What happens to permissions when a file is copied and put in another location in the same drive?

Each level represents a different set of actions users can perform. See the table below for more information.

For folders you can also set your own unique permissions or create a variation on any of the standard permission levels. Within each of the permission levels are many possible variations. For information on some of these advanced options, refer to Advanced Folder Level Permissions below.

The following table represents the available standard permission types.

PermissionDescriptionFull ControlPermits the user(s) to:
  • view file name and subfolders.
  • navigate to subfolders.
  • view data in the folder's files.
  • add files and subfolders to the folder.
  • change the folder's files.
  • delete the folder and its files.
  • change permissions.
  • take ownership of the folder and its files.
ModifyPermits the user(s) to:
  • view the file names and subfolders.
  • navigate to subfolders.
  • view data in the folder's files.
  • add files and subfolders to the folder.
  • change the folder's files.
  • delete the folder and its files.
  • open and change files.
Read & ExecutePermits the user(s) to:
  • view file names and subfolder names.
  • navigate to subfolders.
  • view data in the folder's files.
  • run applications.
List Folder ContentsPermits the user(s) to:
  • view the file names and subfolder names.
  • navigate to subfolders.
  • view folders.
  • does not permit access to the folder's files.
ReadPermits the user(s) to:
  • view the file names and subfolder names.
  • navigate to subfolders.
  • open files.
  • copy and view data in the folder's files.
WriteThe Read permissions, plus permits the user(s) to:
  • create folders.
  • add new files.
  • delete files.

Create a New Folder

In many cases you will need to create a new folder. If you are using an existing folder and do not wish to create a new folder, continue with Accessing the Properties Dialog Box.

  1. Click on the Start menu.
  2. Click Computer.
  3. From the Computer window, select the shared drive for your area or department (S Drive or W Drive).
  4. Navigate to the location you want the new folder to appear (e.g., within one of your existing folders).
  5. On the menu bar, select New Folder.
    OR
    Right click » select New » select Folder.
    A new folder is created which inherits the security permissions of its "parent."
  6. In the newly created folder, type the desired folder name.
  7. Press [Enter] or click off of the folder.

Accessing the Properties Dialog Box

When working with permissions in Windows 7, you are required to work from the Properties dialog box. This dialog box for the file or folder you are working with can be accessed in a few steps.

  1. Click on the Start menu.
  2. Click Computer.
  3. Select the folder or file you wish to adjust/view permissions for.
  4. Right-click the folder or file.
  5. Select Properties.
    The Properties dialog box appears.

Granting Access to a File or Folder

After creating a new folder, or even if you will use an existing folder, you will need to determine who will have access to it. Also, keep in mind that by default the same persons who have access to the "parent" (original) folder also have access to the new folder, and vice versa. This may not be ideal. It is a simple process to grant access to specific users for any folder you have created.

  1. Access the Properties dialog box.
  2. Select the Security tab.
    What happens to permissions when a file is copied and put in another location in the same drive?

  3. Click Edit.
    The security tab opens in a new window.
  4. Click Add...
    The Select Users, Computers, or Groups dialog box appears.
    What happens to permissions when a file is copied and put in another location in the same drive?

  5. In the Enter the object names to select text box, type the name of the user or group that will have access to the folder (e.g., 2125.engl.498.001 or [email protected]).
    HINT: You may type the beginning of the name and then click Check Names. The name will either be resolved or a list of users beginning with those characters will display for you to select from.
  6. Click OK.
    The Properties dialog box reappears.
  7. Click OK on the Security window.
  8. Continue with Setting Permissions below.

Setting Permissions

Once you have granted a group or individual user access to a folder, you will need to set permissions for the new user(s). When you set permissions, you are specifying what level of access a user(s) has to the folder and the files within it. Be careful about checking Deny for any permissions, as the Deny permission overrides any other related to Allow permissions.

Folder permissions can be changed only by the owner of the folder (i.e., the creator) or by someone who has been granted permission by the owner. If you are not the owner of the folder or have not been granted permission by the owner, all checkboxes will be gray. Therefore, you will not be able to make any changes until the owner grants you permission.

  1. Access the Properties dialog box.
  2. Select the Security tab.
    The top portion of the dialog box lists the users and/or groups that have access to the file or folder.
  3. Click Edit
    What happens to permissions when a file is copied and put in another location in the same drive?

  4. In the Group or user name section, select the user(s) you wish to set permissions for
  5. In the Permissions section, use the checkboxes to select the appropriate permission level
  6. Click Apply
  7. Click Okay
    The new permissions are added to the file or folder.

Advanced Folder Level Permissions

When you set permissions, you specify what users are allowed to do within that folder, such as save and delete files or create a new folder. You are not limited to choosing one of the standard permissions settings (Full Control, Modify, Read & Execute, List Folder Contents, Read, or Write). Instead of choosing one of these settings, you may set your own unique permissions based on what you would like users to be able to do. For an understanding of how options can be combined, refer to Permission Types: An Overview.

Remember, folder permissions can only be changed by the owner of the folder (i.e., the creator) or by someone who has been granted permission by the owner. If you are not the owner of the folder or have not been granted permission by the owner, the checkboxes will be grayed out. Therefore, you will not be able to make any changes until the owner grants you permission.

What happens to permissions when a file is copied and put in another drive?

By default, an object inherits permissions from its parent object, either at the time of creation or when it is copied or moved to its parent folder. The only exception to this rule occurs when you move an object to a different folder on the same volume. In this case, the original permissions are retained.

What happens when a file's permissions are moved to a different location within the same drive?

When you copy a protected file to a folder on the same, or a different volume, it inherits the permissions of the target directory. However, when you move a protected file to a different location on the same volume, the file retains its access permission setting as though it is an explicit permission.

What happens to file permissions when you move the folder to another disk?

It inherits new permissions from the destination folder, in addition to other, explicitly set, permissions. Users no longer see the moved files or folders in the shared folder.

What happens to those permissions of a file if you move to a folder within the same volume?

Explanation: If a folder or file is moved within the same volume, the folder or file will retain the same permissions that were already assigned.