can't see .swf files saved to hard drive

mark

I have a program which enables me to save embedded flash files to my hard
drive. I just got a lap top, with Vista installed, and for some reason I am
unable to see swf files that I save. They *are* there, because if I try to
re-save the same file to the same folder, I get the file already exists
message.

I never had this problem with XP, so I'm thinking it's something about Vista
settings. I've already tried enabling show invisible files and checking "read
only" in folder options. No help.

Please advise, someone. Thanks.

Dave

What folder are you trying to save them to?
It sounds like you're running into the junction points.
Vista uses a different file structure than XP does. Those familiar folder
names you may be used to, like "My Documents", "Documents & Settings", etc.
are not folders in Vista. They are junction points, and are used for legacy
programs which were written to utilize the XP file structure. They will
redirect the programs to use the equivalent Vista folders.
If you keep the protected operating system files hidden, you won't see them.

In Vista......
Documents & Settings -> \Users
My Documents -> \Users\youraccount\Documents
My Music -> \Users\youraccount\Music
Application Data -> \Users\youraccount\AppData
etc.


--
Vista Home Premium 32 SP1



"mark" <> wrote in message
news:...
> I have a program which enables me to save embedded flash files to my hard
> drive. I just got a lap top, with Vista installed, and for some reason I
> am
> unable to see swf files that I save. They *are* there, because if I try to
> re-save the same file to the same folder, I get the file already exists
> message.
>
> I never had this problem with XP, so I'm thinking it's something about
> Vista
> settings. I've already tried enabling show invisible files and checking
> "read
> only" in folder options. No help.
>
> Please advise, someone. Thanks.

Michael Walraven

Mark,
Where are you trying to save the files? Vista has some interesting behaviors
when using certain locations that are protected by the operating system esp
when using legacy programs.

Michael

"mark" <> wrote in message
news:...
> I have a program which enables me to save embedded flash files to my hard
> drive. I just got a lap top, with Vista installed, and for some reason I
> am
> unable to see swf files that I save. They *are* there, because if I try to
> re-save the same file to the same folder, I get the file already exists
> message.
>
> I never had this problem with XP, so I'm thinking it's something about
> Vista
> settings. I've already tried enabling show invisible files and checking
> "read
> only" in folder options. No help.
>
> Please advise, someone. Thanks.

mark

I created a folder on my desktop for downloads. Like I said earlier, if I try
to resave the file to the same folder, it says file already exists there. It
may be there, but I sure can't see it.


"Michael Walraven" wrote:

> Mark,
> Where are you trying to save the files? Vista has some interesting behaviors
> when using certain locations that are protected by the operating system esp
> when using legacy programs.
>
> Michael
>
> "mark" <> wrote in message
> news:...
> > I have a program which enables me to save embedded flash files to my hard
> > drive. I just got a lap top, with Vista installed, and for some reason I
> > am
> > unable to see swf files that I save. They *are* there, because if I try to
> > re-save the same file to the same folder, I get the file already exists
> > message.
> >
> > I never had this problem with XP, so I'm thinking it's something about
> > Vista
> > settings. I've already tried enabling show invisible files and checking
> > "read
> > only" in folder options. No help.
> >
> > Please advise, someone. Thanks.
>

Michael Walraven

The 'desktop' is not one of the special places I was thinking of.

You say you enabled 'invisible files', in Vista there are two selections
that need to be made
Show Hidden files and folders, and Hide protected operating system files
(uncheck). Did you do both?

As an aside the 'read only' attribute does not apply to a folder, note that
the box is a filled in square not an empty or checked square as would be the
case with a 'file'.

It is also possible that the invisible file has ownership/permissions that
do not allow your account to see it. One of the attributes of a folder
security setting is 'list folder contents'. Right click on the folder and
select the security tab. For a folder you created on your desktop
you should have 'full control' which is all but 'special' checked. Also
examine the ownership tab and effective ownership (of yourself) from the
advanced button. The effective permissions should also be everything and the
owner should be yourself. These permissions should be applied to 'this
folder, subfolders, and files'.

