File Access Denied

[abaw7]

So when ever i try to open a folder under C:\Documents and Settings it states access denied. I am the administrator for this computer and was wondering if it was possible to gain access to the folder? It's just a old folder that I've been wanting to scan through then delete. Any help appreciated.

 

[tlarseth]

You have to take ownership of the folder, while logged in as any administer account, right click on it, and choose properties, then under security click all the allow checkboxes, this should give you ownership of the file.

If that doesn't work, click on advanced security and then owner, and you should see an option to change current owner of the folder.

 

[kmjamal]

Here are the simplified steps.

1. Log on to the computer with an account that has administrative credentials. If you are running Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, you must start the computer in safe mode, and then log on with an account that has Administrative rights to have access to the Security tab.
   
2. If you are using Windows XP Professional, you must disable Simple File Sharing.
   
3. Right-click the folder/file that you want to take ownership of, and then click Properties.
   
4. Click the Security tab, and then click OK on the Security message (if one appears).
   
5. Click Advanced, and then click the Owner tab.
   
6. In the Name list, click your user name, or click Administrator if you are logged in as Administrator, or click the Administrators group. If you want to take ownership of the contents of that folder, select the Replace owner on subcontainers and object check box.
   
7. Click OK, and then click Yes when you receive the following message:
   You do not have permission to read the contents of directory folderName. Do you want to replace the directory permissions with permissions granting you Full Control?
   All permissions will be replaced if you press Yes.
   
8. Click OK, and then reapply the permissions and security settings that you want for the folder and its contents.