Saving From Word For Windows Resets NTFS Security Permissions

• Microsoft Windows NT operating system version 3.1
• Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server version 3.1
• Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 3.5 and 3.51
• Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.5 and 3.51

SYMPTOMS

NTFS security permissions are reset when you save a file from Word for Windows.

CAUSE

When Word opens a file for editing, it saves a copy of the original file as a temporary file, and uses the temporary file for storing modifications. When you issue a Save command, the original file is deleted, and the temporary file is renamed to the original file name. Since newly created files in a directory inherit the security permissions of that directory, the security permissions on the file will be reset to those of the directory.

RESOLUTION

One possible workaround is to place all public files in the same directory and assign the permissions there. If a file needs specific permissions, then this file is probably for a specific group or user and should be in the user's home directory or a subdirectory of it with special permissions.

Another workaround is to modify the permissions on the directory and the file to prevent the user from overwriting the original file. This can be accomplished by modifying the permissions on the directory and file to not allow file deletions.