Have you ever experienced opening a Korean document from another source and seeing an error message like 'This is a read-only document' or finding it password-protected?
Facing storage issues or continuous permission errors from a network folder just before a report deadline can be quite frustrating.
If you frequently work with Korean documents, this stress is something you likely encounter occasionally.
This phenomenon is typically not a 'program error' issue.
It involves a complex mix of network permissions, distribution settings, cloud synchronization, and even Windows security policies.
Temporary solutions without a proper understanding of the problem may lead to file corruption or data loss.
This article continues from Part 1 and outlines solutions to resolve issues of non-editable, read-only, and distributed Korean documents.
It includes practical solutions applicable in work environments, from verifying network permissions to local copying, administrator execution, resetting settings, and addressing cloud conflicts.
The latest method for automatically resolving permission issues through AI is also introduced at the end.
Resolving Network and Shared Folder Permission Issues
There are frequent instances where attempting to edit a Korean document located in company servers or team collaboration spaces is obstructed due to permission issues.
Why Does Network File Editing Inaccessibility Occur?
Files located on a network drive depend on Windows file system access permissions for editability. Since IT administrators set permissions at the folder level, all files within the same folder are affected.
Typically, shared folder permissions are categorized as 'Read', 'Write', 'Modify', and 'Full Control'. If your account only has 'Read' permission, you can view files but not modify or save them. Even with 'Write' permission, existing file modifications may be restricted, allowing only the creation of new files.
Edit lock also occurs if another user has the file open. By default, the Korean program locks a file for editing by a single user. Others can only open it in read-only mode until the first user closes it.
Verify and Request File Permission Changes
When encountering editing restrictions in a network environment, the first step is to verify what permissions your account holds.
Right-click the Korean file you wish to edit.
Select 'Properties'.
Click on the 'Security' tab.
Find and select your account in the 'Group or user names' list.
Check the permission list below.
If only 'Read & Execute' and 'Read' checks are allowed, while 'Write' or 'Modify' are empty or 'Deny', you lack editing permissions. In this case, request a permission elevation from the IT administrator or the folder manager.
Safe Method of Local Copying and Working
If direct editing is difficult due to permission issues or network instability, the safest way is to copy the file locally.
Locate the file you wish to edit in the network shared folder.
Copy the file to a local disk's document folder or desktop.
Open the properties of the copied file and uncheck 'Read-only'.
Open the local file to perform the necessary edits.
Save and close the file once editing is complete.
Overwrite the original network location with the modified file.
The advantage of this method is stable working, irrespective of the network connection status. There's no worry about losing work, even if the network disconnects or slows down.
Be cautious, as others might simultaneously edit the same file. Notify your team of your editing work to prevent overwriting someone else's edits later.
Advanced Solutions for Non-Editable or Distributed Document Issues
Advanced techniques if basic methods do not resolve the problems explained earlier. Issues might arise from the Hancom Office program itself or system settings.
Reinstalling When Distribution Documents Cannot Be Undone or Edit Mode Conversion Fails
If Hancom Office program files are corrupted or settings are disrupted, reinstalling is the most certain solution.
With the Korean program running, click on 'Hancom Info' under the 'Help' menu to note the current version for later reinstallation.
Access 'Apps & Features' or 'Add/Remove Programs' in Windows settings.
Find 'Hancom Office' in the list, select it, and click the 'Uninstall' button. Choose 'Remove all' when it asks if you want to retain settings during removal, as any problematic settings need complete deletion.
Once uninstallation is complete, reboot the computer.
Download and install the latest version from the official Hancom website.
Resetting Korean Settings Files
If you dislike reinstalling but wish to reset settings only, delete the user settings folder.
Simultaneously press the Windows logo key and R key on your keyboard.
Enter '%appdata%' in the run window that appears and press Enter.
Windows Explorer opens showing the Roaming folder.
Locate and double-click the 'HNC' folder.
Check if there's a 'User' folder inside.
Right-click the 'User' folder and select 'Delete'.
Re-launch the Korean program.
The program automatically builds new settings files upon execution.
This method resets custom toolbars, shortcut keys, recent file lists, etc. Backup the User folder elsewhere before deletion if you dislike losing personalized settings.
Using Other Versions of Korean Programs (Polaris Office, Hancom Docs)
Editing issues may arise due to compatibility problems among different Hancom Office versions. For instance, opening a file created in Hancom Office 2020 in Hancom Office 2014 may restrict some features.
