[Solved] Locked out of Directory where my AOO files are

[Joshua Su]

Hello OpenOffice Community

I was editing an .ods file when the computer suddenly crashed.
After it rebooted, the file could not be recovered.
Thereafter, not only that file but ALL my OpenOffice files are LOCKED from my use.
I can only open Read-Only versions or Copies.
I cannot even save these files back to the Directory.
It seems the Whole Directory is Locked from my use.

However, all other Non-OpenOffice files work normally in the same directory.

What is happening? But, MORE IMPORTANTLY, HOW Can this Be Sorted?
This is the MOST SERIOUS ERROR I have ever experienced with OpenOffice for it Bars me from using OpenOffice on this computer, which is my Main Desktop PC.

Anyone who can Help will be Greatly Appreciated.

Joshua Su

[RoryOF]

Check if Windows Defender is running. If so tell it to allow OpenOffice run and access its files. The crash may have been caused by Win 10 deciding that it needed to do an update.

[Villeroy]

Please do us all a favour. If you really think that OpenOffice has anything to do with that kind of problem: REMOVE IT FROM YOUR MACHINE!
Bye

[Joshua Su]

To RoryOF: Thank you, but Windows Defender is Not running.
New Discovery: I found that if I copy my OpenOffice files to a Different Directory, it works Normally! This at least allows me to still use my files on this main desktop.
Still Seeking to Understand and Correct: But I would still like to know how to why I am barred Only from editing and saving OpenOffice files in that One Directory, while all other files operate normally.

[Joshua Su]

Problem SOLVED! Thank you RoryOF. Your reply gave me the clue. Windows Defender was not running, but my alternative Anti-Virus was! It set that Directory as a protected directory for OpenOffice files. When I removed the protection, I am able to use my OpenOffice files as usual. So problem Solved.

[RoryOF]

There have been a number of reports recently on the Forum about Win10 updates turning on Windows Defender and preventing access to OpenOffice and its files; were one a Conspiracy Theorist one might see malevolence on the part of Microsoft.

[Bill]

Unfortunately, those conspiracy theories don't solve anything. The problem with Windows Defender has been identified and the fix has been posted here several times. Other users have isolated the problem to other anti-ransomware products, but there is no comprehensive list of those products and how to change the settings in those products to fix the problem.