Trouble modifying files in Remote Access Storage System

[buildersmate]

I run a networked Remote Access Storage System (WD My Book) which I use to keep back-up copies of files from my PC. It is properly networked, not on a USB connection. Though it will always copy files into the drive when asked, it appears to be impossible to move or delete them again. When it copies across, the archive attribute is set (I don't know why - I didn't knowingly set it up to do this). Even if I manually remove the archive attribute 'tick' box individually, I still cannot move or delete the individual files. The files were put their manually originally - not using a proprietary backup programme - though I do also use Retrospect which is WD's own backup programme in a separate part of the same drive to backup other files. Any offers as to what is going on? - I use Windows XP.

[rojash]

The archive bit is merely an indicator that can be set or reset to indicate whether a file has been changed.

The Read-only bit is the one that prevents you from moving or deleting a file.

Right-click the file, choose properties and check the General tab to see the RO status

[buildersmate]

Thanks for that Rojash. But the read only indicators aren't set at all on the files I've tried manually to move or delete.

If I go to the highest level directories within the drive, some of them have a green square blob in the RO box - this indicates that some files within the file structure below have the RO indicator ticked? I have tried bulk removal of this by asking for the removal action to occur on all lower level files and sub-directories. This is presumably what this action achieves.

Is there a way of doing this more reliably from within MS-DOS prompt - using the ATTRIB command perhaps? Or are there other settings within Windows associated with the set-up of a networked drive that I should be reviewing (and which could hence be preventing me from moving these files around)

[ChuckFickens]

from the dos prompt goto the root of the drive and type

attrib -r /s

Will set the read only flag off for all files on the drive.

also out of interest can you create a new file on the drive (right click and select new and then text document)

and do you get any error messages when trying to perform your moving of the files or when trying to create a new file?

[ACtheTROLL]

for some reason windows always shows folders as read only !!! and an administrator can delete read only files ... so it's normal

what backup software are you using ... and is it set to do a full multiple version backup? because it will "defend" the versions.

also if it 's set to look for changes as you make them - the software will lock the files (do you get an error message?)

try using one of these file managers
http://www.explorerxp.com/
http://www.primitus.us/a43/

or alternatively - try taking chuck's suggestion one step further - try to use a dos prompt to delete


finally - are you deleteing both versions of the file (PC and NAS) - and is the software set to replicate duplicate or what

(I've seen people delete the file on the NAS - and the software simply copies it back from the PC - and vice versa ... if the software is running you need to stop it before making any changes)




not all nas boxes show file structure changes in explorer you'll need to do view | refresh

[buildersmate]

Thank you guys. I will try some of these ideas.
The software used for backup is WD's own HD Retrospect, but is is not with the backed-up files that the problems occur. In a series of other directories I maintain copies of photo files that are not on the PC. I can add new files to these sub-directories but it is seemingly impossible to Delete or Move some of the files. Even with the archive and the RO flag removed on individual files.