How Can I Change File Permissions?

Being able to control the ability to run specific file types on a particular computer system or network environment is a very important functionality, especially for system administrators. This also provides computer users with a way of limiting access to system critical or even potentially dangerous types of files. There is always a possibility that some novice computer user may accidentally run a file which can erase the contents of the entire hard drive or turn off critical system services. The following guide is intended for computer systems running under the Microsoft Windows Operating System platform and may not necessarily apply to other operating system environments. 

Under the Microsoft Windows Operating System environment, a built-in utility called Change Access Control List may be used by:

Step 1: Click on the Start button and select the Run option.

Step 2: Type the command CMD and then click the OK button to launch the command prompt window needed by the operating system utility.

Step 3: Type the command CACLS and press the ENTER key on the keyboard. This will then display the available options that can be used for setting file permissions.

Step 4: After identifying the option that you need, use the syntax CACLS file path [chosen Option(s)] to change the appropriate file permissions. The file path represents the directory location where the file is stored in the hard drive.

Step 5: Once all the changes in file permissions have been carried out, type EXIT and press the ENTER key on the keyboard to close the command prompt window. The options will be reflected automatically without the need to reboot the machine.

Another way how to change file permissions under the Microsoft Windows Operating System platform is by:

Step 1: Navigate to the directory folder where you wish to change permission. You can select multiple files by holding the CTRL key on the keyboard while you click on multiple files.

Step 2: Using the mouse pointer, right click on the file and select the Properties option from the context menu.

Step 3: Click the Security tab and then click on the Advanced button. Remove the check mark from the checkbox and click on the OK button.

Step 4: In the Permissions Entries list, modify accordingly on how you want to change permissions.

Step 5: Click on the OK button and follow the prompts until the Advanced Security Settings window closes.

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