Have you ever been refused to open a file or make changes to a file?  It might be related to some security features that are in Windows XP.  This is something that rarely occurs, but when it happens to you the first time it might take you by surprise, so I’ve decided to post about it.

In order to access the file properties you can right-click on the file and go to properties.  At the foot of the General Tab on the Properties panel, there’s an item “Security:  This file came from another computer and might be blocked to help protect this computer.” 

Next click the “Unblock” button.

Click the Apply button in order to apply your settings and verify they took effect.

The Security area will now be grayed out showing that the changes took effect.

Click “OK” to close the properties window, you can now manipulate the file anyway you wanted to.

The next time you open the properties window you will not see the security area.