When you want to view a file or project, but not modify it, use the Get or View command. Get copies the file or project from the current project into your working folder. The file placed in your working folder is read-only — any modifications you make to it at this point cannot be saved in the VSS project.
If you do not have a working folder, you can still retrieve a read-only copy of a file with the View command.
For information on how to get and view files and projects in VSS, refer to: