NOTE: This article has been featured by Microsoft. AskVG.com was the first website posting this unique trick.
Many times you need to take ownership of a file or folder in Windows. For example, when you want to customize Windows UI and need to replace existing system files with a new one.
You have to follow no. of steps to take ownership and grant yourself full permission to access the file or folder. But now you can do it in a single step.
You just need to download following zip file and extract it. You'll get a .REG file. Run the file and accept the confirmation:
It'll add an extra option "Take ownership" in file and folder context menu:
Now you can right-click on any file or folder and select "Take ownership" option. It'll make you the owner of the file or folder and you can perform your desired operation on that file or folder.
NOTE: If you face problem while taking ownership of a file or folder using above method, you can try manual method which is mentioned in following article:
[Guide] How to Take Ownership (Permission) of a File or Folder Manually in Windows?
[Guide] How to Restore “TrustedInstaller” as Default Owner of a File or Folder in Windows?
This article was posted by VG in following section: Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows Vista, Windows XP.
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MAGNUMHEART
i got it. this answers my questions.
this "tweak" made some misconfigurations in my settings
because i have save settings to run "CCleaner" to run as admin and backward comp.
that's explains it runs "Take Ownership" instead, bcoz
the path where i set it to run is to run as admin.
alryt. is there any tweak u can add to have a separate "Take Ownership"
like in ur tutorial on how to make contxt menu. is that possible
VG
^^ Done. Please download the file again and now you'll have both "Run as administrator" and "Take ownership" options. :)
Abhishek
hi Vishal this adds the cworking pls heplownership option but when i try to chane any file for example, the basebrd.dll file it does not allo, it says: u need permission to do this. i am the administrator but still not. please meri madat karo!
VG
^^ Once you take ownership of the file, rename it to some other name like "basebrd_backup.dll" and then copy new file in the same folder. Restart your system and Windows will start using new file.
iWolf
Hi, when i downloaded this i thought "Great idea". It worked for a few weeks but when wanting to use a cmd prompt or open a cmd by someone it comes up with the "SUCCESS: is now owned by " even when i right click and press OPEN. I also added the "Remove Take Ownership.reg" to the registry and logged off, but the option still remains there and i cant get rid of it.
Andy
I use XnView image viewer for Windows Explorer both 32 bit and 64 bit windows 7 - is there anyway I can assign an icon to the context menu for XnView, much in the same way as you have assigned the UAC Shield next to the Tack ownership option.
I love this addon but would like to be able to find it quicker from the menu.
Thanks - Fantastic website please keep it up :)
VG
^^ Please check following tutorial:
http://www.askvg.com/how-to-add-program-shortcuts-and-other-useful-shortcuts-with-icons-in-windows-7-desktop-context-menu/
iWolf
I think when trying to manually delete the files, i must have accidentally deleted the Run as Administrator option. Can you tell me how to restore it? i know where they go but i don't know what to type. Please help
VG
Try following registry script:
rimzy
hi i suuccesfully added the take ownership option but when i add it it keeps an error
note: i am running windows vista.