How Are Your Permissions?

by Maria Marsala

Summary: You may not know what they're called, but I bet they've given you some trouble. Learn more about "permissions" below.

Are you one of the many people who have purchased a CD-RW (CD readable/writeable)? Or have you had a "permission" problem when you tried to open one of your files or programs? Do you sometimes receive a message like "your permissions are not set" or "permissions not allowed" or another "permissions" message?

I tried to find a good definition for "permission" and came up empty handed. So what are they? Most of the time "permissions" involved hidden codes. Example: you send a file to someone and designate that they can "read-only". Let's say that person wants to illegally change the document and use it as his or her own. One way to do this is to change the "permissions". Another example would be files on the web you can't change without changing the permissions.

Here is an example of a permission problem I recently experienced. I copied all my business files to a CD that I planned to use with my laptop on my work/vacation. When using a CD writer, most of your files are automatically copied to your disk as "read-able" only. That means you can open them to read them, but don't try to make any changes to them! You'll find that "you don't have permission".

What can you do when this situation arises and you just HAVE to change some information on the file? Sometimes you can change permissions the easy way by saving the file to your hard drive using a different file name (many Word files work this easy way). Other times it's a bit more complicated and you have to go into that "hidden" area I mentioned above. Files you upload to the web and a copy of the Outlook backup file you copy work the longer way.

• Changing permissions the long way ...
1. Locate the file you want to use on your CD disk or hard drive (usually "C" drive).
2. Copy it to a file on your hard drive (like My Documents on the "C" drive).
3. Find the file on your hard drive.
4. Right click on the file name.
5. Tap on "Properties".
6. Remove the check mark by "read only".
7. Save the file.
8. You're now ready to go...

Another way to by-pass some of the processes above is to open your Explore or My Explorer icons, then move the document on your disk to your hard drive, then start at #4 above.

In the future when your computer won't give you permission... you'll know why and you'll know what to do!

©2007 Maria Marsala, former Wall Street Fortune 200 executive, business strategist, author and speaker. As founder of Elevating Your Business, Maria helps business owners and independent service professionals work smarter and earn more. Learn more and receive free business tools at ElevatingYourBusiness.com

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