NTFS Inherited Permissions question in W2K3 Server

In the "Inherited from" column of the advanced security dialog, some NTFS
folders list the value as "Parent Object". What does this mean? Does it
mean the immediate parent or the top level parent? Why is "Parent Object"
shown for some entries while the full path is shown for others? Can you
change the "Inherited from" to inherit from another parent in the hierarchy?

Thanks.

"Michael" asked:

" In the "Inherited from" column of the advanced security dialog, some
NTFS folders list the value as "Parent Object". What does this mean? "

In this case, the folder immediately above. (The somewhat-vague 'object'
terminology is used sinc e permissions also apply to registry keys)

"Can you change the "Inherited from" to inherit from another parent in the
hierarchy?"

No. folders inherit permissions in a progression down the tree, until or
unless one is met where inheritance is revoked. From that point on, the
permissions which are inherited by subfolders are those of the one
immediately after the revocation.

In general, revoking inheritance should only be done sparingly. If you do
revoke inheritance from a folder-tree, remember to (re)assign full
permissions for administrators and the system, otherwise various troubles may
arise.