unable to edit a word processor file that is read only

Do you mean that if you save you save it to a different file name, it is still read only?

yes, after i have saved it using a different file name and in different location, it is still read only..

check out the properties. right click and click permissions. Probably you may have the choice to change it..What type of document is it. I mean, .file Ex: test.pdf or test.doc or what is it

it is a .doc, i have tried also to change the permission but nothing happens..

Hello,

Normally when you try to open read only docs it will ask if you want to open a copy. The copy is readable.

This assumes that you are using Open or Libre Office and not just a text reader.

Regards,

Allan

Try to open the document with OpenOffice and click Tools, Options, - Security and note the status of the check boxes at the bottom; is Open this file in read-only mode checked?

If it is check remove that.

I would suggest, why won't you install MS Office or Just only Microsoft Word and EXCEL on your Linux using wine. Since all these issue won't occur. Better than trying all this. Try to install Wine software using Software Center on your Applications Menu and then get a Microsoft OFfice and when installing install using Wine and choose only WORD and EXCELL, since you may require that only. So I believe if the document opens in Windows and if it is protected in their, you can easily remove it when installed MS WORD in UBUNTU.. That is the best solution I believe.

Since most documents however opens in Open Office or Libre, and many feel it uncomfortable using OpenOffice or Libre, and most of their documents create issue with this. So why not use WINE software and install only MS WORD so that those documents can be opened. And you can even use UBUNTU. Its simple to do I Feel.

It must be word document is corrupted. I would suggest you to use tool below http://www.word.fixtoolbox.com
utility repair word doc without modifying original file data