Michael



"mark" <> wrote in message
news:...
> I created a folder on my desktop for downloads. Like I said earlier, if I
> try
> to resave the file to the same folder, it says file already exists there.
> It
> may be there, but I sure can't see it.
>
>
> "Michael Walraven" wrote:
>
>> Mark,
>> Where are you trying to save the files? Vista has some interesting
>> behaviors
>> when using certain locations that are protected by the operating system
>> esp
>> when using legacy programs.
>>
>> Michael
>>
>> "mark" <> wrote in message
>> news:...
>> > I have a program which enables me to save embedded flash files to my
>> > hard
>> > drive. I just got a lap top, with Vista installed, and for some reason
>> > I
>> > am
>> > unable to see swf files that I save. They *are* there, because if I try
>> > to
>> > re-save the same file to the same folder, I get the file already exists
>> > message.
>> >
>> > I never had this problem with XP, so I'm thinking it's something about
>> > Vista
>> > settings. I've already tried enabling show invisible files and checking
>> > "read
>> > only" in folder options. No help.
>> >
>> > Please advise, someone. Thanks.
>>

mark

Thanks for hanging in there with me, Michael. I did everything you suggested,
to no avail. The only thing you suggested that I'm unsure about is the
effective permissions thing... when I looked at them, the boxes are all
shaded grey. Nothing happens when I click on them. I am the only user of this
laptop, and I have no password set. I should have all permissions, no?

I tried re-saving the same swf file again, and I still get the file already
exists, overwrite? message. This is getting kinda frustrating. If you wanna
hang in there further, I'm all ears (or eyes as the case is).

Mark


"Michael Walraven" wrote:

> The 'desktop' is not one of the special places I was thinking of.
>
> You say you enabled 'invisible files', in Vista there are two selections
> that need to be made
> Show Hidden files and folders, and Hide protected operating system files
> (uncheck). Did you do both?
>
> As an aside the 'read only' attribute does not apply to a folder, note that
> the box is a filled in square not an empty or checked square as would be the
> case with a 'file'.
>
> It is also possible that the invisible file has ownership/permissions that
> do not allow your account to see it. One of the attributes of a folder
> security setting is 'list folder contents'. Right click on the folder and
> select the security tab. For a folder you created on your desktop
> you should have 'full control' which is all but 'special' checked. Also
> examine the ownership tab and effective ownership (of yourself) from the
> advanced button. The effective permissions should also be everything and the
> owner should be yourself. These permissions should be applied to 'this
> folder, subfolders, and files'.
>
> Michael
>
>
>
> "mark" <> wrote in message
> news:...
> > I created a folder on my desktop for downloads. Like I said earlier, if I
> > try
> > to resave the file to the same folder, it says file already exists there.
> > It
> > may be there, but I sure can't see it.
> >
> >
> > "Michael Walraven" wrote:
> >
> >> Mark,
> >> Where are you trying to save the files? Vista has some interesting
> >> behaviors
> >> when using certain locations that are protected by the operating system
> >> esp
> >> when using legacy programs.
> >>
> >> Michael
> >>
> >> "mark" <> wrote in message
> >> news:...
> >> > I have a program which enables me to save embedded flash files to my
> >> > hard
> >> > drive. I just got a lap top, with Vista installed, and for some reason
> >> > I
> >> > am
> >> > unable to see swf files that I save. They *are* there, because if I try
> >> > to
> >> > re-save the same file to the same folder, I get the file already exists
> >> > message.
> >> >
> >> > I never had this problem with XP, so I'm thinking it's something about
> >> > Vista
> >> > settings. I've already tried enabling show invisible files and checking
> >> > "read
> >> > only" in folder options. No help.
> >> >
> >> > Please advise, someone. Thanks.
> >>

Michael Walraven

Mark,

First recommendation: set a password for your account. Vista EXPECTS that
your account is secured with a password, if it is not then it will make
assumptions about access of objects which may not be what you want.

The boxes in effective permissions are grayed out until you select a Group
or user name.
This would be the account name for what you are trying to check here.
Click the Select button.
Enter the object name to select (account name), select OK. Now the check
boxes should be useful.

Also if you have followed any advise to disable the UAC (constant nattering
at you about need to be administrator etc.), re-enable the UAC. It may very
well be trying to tell you something you need to know.

Michael


"mark" <> wrote in message
news:...
> Thanks for hanging in there with me, Michael. I did everything you
> suggested,
> to no avail. The only thing you suggested that I'm unsure about is the
> effective permissions thing... when I looked at them, the boxes are all
> shaded grey. Nothing happens when I click on them. I am the only user of
> this
> laptop, and I have no password set. I should have all permissions, no?
>
> I tried re-saving the same swf file again, and I still get the file
> already
> exists, overwrite? message. This is getting kinda frustrating. If you
> wanna
> hang in there further, I'm all ears (or eyes as the case is).
>
> Mark
>
>
> "Michael Walraven" wrote:
>
>> The 'desktop' is not one of the special places I was thinking of.
>>
>> You say you enabled 'invisible files', in Vista there are two selections
>> that need to be made
>> Show Hidden files and folders, and Hide protected operating system files
>> (uncheck). Did you do both?
>>
>> As an aside the 'read only' attribute does not apply to a folder, note
>> that
>> the box is a filled in square not an empty or checked square as would be
>> the
>> case with a 'file'.
>>
>> It is also possible that the invisible file has ownership/permissions
>> that
>> do not allow your account to see it. One of the attributes of a folder
>> security setting is 'list folder contents'. Right click on the folder and
>> select the security tab. For a folder you created on your desktop
>> you should have 'full control' which is all but 'special' checked. Also
>> examine the ownership tab and effective ownership (of yourself) from the
>> advanced button. The effective permissions should also be everything and
>> the
>> owner should be yourself. These permissions should be applied to 'this
>> folder, subfolders, and files'.
>>
>> Michael
>>
>>
>>
>> "mark" <> wrote in message
>> news:...
>> > I created a folder on my desktop for downloads. Like I said earlier, if
>> > I
>> > try
>> > to resave the file to the same folder, it says file already exists
>> > there.
>> > It
>> > may be there, but I sure can't see it.
>> >
>> >
>> > "Michael Walraven" wrote:
>> >
>> >> Mark,
>> >> Where are you trying to save the files? Vista has some interesting
>> >> behaviors
>> >> when using certain locations that are protected by the operating
>> >> system
>> >> esp
>> >> when using legacy programs.
>> >>
>> >> Michael
>> >>
>> >> "mark" <> wrote in message
>> >> news:...
>> >> > I have a program which enables me to save embedded flash files to my
>> >> > hard
>> >> > drive. I just got a lap top, with Vista installed, and for some
>> >> > reason
>> >> > I
>> >> > am
>> >> > unable to see swf files that I save. They *are* there, because if I
>> >> > try
>> >> > to
>> >> > re-save the same file to the same folder, I get the file already
>> >> > exists
>> >> > message.
>> >> >
>> >> > I never had this problem with XP, so I'm thinking it's something
>> >> > about
>> >> > Vista
>> >> > settings. I've already tried enabling show invisible files and
>> >> > checking
>> >> > "read
>> >> > only" in folder options. No help.
>> >> >
>> >> > Please advise, someone. Thanks.
>> >>

mark

I set up a password, but the below procedure totally lost me. I tried to do
it, but am obviously doing something wrong. I keep getting an error msg.
Perhaps I should contact Microsoft?

The boxes in effective permissions are grayed out until you select a Group
or user name.
This would be the account name for what you are trying to check here.
Click the Select button.
Enter the object name to select (account name), select OK. Now the check
boxes should be useful.

