Sometime the setting 444 cannot be done via FTP, in which case use your host's control panel or file manager to set the permissions level.) In cpanal this can be done by selecting 'File manager' Alternatively, you can use a small .php file to change the permissions of a file or a folder. Create a file with the following script and name it with a .php extension. Replace 'mainfile.php' with whatever file/folder you require. Upload the file (ie: changeperm.php) to the directory that holds your file or folder that requires chmod change. In the case of mainfile.php, this is of course, in the root of your xoops installation. Now call the file from your browser. You will probably have a blank page, but go back and check the chmod setting. It should now agree with 0444 or whatever permission you entered.