Possible reasons why an element would act like 'Read-Only' when not really.

Reading the description of your query it does seem like you actually have the correct design file open to edit rather than trying to perform these operation on referenced elements.

There are various things that could make these operations difficult. The main one, which you have possibly already looked at, is that the file is set to Read Only. This can be reset in the file properties from Windows Explorer if required.

Another option could be that the Level is locked that this elements is sitting on. If you open the Level Manager ensuring that the Lock column is displaying, you may see a lock symbol next to this level name.

Lastly, it may be that the actual element has been locked individually. If you select an element that you are having a problem working with and click on the Element Information icon you should see information like what is listed below. You will see a Locked item where you can modify this property so the elements is either Unlocked or Locked.

If you have any further questions do not hesitate in adding to this discussion. It may be helpful if you could supply the design file you are having issues with so we can investigate whether there may be other issues that have not bee identified.

There are 2 additional items to Andrews that it could be:

If the element is in a referenced file. Items in a referenced file are locked from changes. They can be copied but not moved, deleted, etc. (unless in special situations).

There is a Lock called Level Lock that will lock changes to only your active level. Only elements on your active level can be changed. The lock can be found in the pull-down (Settings > Locks >Level). Just turn it Off. It is a switch that can be saved using Save (file) Settings.

Just wanted to be helpful.

There are 2 additional items to Andrews that it could be:

If the element is in a referenced file. Items in a referenced file are locked from changes. They can be copied but not moved, deleted, etc. (unless in special situations).

There is a Lock called Level Lock that will lock changes to only your active level. Only elements on your active level can be changed. The lock can be found in the pull-down (Settings > Locks >Level). Just turn it Off. It is a switch that can be saved using Save (file) Settings.

Just wanted to be helpful.

Andrew,
Thank you for your help. Your instructions led me past a 'level lock option when I selected the object, & held down the right click. However, even though it's now gone from the original file, it's still showing up in the file that references it. Thoughts?

Unknown said:

it's still showing up in the file that references it

Use the Refresh option in the References dialog to update the attachment.  More likely, by the time you've read this you will have finished one MicroStation session and started a new one, in which case the attachement will have been reloaded.

Oops, sorry George;
Yall all helped me on this one.