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How To “Take Ownership” Of Files In Vista!

Posted By: BioTecK on Monday 27 April 2009 with 7 Comments

There are times when you want to edit, rename or delete system files and folders in Vista. For example; If you want to use a third party theme for your Windows Vista. In order to use a theme you need to edit and overwrite some system files and if  you have ever tried this, then you must have noticed that windows doesn’t let you do this, even if you’re logged in as an administrator.

In order for you to edit and overwrite the system files (or rename and delete any other system files/folder) you must “Take Ownership” of the files. When taking ownership of a files, you’ve full control of the files (and folders) and you replace the security permissions to have access.

There are a lot of ways to bypass this in order for you to do what ever you want with the system files and folders, but there is a much easier way: Taking Ownership of files and folder with just 2 simple mouse clicks! :wink:

All you have to do is download Take Ownership.zip file, which is a registry hack, extract it using 7Zip (or any similar software) and install it by double clicking on the “InstallTakeOwnership.reg” file. This registry hack will give you a menu item called “Take Ownership” that will handle all the steps for you. I don’t know who originally made this script, but who ever he/she is; A big thanks, cause this makes life much easier! :wink:

NOTE: If you ever want to uninstall this great registry hack (I wouldn’t know why you would do that.. But ok, It’s your computer! :wink: ), just double click the “RemoveTakeOwnership.reg” file which is also packed in the zip file.

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7 Comments so far, be the next one! »

  • Charles said:
    27 April 2009 at 09:06

    Nice post. I didn’t knew about this till now! Thanks a lot.

    PS: I also didn’t knew you could download Vista themes, would you mind telling me how i can install a vista theme on my windows vista?

  • Boris said:
    27 April 2009 at 09:42

    I gave up on Vista and spent around $500.00 removing it from our computers and went back to XP. I am not looking forward to version 7!

  • freebies said:
    27 April 2009 at 19:36

    I haven’t experience this. But this is something that I would keep in mind of.

    How does Vista tell you that you cannot edit a file, is it through a popup menu or is it through a check box?

    I am asking because I know of an enabler that enables unhighlighted boxes.

    freebies´s last blog post..Get a Free Grilled Chicken at KFC

  • wilson said:
    30 April 2009 at 07:00

    Hmm…, my friends might be interested on this tool. I think I should forward this stuff to them right now! Thanks again for the great recommendation, mate.

  • BioTecK (author) said:
    9 May 2009 at 15:03

    You’re welcome Charles..
    Ok, sure! I’ll write a post about downloading and installing themes for Vista.

    $500 Boris!? That’s just too much, you could do it your self too…
    Anyway, When you have turned off a lot of Vista’s “features”, then you can work with it very well..
    Why aren’t you looking forward to Windows Se7en? I’ve heard a lot of good things about it.. :wink:

    Hi Freebies. When I wanted to rename such file I got a pop up saying that this file can’t be edited etc, but with this I don’t have to worry about that anymore!

    Great! Share this post with them Wilson! :D

  • Revenue said:
    18 May 2009 at 19:12

    Great tips, gonna try it hope it save for my vista thnx for sharing it :smile:

    Revenue´s last blog post..The Important Of Online Helpdesk Area For Our Business

  • BioTecK (author) said:
    26 May 2009 at 20:27

    Your welcome Revenue! :)