbas
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Why are write blockers needed when there is mount with read-only?

Let’s say we're using some flavor of Linux and we mount a partition using following command: sudo mount -o ro /dev/sdc1 /mnt The partition is supposed to be read-only so that the OS and user cannot write to the disk without changing the mount…
cutrightjm
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