Windows 10: Proper way to take ownership of subfolders in windows directory?

What is the proper way to take ownership of files in %systemroot%\PolicyDefinitions? I need to update just a few *.admx/*.adml administrative templates in %systemroot%\PolicyDefinitions folder. The existing templates are, by default, are owned by TrustedInstaller but I am just a User (with administrative privileges) and thus, I cannot move out or backup the existing templates. Please note I am updating existing templates installed by windows, not adding new templates that are not already present. Do I need to take ownership of the entire folder and files or just the files I need to replace? Who should I transfer ownership from TrustedInstaller to? I assume either User or Administrator and grant full control to read/write/execute but if the is a more appropriate owner, who should it be? When changing ownership, should I enable inheritances? And, after updating the templates, should I change owner back to TrustedInstaller? Thanks!

:)

 

Proper way to take ownership of subfolders in windows directory?

@Brink has a similar context menu entry to take ownership of files, folders and drives, but his version deliberately excludes adding the right-click option to Program Files, User Files, Windows and C: drive to avoid messing up your system.

So I would rather take ownership of the %sytemroot%\PolicyDefinitions folder the manual, proper way to avoid problems.

 

Proper way to take ownership of subfolders in windows directory?

What is the proper way to take ownership of files in %systemroot%\PolicyDefinitions?

I need to update just a few *.admx/*.adml administrative templates in %systemroot%\PolicyDefinitions folder. The existing templates are, by default, are owned by TrustedInstaller but I am just a User (with administrative privileges) and thus, I cannot move out or backup the existing templates. Please note I am updating existing templates installed by windows, not adding new templates that are not already present.

Do I need to take ownership of the entire folder and files or just the files I need to replace?
Who should I transfer ownership from TrustedInstaller to? I assume either User or Administrator and grant full control to read/write/execute but if the is a more appropriate owner, who should it be?

When changing ownership, should I enable inheritances?

And, after updating the templates, should I change owner back to TrustedInstaller?

Thanks!

 

Proper way to take ownership of subfolders in windows directory?

I've found I make more mistakes trying to do it the "right way".
So I give my right click menu the option... then use it VERY sparingly. *Smile

I seldom have the need to use it at all. I just like to have the option available.


/edit

You sound like an intelligent, cautious person. Taking the time to go through the permissions settings and take ownership, is comprehensible. It's also a pain. Hence the tool I use, when absolutely necessary.

Just because you have access to scissors, doesn't mean you HAVE to run through the house with them.

Either way, you ARE going to Take Ownership. You don't have to leave that option on the right click menu either.
There is also a registry patch to remove the option, when you are finished.