Setting Security on New Files and Folders

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So far, our discussion of security has dealt with security settings on existing files and folders. To complete your understanding of Windows 2000 file security, you should understand how security affects newly created files and folders.

The rule is simple: new files and folders assume the permissions associated with the folder in which they are created. For example, if you create a file in a folder to which the Accounting department has Modify permission and the Human Resources department has Full Control permission, the Accounting department has Modify permission and the Human Resources department has Full Control permission to the newly created file.

Similarly, if you copy existing files or folders to a different folder or move existing files or folders to a different volume, the copies assume the permissions associated with the destination folder because you are, in fact, creating new files or folders when you create copies or move between volumes. On the other hand, if you move existing files or folders to a different folder on the same volume, the files or folders keep their existing permissions; they don't inherit permissions from their new home.