How do I access "read only" files?

[Cadastrophic]

With the helpful advice from this forum, I have just upgraded my system. I backed up all my drawings, and now that I've re-installed them, can only open the files as "read only".
Please forgive my ignorance, as I am teaching myself (with the help of this forum!), and am quite isolated, but I can't find any reference to a solution.
What mistake did I make, and how can I revert it?
Thank you in advance.

[Mr T]

Seems like they have become read-only through copying.

No worries just 'right click' on the file choose 'properties' and untick the 'read only' box.

Nick :lol:

[superjari]

Did you burn the files to CD? If so, the files usually become read-only...

[Cadastrophic]

Yes, I burnt the files onto CD. Is there any way I can retrieve them, or have I lost the lot?

[robfowler]

Nick's reply above is the correct method to change them from read only.

Once the files have been unticked (is that a word?) from read only you should be able to open them up and edit them as normal.

Files burned to a CD are always set to be read only when opened up from the CD. Copy them from the CD across to your hard disc again before changing their properties to read/write.

BTW the same thing applies to files you burn to a CD/RW. It's never a good idea to try and open files from either a CD or floppy - always copy them to hard disc first.

Rob.

[Cadastrophic]

Thanks for the speedy replies!
I have already copied the files back onto my hard drive. When I try to open one in Acad, the "Open as read-only" box is un-ticked, but I still get an error message stating ".dwg is currently in use or is read only".
Started to get really worried!

[robfowler]

Close the file in Acad before you try to open the file from your hard drive and right click on it and uncheck the 'read only' box. Check the 'archive' box and apply the settings. Now open the file in Acad.

This SHOULD work and you should not get the opening message about read only.

Rob.

[Cadastrophic]

Rob, (and everyone else) thanks for your input, that worked, of course! In my blind panic, I just wasn't thinking "Windows".
Until the next cadastrophy, thanks.

[robfowler]

Glad it worked for you.

Rob.