attrib -s-r C:\<folder path>/d/s Just wont work?

Question

I'm trying to change a file within a game I have installed on my computer, but the read only attribute won't change. I've researched this and found a way using the Command Prompt where I can change the attributes of the files; specifically the read only attribute.

The command I was given is:

attrib -s-r C:\<folder path>/d/s

Thus I opened a Command Prompt and typed in:

attrib-r-s<C:/The Creative Assembly>/d/s

Each time the result is: "The filename, directory name, or volume label syntax is incorrect."

I've tried copying and pasting the file path, or typing it manually, but it still won't work. I can't seem to work out what's wrong. Any ideas?

Solution

Make sure you are:

• including spaces in the command as outlined below
• not using < > in the pathname (< > is usually a convention meaning you have to substitute something for <whatever is included>)
• are under an admin account or running cmd.exe as administrator
• using blackslashes \ not forward slashes / in the pathname

attrib -r -s C:\The Creative Assembly /d /s

If that fails, try:

attrib -r -h -s "C:\The Creative Assembly" /d /s

Comments

[Admin]

You're trying to modify ONE file only? Why not use windows explorer, right-click on file, properties, un-check Read-only checkbox, click OK.

[Admin]

every time i un-check the read-only checkbox and apply it just checks it again, that was my original problem. Done some research and this is the solution i found that seemed like it should work, but it just doesn't want to.

[Admin]

so even just the next file in? attrib -s -r C:\The Creative Assembly\Rome - Total War /d /s does it need proper spacing and what about the < > round the file path? is that needed? First time of me using this..

[Admin]

You don't need <> and use "C:\path\to\your game" if it has space in it

[Admin]

i'm doing everything the way its meant to be, its working properly and i'm copy and pasting the file path to make sure i don't make a mistake and its telling me that "the system connot find the file specified"

[Gaff]

Can you paste here the exact command you are entering now?

[iglvzx]

Creative and Assembly are not valid arguments. ;) Since the path has spaces in it, you need to escape them individually or wrap the whole path with double quotes.