4 ways to delete read-only files

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In some situations, you will have problems deleting a file from your PC or Mac computer because that file will be configured as "Read Only". By changing the attributes of the file, you can very easily delete "Read-only" files under Windows or Mac OSX.

Steps

Method 1 of 4: Use the Properties menu to remove the Read-only attribute

Step 1. Right click on the file in Windows Explorer

Step 2. Click Properties from the drop-down menu

Step 3. Uncheck the box next to the "Read only" option in the "Properties" menu

If the box is checked and grayed out, it means either the file is in use, or you do not have permission to edit it.
Close all programs that are using the file. If necessary, log in as administrator to get permission to edit the file.

Step 4. Delete the file

Method 2 of 4: Use the Attrib command to turn off the Read-only attribute

Step 1. Click on the Start menu and then click on Run

If you don't see the "Run" command, click All the programs > Accessories > Execute.

Step 2. Remove the "Read-only" attribute and set the "System" attribute

Type the following command:

attrib -r + s drive: \
For example, for a folder called "test", type attrib -r + s c: \ test

Step 3. Delete the file

Method 3 of 4: Delete Read-Only Files in Mac OS X Using Finder

Step 1. Open Finder

Find the file you want to delete and click on it.

Step 2. Click File at the top of the Finder menu, then click Read the information.

Step 3. Choose the "Privilege" option in the "Sharing and permission" section

Step 4. Click the box next to “Owner”

Step 5. Set the file state to "Read & Write"

Step 6. Delete the file

Method 4 of 4: Delete Read-Only Files in Mac OS X Using Terminal

Step 1. Click on Application > Utilities > Terminal.

Step 2. Type "cd"

For example, if you want to configure permissions for a file in your Documents, type "cd Documents".

Step 3. Enter the command “ls –l” to view the contents of the folder in detail

Permissions are displayed in the far left column.

Step 4. Type "chmod u + rwx" filename "" to allow read, write and execute rights

Close the Terminal.

Step 5. Find the file and delete it

Advice

In Mac OS X, you can set permissions for an entire group of files. "Read-only" files can be edited and deleted by other users on your network if you give them permission.
If you still cannot delete a "Read-only" file on your Windows computer, try utilities such as MoveOnBoot, Delete FXP Files, Delinvfile, or Unlocker.

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