[Iannewsman]

I need some help for my uncle. He has some jpeg files that he has been touching up in Elements and then saving to a folder. However, when he revisits the folder they have a padlock symbol on the icon and he can't do anything with them and can't move them. The files seem totally locked. Anyone got any ideas why this is happening and how to cure it, as it's not one I've seen before?

[Dabhand16]

Is this a trial version of Elements? I've never used a trial of editing software, but recently deleted a file I wanted. I installed some recovery software. They all allowed a search for the deleted file, but to actually recover it, the paid for version was required. I have no problem with this, and would have paid gladly to get my file back, however, three different apps could not locate it. Ho hum.

Maybe if it is a trial version, it won't allow opening the files. Can he open the original files?

[orangepeel]

I think, but may be wrong, but software isn't allowed to lock you out of any data files created with it. Trial or not. The theory is that any data created with any software belongs to the creator, not the author of the application.

when I say "isn't allowed" i don't mean the rozzers will come bash down the door of a company creating software that does this, just that said company may open themselves up to a lawsuit.

As I say, this may be wrong - it was something I heard at uni like a billion years ago.

Iannewsman, when you say padlock in the icon, do you mean in elements or in windows explorer? Is it possible the file is marked read only?

[Rob Barron]

I have a similar question to Peely, where is he seeing the padlock on the icon? The padlock is usually used to show SSL-Secured. That is generally used for files that can't be changed because they are stored on the internet or you are trying to view them from an internet browser when they are on your HD.

I can't claim to be an expert on this sort of thing though, I reckon Steve is probably the most likely to know.

Cheers,
Rob

[Iannewsman]

Thanks for your suggestions guys. What is happening is that he is working in Elements 2 and saving his file as a jpeg. When it appears in the folder on his PC it has a small padlock in the top left corner of the thunbbnail. After that it cant be moved to another location or be deleted. However, it can be opened up again in Elements. If you then resave it as a copy file this ones does not lock. It does leave the first file (the locked one) still in the folder and he is unable to delete or move that one.

I have been using Photoshop and digital cameras since 1990 and i have never seen this before. I'm baffled.

[orangepeel]

in windows explorer, right click the file. Is the "Read Only" box ticked?

Also, in windows explorer, go to the tools menu, select Options. In the dialog go to the View tab. Scroll down the list and untick "Hide file extensions of known file types".

Once done, double check that the file is actually a jpg. The extension will be .jpg or .jpeg

I've not heard of windows changing the icon depending on whether the file is read only or not so can only assume it's not actually a jpg file

screenshots may be useful if possible.

Sorry if that's a bit patronising

[Iannewsman]

Originally Posted by orangepeel

in windows explorer, right click the file. Is the "Read Only" box ticked?

Also, in windows explorer, go to the tools menu, select Options. In the dialog go to the View tab. Scroll down the list and untick "Hide file extensions of known file types".

Once done, double check that the file is actually a jpg. The extension will be .jpg or .jpeg

I've not heard of windows changing the icon depending on whether the file is read only or not so can only assume it's not actually a jpg file

screenshots may be useful if possible.

Sorry if that's a bit patronising

Thanks for your suggestion, but the images are Jpeg and it isn't a 'read only' problem as this was one of the first things I checked. I have had a couple of suggestions (via another forum) and these look promising. I'll be trying them out in a couple of days.

[Rob Barron]

Do let us know if you find out the answer Ian, I'd be keen to know.

Cheers,
Rob

[Iannewsman]

Originally Posted by Rob Barron

Do let us know if you find out the answer Ian, I'd be keen to know.

Cheers,
Rob

Will do.

[Dabhand16]

If the file is read only, you should still be able to open it, but not be able to change it.

There might be a setting in the app that has been switched on. Has this problem always been there, or is it a new problem?

As an ex PE2 user, I'm looking through my user manual and there is a referenc to locking layers.

"You can fully or partially lock layers to protect their contents. When a layer is locked, a lock displays to the right of the layer name and the layer cannot be deleted............When a layer is fully locked, you cannot edit the pixels, move it......."

The lock is in the layers pallette. This may not be the answer, so I'll keep looking.

It might also be worth right-clicking one of the locked images and select 'properties'. This might shed some light.