I have a Linux file server running Samba. The permissions on the server are 775 which makes it "read-only" to the others group. When the "others" group downloads this file to their workstation, the file is still "read only" for them on Windows XP. So they have to right click the file and de-select the "read-only" option. I was wondering if there is a way for the user to download the file however once the copy has been downloaded to their machine, it is no longer read-only.

I can't change the permissions on the files because I can't risk users just blowing away the files or modifying them. They simply need the ability to execute the directory the files are stored in and then drag and drop them to their local workstation. Its the post download process that I need the files to no longer be "read only".

Is this even possible?

What happens if you give 777 permissions, but define the share with "writeable = no"?

Interesting...I forgot about that parameter. This is confusing for the OS and I guess it depends on who's permissions are dominant.

I haven't tried it, but I would hope Samba trumps in this case (but not writeable = yes, 700)

This makes sense since all users only access the machine via samba. Everyone is set to /bin/false so permissions on the file could be 777 but as long as samba is the interface, they can't modify (in theory), right?

That's my guess - but only that at this stage.

Set up a trial share.