reset-ntfs-file-permissions.md

Reset NTFS file permissions with icacls and takeown

1. Save file permissions in a txt file to be able to restore them if something went wrong:

   > icacls <path> /save <txtFilePath> [/t] [/c] [/l]

   Permissions can be restored with /restore:

   > icacls <path> /restore <txtFilePath> [/c] [/l]

2. Get ownership of the files if needed:

   > takeown /f <path> [/r]

3. Reset file permissions:

   > icacls <path> /reset [/t] [/c] [/l]

4. Set new onwer for files if needed:

   > icacls <path> /setowner <user|group> [/t] [/c] [/l]

Options

Option	Description
/t, /r	Performs operation recursively on all files in the specified directory and subdirectories.
/c	Skips errors, error message is still displayed
/l	Performs operation on a symbolic link instead of its destination.