If your company uses an older version but receives files created in a newer version, consider using alternative programs like Polaris Office or Hancom Docs.
Polaris Office allows instant Korean file viewing in a web browser without installation, supporting most Korean files. Uploaded files convert automatically for editing. The free version has limited features, but it's sufficient for basic editing.
Hancom Docs provides a web-based document editing service officially offered by Hancom. Log in using a Naver or Hancom account. It allows cloud file storage and access from anywhere.
👉 Resolving Distribution Document Unsettling and Inserting Signatures/Stamps | Non-Editable File Recovery Guide
Resolving Non-Editable/Distribution Document Exceptions
Situations and solutions for special cases that don't resolve with general methods. Let's explore what to do if copying still doesn't unset read-only Korean files or distribution documents.
If Copying Doesn't Unset Read-Only on Korean Files
Even after copying to the local disk, sometimes edit lock remains tight. This is due to firmly set read-only file properties. In such cases, use the command prompt to force attribute removal.
Simultaneously press the Windows key and R to open the run window, enter 'cmd', and press Enter. A command prompt window appears.
Use the 'cd' command to move to the folder containing the file. For instance, if the file is on the desktop, enter 'cd C:\Users\Username\Desktop'.
Next, enter 'attrib -r filename.hwp' and press Enter. The '-r' option removes the read-only attribute.
After executing the command without particular messages, successfully proceed to the next line. You can now open and edit the file normally.
Distribution Document Error: 'Cannot Undo Document Protection'
An error message saying 'Cannot undo document protection' may appear even after entering a password for a distribution document. Several factors could cause this.
The most common is entering the wrong password. You might be mixing up Korean with English or mistyping uppercase with lowercase. Verify if Caps Lock is on. If there are special characters, ensure keyboard input accuracy.
When OneDrive or Google Drive Synchronization Conflicts
Korean files in cloud sync folders can cause specific issues. They might unexpectedly switch to read-only, fail to save, or show errors like 'sync conflict'.
This occurs when multiple devices try editing the same file simultaneously. For instance, opening a file on both office and home computers leads to conflicts. Problems might occur if you try editing before cloud sync completion.
Pause sync while working as a solution. In OneDrive, right-click the cloud icon in the system tray and select 'Pause Sync'. Resume sync after completing the work and closing the file.
A safer solution involves working from a local-only folder outside the cloud sync folder with critical files. Copy only the final file to the cloud after completing work to avoid conflicts.
When the Security Tab is Grayed Out
Instances exist where the 'Security' tab itself cannot be clicked or is grayed out when attempting to unset a distribution document.
The most common cause is using a Korean Viewer. Being a view-only program, Korean Viewer lacks the authority to change security settings. Install licensed Hancom Office.
If you use Hancom Office but encounter a grayed-out security tab, it may be a version issue. Older Hancom Office versions might not support the latest security features. Download and install the latest updates from the Hancom official website.
Or, the file might not actually be a distribution document. If it's merely read-only, there's no need for the 'Security' tab. Simply unset read-only in file properties.
If You Encounter a 'File is Corrupted' Error
Trying to open a file leads to a 'File is corrupted and cannot be opened' error. While this is unrelated to edit locking, it may occur simultaneously.
Korean programs typically employ an auto-save feature creating temporary files during work. If a file is damaged, try recovery using this temporary file.
Launch the Korean program and click the menu icon in the top right corner.
Select 'Hancom Info' to display the program information window.
Click the 'Folder Info' tab to display the 'Temporary Folder' path.
Copy this path, open Windows Explorer, and paste the path into the address bar.
Navigate to the temporary folder to view files with an ASV extension. These are auto-saved files.
Locate the most recent one by date and time and double-click to open it in the Korean program.
Now, AI Handles Korean Document Tasks Automatically
Are you weary of repeatedly adjusting permission settings and file properties from unsetting read-only Korean files to unsetting distribution documents and edit locks? Do you waste precious report-writing time fighting a 'This document is read-only' error?
The Korean-specific AI agent, Inline AI, directly integrates with Hancom to automatically handle Korean documents, processing everything from document creation to formatting.
Work safely without file loss concerns; leave complex permission settings to AI. AI removes all Korean document editing barriers.
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