"Michael Walraven" wrote:

> Mark,
>
> First recommendation: set a password for your account. Vista EXPECTS that
> your account is secured with a password, if it is not then it will make
> assumptions about access of objects which may not be what you want.
>
> The boxes in effective permissions are grayed out until you select a Group
> or user name.
> This would be the account name for what you are trying to check here.
> Click the Select button.
> Enter the object name to select (account name), select OK. Now the check
> boxes should be useful.
>
> Also if you have followed any advise to disable the UAC (constant nattering
> at you about need to be administrator etc.), re-enable the UAC. It may very
> well be trying to tell you something you need to know.
>
> Michael
>
>
> "mark" <> wrote in message
> news:...
> > Thanks for hanging in there with me, Michael. I did everything you
> > suggested,
> > to no avail. The only thing you suggested that I'm unsure about is the
> > effective permissions thing... when I looked at them, the boxes are all
> > shaded grey. Nothing happens when I click on them. I am the only user of
> > this
> > laptop, and I have no password set. I should have all permissions, no?
> >
> > I tried re-saving the same swf file again, and I still get the file
> > already
> > exists, overwrite? message. This is getting kinda frustrating. If you
> > wanna
> > hang in there further, I'm all ears (or eyes as the case is).
> >
> > Mark
> >
> >
> > "Michael Walraven" wrote:
> >
> >> The 'desktop' is not one of the special places I was thinking of.
> >>
> >> You say you enabled 'invisible files', in Vista there are two selections
> >> that need to be made
> >> Show Hidden files and folders, and Hide protected operating system files
> >> (uncheck). Did you do both?
> >>
> >> As an aside the 'read only' attribute does not apply to a folder, note
> >> that
> >> the box is a filled in square not an empty or checked square as would be
> >> the
> >> case with a 'file'.
> >>
> >> It is also possible that the invisible file has ownership/permissions
> >> that
> >> do not allow your account to see it. One of the attributes of a folder
> >> security setting is 'list folder contents'. Right click on the folder and
> >> select the security tab. For a folder you created on your desktop
> >> you should have 'full control' which is all but 'special' checked. Also
> >> examine the ownership tab and effective ownership (of yourself) from the
> >> advanced button. The effective permissions should also be everything and
> >> the
> >> owner should be yourself. These permissions should be applied to 'this
> >> folder, subfolders, and files'.
> >>
> >> Michael
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> "mark" <> wrote in message
> >> news:...
> >> > I created a folder on my desktop for downloads. Like I said earlier, if
> >> > I
> >> > try
> >> > to resave the file to the same folder, it says file already exists
> >> > there.
> >> > It
> >> > may be there, but I sure can't see it.
> >> >
> >> >
> >> > "Michael Walraven" wrote:
> >> >
> >> >> Mark,
> >> >> Where are you trying to save the files? Vista has some interesting
> >> >> behaviors
> >> >> when using certain locations that are protected by the operating
> >> >> system
> >> >> esp
> >> >> when using legacy programs.
> >> >>
> >> >> Michael
> >> >>
> >> >> "mark" <> wrote in message
> >> >> news:...
> >> >> > I have a program which enables me to save embedded flash files to my
> >> >> > hard
> >> >> > drive. I just got a lap top, with Vista installed, and for some
> >> >> > reason
> >> >> > I
> >> >> > am
> >> >> > unable to see swf files that I save. They *are* there, because if I
> >> >> > try
> >> >> > to
> >> >> > re-save the same file to the same folder, I get the file already
> >> >> > exists
> >> >> > message.
> >> >> >
> >> >> > I never had this problem with XP, so I'm thinking it's something
> >> >> > about
> >> >> > Vista
> >> >> > settings. I've already tried enabling show invisible files and
> >> >> > checking
> >> >> > "read
> >> >> > only" in folder options. No help.
> >> >> >
> >> >> > Please advise, someone. Thanks.
> >> >>

Michael Walraven

Mark here is step by step as I find the efective permissions for myself for
a folder called 'New Folder' which resides on my desktop. There is one file
in this folder called dummy.txt (My account is named Walraven, the computer
name is DESKTOP).

