Slideshow: Take ownership of files and folders in Windows

By Mark W. Kaelin January 26, 2011, 3:02 AM PST

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Slideshow: Take ownership of files and folders in Windows

Right-click the file or folder and open Properties

ntBy 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.

ntTaking ownership

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

nt1. Right-click on the file or folder to get the context menu and then click the Properties menu item.

nt
ntThis gallery is also available as a TechRepublic blog post and download. Image created by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

Security Tab then Advanced button

nt2. Click the Security Tab on the Properties screen and then click the Advanced button.

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

Advanced Security Settings

ntYou’ll get an Advanced Security Settings screen.

ntThis 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

nt3. Click the Owner Tab on the Advanced Security Settings screen and then click the Edit button.

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

Change Ownership

nt4. 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.

nt5. Click OK on the opening screens and ownership of that folder or file should be transferred.

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

By Mark W. Kaelin

Mark W. Kaelin has been writing and editing stories about the information technology industry, gadgets, finance, accounting, and tech-life for more than 25 years. Most recently, he has been a regular contributor to BreakingModern.com, aNewDomain.net,

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