Windows 10: "You'll need to provide administrator permission to delete this file"

I get this message when I try deleting a file from one of my external backup drives:

"You'll need to provide administrator permission to delete this file"

and when I try to copy a file to the drive I get:

"You'll need to provide administrator permission to copy to this folder"

Copying using fastcopy says "Access is denied."

I'm pretty sure I remember accidentally changing some setting in the drive properties a few years ago but I can't remember what it was now.

Is there a way to correct this without risking any damage or alterations to the files on the drive?

:)

 

no administrator permission

Hi Ryan,

Let us assist you to have an Administrator permission. To start, follow the steps below to enable the Windows Super Administrator Account.

• Type CMD on the search box.
• CMD will appear at top.
• Right click on it, then choose Run as administrator.
• Type this command & hit Enter: Net user administrator /active:yes.
• After you enable the Super Administrator account, log out on your existing account then log into Super Administrator account.
• On the Super Administrator account, you can now create an Administrator account or give Administrator permission on the existing account.

After you created an Administrator account, we suggest that you disable the Super Administrator account by following the same steps and using this command:
Net user administrator /active:no.

Let us know how it goes.

 

File permissions to delete file

I am trying this, but it's taking a very long time.

 

File permissions to delete file

Windows is extremely confusing in its permissions and file ownership.*Sad

If Taking Ownership of the files does not work, then the ACL and permissions are misconfigured.

Permissions precedes the ownership, you can have ownership but incorrect permissions in accordance with the ACL Access Control Lists (Windows).

Microsoft - How Permissions Work

I suggest that you open powershell (Search > type powershell > Right click > run as admin) and execute this command:

Code:

Code:

icacls "C:" /t /c /q /RESET

This command restores permissions to default for all files contained within C:\ quietly.

Followed by this command once completed:

Code:

Code:

icacls "c:\" /t /c /q Administrators:f

This command restores full permissions to the Administrators on the computer, which I presume you are an Administrator.

And reboot the computer, and finally attempt to delete the file after attempting to retake ownership.

If that does not work, then I suggest using a third party utility known as UnlockIT:
Downloads - UnLock IT

And download, install. Ensure you select customized installation.

Right click the folder that contains the files or the files individually that you would like to delete, and follow as here:






Then this should delete all files you right clicked upon after restarting the system.

You should not run into issues regarding permissions after this, and if you do, post again and I'll look into it.

Side note: often times malware tends to hijack a system and fluff itself in permissions that benefit itself.