Right click on the folder Icon 'New Folder' on my desktop.
Left click Properties.
The General tab is already selected.
Folder name is New Folder
Type is File Folder
Location is c:\Users\Walraven\Desktop
Size is 20 bytes (20 bytes)
Size on disk is 4.00 KB (4,096 bytes)
Contains 1 Files, 0 Folders

Left click on Security tab
There are three Group of user names in the box
SYSTEM
Walraven (DESKTOP\Walraven)
Administrators (DESKTOP\Administrators)

Left click on your name (Walraven (DESKTOP\Walraven for me)
All permissions except for 'Special permissions' should have gray checks

Left click Advanced button
The Permissions tab should have been selected
Object name: C:\Users\Walraven\New Folder
Permission entries
Type|Nameermission|Inherited From|Apply To
Allow|Walraven (DESKTOP\Walraven|Full control|C:\Users\Walraven|This
folder, subfolders and files
Allow|SYSTEM|Full control|C:\Users\Walraven\|This folder, subfolders and
files
Allow|Administrators (DESKTOP\Adminstrators)|Full
control|C:Users\Walraven\This folder, subfolders and files

Left click Owner tab
Object name: C:\Users\Walraven\Desktop\New Folder
Current owner: Walraven(DESKTOP\Walraven)

Left click Effective Permissions
Object Name: C:\Users\Walraven\Desktop\New Folder
(all boxes are gray, Group or user name box is blank)

Left click Select button
Select this object type: User, Group, or Built-in security principal
From this location: DESKTOP
Enter the object name to select: type in Walraven (use your account of
course), Left click OK button
Group or user name is now Walraven instead of blank, the gray boxes now
have checks in ALL of them.

Let me know where your results begin to change from mine (except for account
name (Walraven), machine name (DESKTOP) and file name (New File).)

You would be better off asking for help from the maker of the software
rather than Microsoft as MS is unlikely to be of much help for a third party
program, it would hurt to try however.

Additional point, are you really sure that the application is putting the
file where you think it is going? Usually applications don't place files on
the desktop. More likely would be for the program to want to place the file
in 'Documents' for instance. If you know the name of the file you might try
searching for in across the entire system.
Windows Key / F should bring up search window
Select Advanced search
In name put the name of the file (*.swf for instance)
In location select everywhere
Check box Include non-indexed,hidden, and system files (might be slow)
click on Search, go for a cup of coffee (or two)!

