If you try to access/ modify a file hosted on a remote server, you may encounter ‘An error occurred applying attributes to the file or folder’ error message. This problem usually occurs due to discrepancies in the permissions or the wrong security settings of the particular file.
Fix 1 – Take ownership of the file
The problem of wrong ownership may cause this problem.
1. Go to the location where the file is on your computer/ remote server.
2. When you located the file, right-click on it and then click on the “Properties“.
3. In the Properties window, you need to click on “Security“.
4. In the Security tab click on “Advanced“.
5. Then, click on “Change” beside the ‘Owner:‘ option.
6. After that, write “Everyone” in the box.
7. To validate the name, give a click on the “Check Names“.
8. Then what you need to do is to click on “OK“.
9. Click on “Apply” to save it*.
10. Then, a click on “OK” and the ownership of the file is given to everyone using the system.
*NOTE-
As soon as you click on “Apply” you will notice that a warning message has appeared. Simply click on “OK” if the message appears on your screen.
Fix 2 – Give full control to your account
This error may also occur if your account doesn’t have full control of the file.
1. Right-click on the file.
2. Then, click on “Properties” to access the properties settings.
3. When the Properties window appears, again you need to go to the “Security“.
4. Then, click on “Edit“.
5. From the Group or User names: section, choose your administrative account.
(NOTE– In this case, I have chosen my own account)
6. Then, click on “Allow” beside ‘Full control‘.
7. Finally, click on “Apply” and then click on “OK“.
Try to access the file again.
Fix 3 – Check if the file is encrypted
1. Again you need to right-click on the file and then click on “Properties“.
2. Go to the “General” tab.
3. After that, click on the “Advanced“.
4. When the Advanced Attributes window, uncheck the “Encrypt contents to secure data“.*
5. Then, click on “OK“.
*NOTE– In case if the ‘Encrypt contents to secure data‘ is checked but you can’t uncheck it, ask the original owner of the file to share the encryption certificates. After installing the encryption certificates, you will be able to access the files.
Fix 4 – Copy the file from Windows.old
If you have updated your pc recently, there is a chance the original file has remained in the old location.
1. Press Windows key+E.
2. After that, you need to click on the “Local Disk C:“.
3. When the Local Disk (C:) opens up, scroll down to find “Windows.old“.
4. Double click on it.
5. Then, double click on the “Users” folder.
6. You will notice a set of user folders.
7. Simply double click on your username folder.
(For this computer, it is “Sambit“.)
7. Now, go to the location where the file is located (For example, you have that file in the Pictures folder. So, we have to go there).
8. Right-click on the file and then click on “Copy“.
9. Go to any Windows 10 directory. (For an example, you can go to the ‘Documents‘ or the ‘Pictures‘ folder).
10. Paste the file there simply by pressing Ctrl+V.
Now, try to access it.
You can easily access the file without any more further error.