Can't access user's folder on any external hard drive


  1. fadsnet
    Posts : 2
    7 Ultimate x64
       New #1

    Can't access user's folder on any external hard drive


    Hello,
    I am using Windows Seven ultimate x64 and I started having a problem when trying to access user's folder under documents and settings or users on any attached external hard drive on my computer.
    i didn't have this problem before, it started on the same installation of windows and without any changes to my system settings or user settings.
    I am a computer tech and I use my computer to backup data before repairing computers so I attach the hard drive to my computer using a USB enclosure.
    This is limiting my work since I didn't find any solution yet.
    It's giving me the error below: "you don't currently have permission to access this folder"
    This is happening on any external hard drive I want to access the user's data.
    Please help

    Thank you
      My Computer
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  3. Brink
    Posts : 72,045
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       New #2

    Hello Fadsnet, and welcome to Seven Forums.

    It sounds like you may need to take ownership of the folder, and "Allow" your user account "Full control" of the folder before you will have access.

    How to Take Ownership of a Item in Vista and Windows 7

    Take Ownership Shortcut

    Hope this helps,
    Shawn
      My Computer
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  4. fadsnet
    Posts : 2
    7 Ultimate x64
    Thread Starter
       New #3

    Hi Brink
    Actually, I don't want to take ownership and replace the permissions on the external user's folder since sometimes it will damage the user's profile and I can't login to it.
    As I said it used to be working before and then it changed by itself.
      My Computer
    Quote Quote

  6. Brink
    Posts : 72,045
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       New #4

    You could make note of what the current ownership and permission settings are for the folder, and change it back afterwards if you like.
      My Computer
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