Hope this helps,

Michael






"mark" <mark@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:994B39B3-4143-44FE-9F40-232FC6E683F3@microsoft.com...
> I set up a password, but the below procedure totally lost me. I tried to
> do
> it, but am obviously doing something wrong. I keep getting an error msg.
> Perhaps I should contact Microsoft?
>
> The boxes in effective permissions are grayed out until you select a Group
> or user name.
> This would be the account name for what you are trying to check here.
> Click the Select button.
> Enter the object name to select (account name), select OK. Now the check
> boxes should be useful.
>
> "Michael Walraven" wrote:
>
>> Mark,
>>
>> First recommendation: set a password for your account. Vista EXPECTS that
>> your account is secured with a password, if it is not then it will make
>> assumptions about access of objects which may not be what you want.
>>
>> The boxes in effective permissions are grayed out until you select a
>> Group
>> or user name.
>> This would be the account name for what you are trying to check here.
>> Click the Select button.
>> Enter the object name to select (account name), select OK. Now the check
>> boxes should be useful.
>>
>> Also if you have followed any advise to disable the UAC (constant
>> nattering
>> at you about need to be administrator etc.), re-enable the UAC. It may
>> very
>> well be trying to tell you something you need to know.
>>
>> Michael
>>
>>
>> "mark" <mark@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> news:893A3ADE-FDF7-4613-A58C-47C9D5A2A89A@microsoft.com...
>> > Thanks for hanging in there with me, Michael. I did everything you
>> > suggested,
>> > to no avail. The only thing you suggested that I'm unsure about is the
>> > effective permissions thing... when I looked at them, the boxes are all
>> > shaded grey. Nothing happens when I click on them. I am the only user
>> > of
>> > this
>> > laptop, and I have no password set. I should have all permissions, no?
>> >
>> > I tried re-saving the same swf file again, and I still get the file
>> > already
>> > exists, overwrite? message. This is getting kinda frustrating. If you
>> > wanna
>> > hang in there further, I'm all ears (or eyes as the case is).
>> >
>> > Mark
>> >
>> >
>> > "Michael Walraven" wrote:
>> >
>> >> The 'desktop' is not one of the special places I was thinking of.
>> >>
>> >> You say you enabled 'invisible files', in Vista there are two
>> >> selections
>> >> that need to be made
>> >> Show Hidden files and folders, and Hide protected operating system
>> >> files
>> >> (uncheck). Did you do both?
>> >>
>> >> As an aside the 'read only' attribute does not apply to a folder, note
>> >> that
>> >> the box is a filled in square not an empty or checked square as would
>> >> be
>> >> the
>> >> case with a 'file'.
>> >>
>> >> It is also possible that the invisible file has ownership/permissions
>> >> that
>> >> do not allow your account to see it. One of the attributes of a folder
>> >> security setting is 'list folder contents'. Right click on the folder
>> >> and
>> >> select the security tab. For a folder you created on your desktop
>> >> you should have 'full control' which is all but 'special' checked.
>> >> Also
>> >> examine the ownership tab and effective ownership (of yourself) from
>> >> the
>> >> advanced button. The effective permissions should also be everything
>> >> and
>> >> the
>> >> owner should be yourself. These permissions should be applied to 'this
>> >> folder, subfolders, and files'.
>> >>
>> >> Michael
>> >>
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> "mark" <mark@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> >> news:3EFC1562-E769-47E7-B625-6D9113BE4CF8@microsoft.com...
>> >> > I created a folder on my desktop for downloads. Like I said earlier,
>> >> > if
>> >> > I
>> >> > try
>> >> > to resave the file to the same folder, it says file already exists
>> >> > there.
>> >> > It
>> >> > may be there, but I sure can't see it.
>> >> >
>> >> >
>> >> > "Michael Walraven" wrote:
>> >> >
>> >> >> Mark,
>> >> >> Where are you trying to save the files? Vista has some interesting
>> >> >> behaviors
>> >> >> when using certain locations that are protected by the operating
>> >> >> system
>> >> >> esp
>> >> >> when using legacy programs.
>> >> >>
>> >> >> Michael
>> >> >>
>> >> >> "mark" <mark@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> >> >> news:429E7ACB-32A6-404C-A518-F8FB7314CF62@microsoft.com...
>> >> >> > I have a program which enables me to save embedded flash files to
>> >> >> > my
>> >> >> > hard
>> >> >> > drive. I just got a lap top, with Vista installed, and for some
>> >> >> > reason
>> >> >> > I
>> >> >> > am
>> >> >> > unable to see swf files that I save. They *are* there, because if
>> >> >> > I
>> >> >> > try
>> >> >> > to
>> >> >> > re-save the same file to the same folder, I get the file already
>> >> >> > exists
>> >> >> > message.
>> >> >> >
>> >> >> > I never had this problem with XP, so I'm thinking it's something
>> >> >> > about
>> >> >> > Vista
>> >> >> > settings. I've already tried enabling show invisible files and
>> >> >> > checking
>> >> >> > "read
>> >> >> > only" in folder options. No help.
>> >> >> >
>> >> >> > Please advise, someone. Thanks.
>> >> >>