Using NTFS file system for an external storage drive is driving me crazy with its default user permissions.
BACKGROUND
I am using a storage drive for backing up files and documents. No security required, so that I can easily connect the drive to any computers and read/write files from it.
Years ago, I used FAT32. It was simple and it works except it has a 4GB file size limit, which isn't a problem for me.
Then NTFS became the default for all external drives; they come out of the factory formatted as NTFS drive.
PROBLEM
However, I realise that using it for backup is problematic. For example, let's say I own 2 Windows PCs: PC1 and PC2. Both are standalone home PCs not connected to any Windows domain with central authentication.
I copy files from PC1 onto the drive, and the NTFS file ownership and access rights are all tagged to user accounts on PC1, say PC1\Users and PC1\Administrators etc.
I connect the drive to PC2.
QUESTION
How do most people deal with this common problem? Am I using NTFS drive wrongly?
Is there some way that people can easily copy files onto external drive and not have to mess with NTFS file permissions on different PCs?
Do people have to go to the Properties > Security tab, then add Everyone with Full control permission each time they do a backup?
BACKGROUND
I am using a storage drive for backing up files and documents. No security required, so that I can easily connect the drive to any computers and read/write files from it.
Years ago, I used FAT32. It was simple and it works except it has a 4GB file size limit, which isn't a problem for me.
Then NTFS became the default for all external drives; they come out of the factory formatted as NTFS drive.
PROBLEM
However, I realise that using it for backup is problematic. For example, let's say I own 2 Windows PCs: PC1 and PC2. Both are standalone home PCs not connected to any Windows domain with central authentication.
I copy files from PC1 onto the drive, and the NTFS file ownership and access rights are all tagged to user accounts on PC1, say PC1\Users and PC1\Administrators etc.
I connect the drive to PC2.
- Tada, files and folders cannot be accessed as I am logged in as a user on PC2, PC2\Users.
- Files and folders cannot be deleted as well, as I am not a PC1 user associated with the files.
- A PC2 user cannot log in as PC1\Users to edit or delete the files and folders on the external drive.
- Then Windows start suggesting and harassing me about taking File Ownership when I don't want to mess with the files and folders.
QUESTION
How do most people deal with this common problem? Am I using NTFS drive wrongly?
Is there some way that people can easily copy files onto external drive and not have to mess with NTFS file permissions on different PCs?
Do people have to go to the Properties > Security tab, then add Everyone with Full control permission each time they do a backup?
