Sequence of events: Had around 26Gb of video files (MTS format) stored on my external hardrive. Bought a new computer with Windows 7 installed. Carried over the 26Gb of video files to my new computer in the C:\Users\Owner\My Videos folder. Backed up all files (using system backup and restore function) back over to my external drive. Installing some older programs corrupted the entire OS; so I brought back to Best Buy and they exchanged it for a new desktop (same make and model). I found the files I was looking for in the backup restore function on the external drive and tried to put them back in the same folder location, but on the new computer. Computer indicates that everything worked smoothly, and right-clicking on the folder shows that the folder size is 26Gb. However, there are no files shown in the folder and says that its empty. Note that it shows a locked key pad on the "C:\Users\Owner" folder. How can I get access to these files in this folder...these are priceless videos of my family from the past year. Thanks in advance. Jody

Please note that the lock icon simply means that those files are not publicly accessible to everyone on the network and internet. It is only a privacy indicator. For example, you can right-click and choose "Share With: Nobody" to put the lock on any folder you choose. As for the files since it shows that the size is large, I would close and reopen it, or click inside it and press F5 to refresh it. If this was helpful, please vote by clicking the green triangle. If it solves the issue, click Propose as Answer. Thanks!

Also, go to Control Panel > Folder Options > View tab and make sure the show hidden files and folders radio button is active. You might also have to take ownership of the folder. See http://www.blogsdna.com/2173/add-take-ownership-option-in-right-click-context-menu-of-windows-7.htm Jerry