What happens to NTFS permissions if you copy or move the files or folders? The answer is: it depends. Read more to learn what happens!

To give you a clearer explanation, consider the following three scenarios. Let’s assume that you are going to copy “D:MyFolder” and let’s assume that “D:” has an NTFS format.

Copying Files between NTFS Partitions

Move D:MyFolder to D:MyFiles

Results:

• The file or folder retains its original NTFS permissions.
• You must have the “Write” permission set up for the destination folder to move files and folders into that folder.
• You must have the “Modify” permission set up for the source file or folder. The “Modify” permission is required to move a file or folder because Windows 2000 deletes files and folders from the source folder after they are copied to the destination folder.
• You become the creator and owner.

Moving Files between NTFS Partitions

Copy D:MyFolder to F:MyFolder

Results:

• The file or folder inherits the NTFS permissions of the destination folder.
• You must have the “Write” permission set up for the destination folder to move files and folders into that folder.
• You must have the “Modify” permission set up for the source file or folder. The “Modify” permission is required to move a file or folder because Windows XP Professional deletes files and folder from the source folder after they are copied to the destination folder.
• You become the creator and owner.

Copying Files

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