Microsoft Windows - Folder Permissions

This support section contains information on how to adjust the default security permissions on a folder. This information is geared specifically for the "GeneralUse" network space and Windows XP and Windows Vista, but it may be a guide for other areas as well. If you have questions concerning the directions below please contact your departmental Information Technology Support Staff member.

By default all of the files and folders within the "GeneralUse" shared folder have been set so that everyone using the IOWA domain ("Authenticated Users") can read and execute the files, but not change or delete them. Course folders should be set so that the associated faculty members (including TAs where requested) have Full Control (allowing them to change the security permissions as needed).

 

Important Notes...
1. The following group should ALWAYS have Full Control in order for things to function correctly: "DepartmentNameGoesHere Folder Management". These permissions will flow down from upper level folders and should not have to be added, unless you have changed the default security on a subfolder or file.
2. Security permissions flow down from upper level folders, so set the needed permissions as far up as possible in order to save time and duplication of effort. This means that SubfolderB automatically gets the same settings as FolderA if it resides within FolderA.
3. Deny permissions supersede Allow permissions, so try not to use the Deny settings (just leave the Apply setting blank instead of using Deny).

Enabling the Security Tab (if you do not already see it)

1. Open Windows Explorer, and then select the Tools | Folder Options menu item.
2. Click the View tab on the window that appears.
3. Uncheck the box labeled "Use Simple File Sharing."
4. Click the OK buton to accept the changes and close the Folder Options window.

 

 

Locating a HawkID

1. Open up a web browser and navigate to: http://www.uiowa.edu/homepage/directories/
2. Enter the person's name (full or partial name) and click the Search button.
3. Note the user's HawkID in the HawkID field (if the field is blank you may need to contact the person to obtain their HawkID).

Adding a User to the Security Permissions

1. Right-click on the folder or file you wish to adjust, and then select Properties.
2. Click on the Security tab.
3. If using Vista: Click the Edit button.
4. Click the Add button.
5. Enter the user's HawkID and then click the Check Names button to verify.
6. Click the OK button to add the user.
7. Check the appropriate boxes in the Apply or Deny columns to change basic permissions (see note above about Deny permissions)
8. Click the Apply button.
9. If using Vista: Click the OK button to close the permissions window.
10. Click the OK button to close the folder/file properties window.

Setting Detailed Security Permissions for Added Users

1. Right-click on the folder or file you wish to adjust, and then select Properties.
2. Click on the Security tab.
3. Click the Advanced button.
4. If using Vista: Click the Edit button.
5. Highlight the HawkID account you wish to adjust, and then click the Edit button.
6. Select the desired Apply onto: setting from the drop down menu.
7. Check the appropriate boxes in the Apply or Deny columns (see note above about Deny permissions).
8. Click the OK button.
9. If using Vista: Click the OK button to close the security window.
10. Click the OK button for the changes to be implemented.
11. Click the OK button to close the folder/file properties window.

Changing Subfolder or File Security Permissions

1. Right-click on the folder or file you wish to adjust, and then select Properties.
2. Click on the Security tab.
3. Click the Advanced button.
4. If using Vista: Click the Edit button.
5. Uncheck the box labeled "Inherit from parent..." (see note above about permission flow).
A. If using Vista this box is labeled "Include inheritable permissions..."
6. Click the Copy button on the message window that appears.
7. Click the OK button.
8. If using Vista: Highlight the item to adjust and then click the Edit button.
9. Set the desired permission settings by checking the correct boxes in the Apply or Deny columns (see note above about Deny permissions).
10. Click the OK button.
11. If using Vista: Click the OK button to close the security window.
12. Click the OK button for the changes to be implemented.
13. Click the OK button to close the folder/file properties window.

Removing a User From the Security Permissions

1. Right-click on the folder or file you wish to adjust, and then select Properties.
2. Click on the Security tab.
3. If using Vista: Click the Edit button.
4. Highlight the HawkID account you wish to remove, and then click the Remove button.
5. Click the Apply button.
6. If using Vista: Click the OK button to close the permissions window.
7. Click the OK button to close the folder/file properties window.