Slideshow: Take ownership of files and folders in Windows - TechRepublic

Slideshow: Take ownership of files and folders in Windows

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    Right-click the file or folder and open Properties

    \n\tBy default, the creator of a file of folder in Microsoft Windows 7 is the owner of that file or folder. As owner, that user can allow or deny access to non-administrator users. However, there are times when an administrator, or a user with administrator privileges and/or Take Ownership permission, will want to take ownership of a file or folder.

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    \n\tTaking ownership

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    \n\tIf you are an administrator, or otherwise have the proper privileges, you can change ownership with these steps:

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    \n\t1. Right-click on the file or folder to get the context menu and then click the Properties menu item.

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    \n\tThis gallery is also available as a TechRepublic blog post and download. Image created by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

  • Security Tab then Advanced button

    \n\t2. Click the Security Tab on the Properties screen and then click the Advanced button.

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    \n\tThis gallery is also available as a TechRepublic blog post and download. Image created by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

  • Advanced Security Settings

    \n\tYou’ll get an Advanced Security Settings screen.

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    \n\tThis gallery is also available as a TechRepublic blog post and download. Image created by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

  • Click the Owner Tab and then the Edit button

    \n\t3. Click the Owner Tab on the Advanced Security Settings screen and then click the Edit button.

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    \n\tThis gallery is also available as a TechRepublic blog post and download. Image created by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

  • Change Ownership

    \n\t4. On the next screen, select a new owner from the Change owner to list (Figure E). Note, if you need to take ownership for sub-folders located within the folder, click the “Replace owner or subcontainers and objects” check box.

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    \n\t5. Click OK on the opening screens and ownership of that folder or file should be transferred.

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    \n\tThis gallery is also available as a TechRepublic blog post and download. Image created by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

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Mark W. Kaelin

Mark W. Kaelin has been writing and editing stories about the information technology industry, software, hardware, gaming, finance, accounting, and technology geekdom for more than 30 years.