Access Denied when trying to open the folder
I experienced a big crash on my Windows XP. When it is trying to boot and load, it restarts the computer automatically and doesn't reach the user login screen. I tried to power off and on the computer but the same problem. I tried to go into Safe Mode, but it is still keep restarting while loading. I tried to do a repair using Windows XP CD and unfortunately the same problem occurred. Finally, I decided to install a new copy of Windows with in with a different folder name (Windows2) on C: drive using the CD.After I finished the installation, I went to my user account folder at Documents and Settings to retrieve my documents and files was on desktop on the previous Windows, but the problem is when I try to open my user folder, it gives a message says: Access Denied . That may happen because it was protected with a password, and when I've created its password, I sat it to be private. So now I don't know how I can open my folder. Is there a way to unlock it?I hope some one here can help me in that.Thanks.Assem1 person needs an answerI do too
January 31st, 2011 3:08pm

Try taking ownership of the folder:"How to take ownership of a file or a folder in Windows XP" < http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308421 >HTH, JW
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
January 31st, 2011 3:36pm

OK, I followed instructions on that page. I got the ownership and I can now enter the folder, but that didn't apply to subfolders, I still unable to access inside folders like My Documents, Desktop, Favorites...etc, all are Access Denied. I looked for the option to apply for all folders and files on the main folder, but still unable to open inside folders. In addition, when I try to edit permissions and ownership to them as in the main folder from the Security tab, I get "Access Denied" message, and all options are disabled. Please help me with other actions.Assem
January 31st, 2011 6:35pm

The confusing part here is that Windows does not have password-protected directories as such. There are two ways protection can be applied. One is password protected Compressed Folders. The other is the Encrypting File System (EFS). Double-click any folder then select "Tools -> Folder Options -> View (Tab)" and make sure that the line "Show Encrypted or Compressed NTFS files in color" is checked. Then look at the filenames of the files that you are having problems with. If the filename is Blue, then it is Compressed. If the filename is Green, then it is protected with EFS. The symptoms you describe seem more consistent with EFS protected files.If we are looking at EFS protected files, then the only option to recover is to resurrect your old certificate. Ideally, you would have backed up your certificate as per the paragraph titled "Why you must back up your certificates" in the following KB article:"Best practices for the Encrypting File System" < http://support.microsoft.com/kb/223316 >... in which case you simply restore your certificate from its backup and you're good-to-go. If you don't have a backup, then it is possible that the remnants of your certificate might still be recoverable but you will most likely need the aid of a 3rd party commercial program such as AEFSDR .HTH, JW
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
February 1st, 2011 12:41am

This topic is archived. No further replies will be accepted.

Other recent topics Other recent topics