ZALAttributes

ZALAttributes is a software tool designed to change file and folder attributes in batch mode. It doesn't include complicated options or configuration parameters, making it accessible to all types of users, even the ones with no previous experience in such apps.

Simple setup and UI

The setup procedure is a speedy task that shouldn't give you any trouble. Administrative rights are not required to run this application. It's wrapped in a plain-looking interface made from a small panel that shows all options available.
You can indicate a file or folder using a tree view, since drag-and-drop is unsupported. File and directory properties can be separately configured when it comes to the archive, read-only, hidden and system attributes.

Set and remove file and folder attributes

It's possible to apply modifications for all directories ("Run" button), including containing subdirectories and files, or just for the current file or folder ("Just this one" button).
This task is instantly carried out, after which ZALAttributes displays a brief message in the status bar to confirm it. Removing file and directory attributes is similarly performed, by clearing their checkboxes. There are no other notable options provided by this utility.

Evaluation and conclusion

Unsurprisingly, it didn't put a strain on the overall performance of the computer in our tests, thanks to the fact that it needed low CPU and RAM to work properly. As previously mentioned, it completed tasks in an insignificant amount of time. No error dialogs popped up and it didn't hang or crash. Although it hasn't been updated for a very long time, it works smoothly on newer Windows editions.
To sum it up, ZALAttributes offers a clear-cut solution for editing file and folder attributes for multiple items in bulk. However, it lacks advanced settings.