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As the name suggests, Attribute Changer allows users to quickly and easily change the attributes of files and folders. Its seamless integration into Windows makes it a good choice for users who frequently need to make these types of changes.
Once installed, the program is accessed by right-clicking on the file or folder in question. From there, the program opens, with its functions organized into tabs for folder properties, file properties, reporting, and settings. The program allows users to change the file type (hidden, compressed, read-only, and so on) and adjust date and time stamps. Although the built-in Help file does an adequate job of explaining the program's features, it's definitely not geared toward novices; the program and Help file both assume that users will have some experience with changing attributes and will know the hows and whys of doing so. For example, the Help file warns users "Be careful in changing the System and Hidden attributes. They are used by the Windows operating system to flag special folders." If you don't already know what you're doing, Attribute Changer isn't going to explain it for you. But if you are used to working with attributes, Attribute Changer is an accessible, easy way to quickly make the desired changes.
Attribute Changer is free to try, but there was no indication of whether there are trial limitations. The program installs and uninstalls without issues. We recommend this program to intermediate and advanced users.
Publisher's Description
From Romain Petges:
Attribute Changer enables the user to change attributes on files and folders within en masse. You can change standard attributes (RSHA), index attribute on Win2k, date, time and the compression state on NTFS volumes. Exceptions and filters can be specified to fine tune the process.
What's new in this version: Version 7.10c is a bug fixing release.
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All versions:
3.6 starsout of 10 votes
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Current version:
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Results 1-10 of 10
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"Excellent Program"
Version: Attribute Changer 7.1b
Pros
Interface is clean and easy to use.
Latest version is 7.1c can be found at http://www.petges.lu/home/Cons
None found.
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"It was easy and did the trick"
Version: Attribute Changer 7.1b
Pros
I was able to use the windows find utility to find the files I wanted to change (in my case all desktop.ini files). I selected them all, right clicked, and I could change the properties for all the files in the context menu. Worked like a charm!
Cons
Nothing really
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"worst software program ever, I'm not impressed"
Version: Attribute Changer 7.1a
Pros
There are none.
Cons
After searching for a program that I could use to remove a read-only attribute from files on my desktop in Windows 7, I came across this one. It sounded promising but after installing it and attempting to run it, I discovered what a piece of crap this program is.
Not only does it not work but it's about as effective as someone who has amnesia who's trying to remember where he lives. This is nothing more than a useless program that is as ineffective as a politician.Summary
Don't waste your time with this one or you'll end up throwing your computer through an open window. I would've given it fewer stars but there's nothign lower than 1/2.
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"Works as advertised"
Version: Attribute Changer 7.1
Pros
It works as adertised
Cons
none......
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"Absolutely great!"
Version: Attribute Changer 7.0a
Pros
It works! Absolutely brilliant that I can use the 'Relative' function to add 5 hours to a batch of files (forgot to change camera time from UK to US).
NB If I click OK, it makes the changes. Perhaps this is new to version 7.0a.Cons
Not always obvious what will change, best to use 'Simulation' first.
Although others say it is relatively quick, I found it fairly slow. Perhaps it is my machine.
It is very annoying that it does not say it has completed. The program shows as unresponsive at times will it is working.
If it was quicker(?) and said it had completed, it would be 5* for me.Summary
Personally I think it is unfair people reviewing this with a low mark due to a possible virus. I downloaded from another site (soft*****) and have had no alerts. I run Symantec Security 2011 on Win7, downloaded version 7.0a. Not sure is people are getting false positives, if cnet have been hacked or they didn't get the file direct from source. I will be sending the developer a few ££££s using the PPal link.
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"Very useful, I use it regularly"
Version: Attribute Changer 6.20
Pros
Easy to use
Fast
Intuitive
Does what it claims to do
Accessed from the right-click menuCons
In an older version, I ran into a glitch when trying to change the dates on a bunch of files. Don't know if that's corrected in the new version.
Summary
I use this regularly to remove annoying "read-only" attributes from thousands of files and folders at a time. I would have to find some other tool or maybe write my own to do this task if Attribute Changer didn't exist.
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"does what it says - and it's freeware not 'free to try'"
Version: Attribute Changer 6.20
Pros
works as advertised
Cons
none so far
Summary
works as advertised - and it's freeware not 'free to try'
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"Cannot Recommend - Bugs and Security Issues."
Version: Attribute Changer 6.20
Pros
Interface is easy to understand and the integration with Windows Explorer is convenient.
Cons
Several issues during install with my system security software (Comodo) and red flags even when just opening the Help file, unlike any other App I have used.
During use, this app froze my system and could not be terminated at all. Had to reboot.Summary
Suggest you look elsewhere - there are both usage issues as well as questionable system security issues with this one. I have uninstalled and cannot recommend this software.
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"Norton flagged as containing a back door trojan."
Version: Attribute Changer 6.20
Pros
Was not able to run the program because of the virus
Cons
Contains a virus. Use at your own risk.
Summary
I would have expected CNET to scan before posting.
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"Fast, free, and does exactly what it claims to do."
Version: Attribute Changer 6.10a
Pros
Very fast, simple to operate. Integrates with Windows Explorer as a right-click menu option (don't look for an exe file!). Great options for filtering files and folders. Doesn't try to do a bunch of extra stuff.
Cons
It isn't clear when the product is doing what you told it to do. (Hint: Click the Reporting tab to see its progress and know when it's done.) You click Apply to change attributes and OK to close the program when it's done. Not intuitive.
Summary
I liked the product because it easily let me change the system and hidden attributes on thousands of nested files and folders on an NAS device, something that was nearly impossible to do with regular Windows. It was extremely fast, as well. Once I figured out how to work the program, it was simple to operate. But as noted in the Cons section, it is NOT intuitive. Here is what you need to know. First, the program is found on the context mention in Windows Explorer. It is not a standalone program. So right click on a file or folder and find "Change Attributes" in the context menu. Next, you set the program to filter whatever files and folders you want (don't touch anything if you want it to look at all files and folders), choose recursive directories if you want it to process sub-folders, and set, reset, or ignore whatever attributes on files and folders you want. Then, click APPLY, not OK. Clicking OK is what you do AFTER it runs, when you want to close things down. Once you click Apply, the program does what it was told to do. Click the Reporting tab to see its progress. Once you know how to run it, the program is a gem. Thanks to the author for making such a great tool available free of charge!
