Files won't copy/paste

I've never understood while files and folders just spontaneously become locked with little padlocks next to them. Anyone know a permanent solution for this problem?

If files and folders have padlocks next to them it is because they are files and folders which only have root (administrator) privileges.

In a terminal, navigate to the folder to where the files are then in the directory level enter:

Code:

sudo chown [username] [name of file/folder]

You will be asked for your login password before you can access the file/folder.

That can happen if the file changes ownership (many things can cause this, but always within your control at the time.)
If necessary, you can change ownership back to your user account, or you can access them using Superuser by entering

Code:

pkexec nautilus

for Gnome Zorin Core or

Code:

pkexec thunar

XFCE - Zorin Lite
to open your file folder in Elevated Privileges.