Windows 7: Locked folders

How can I access locked folders, like Documents and Settings? Checking the Security tab in properties shows that I have full permissions, but I still get "C:\Documents and Settings is not accessible. Access is denied."

Take the ownership of the folder and you can access the document and settings folder.

But its not a folder its a shortcut to c:\users folder.

That didn't work, but it seems the only two "locked" (with a padlock icon) folders I can't access are Documents and Settings and System Volume Information. The reason I'm concerned about Documents and Settings is to access Application Data and whatnot like in XP.

Hi moggimus,

Beginning with Vista, folders used on XP like "Documents and Settings" are just Symlinks or "Virtual Folders" that redirect requests to the new folder locations for applications running in Virtualized mode or "XP Compatibility Mode"...You cant access these "Virtual Folders" using explorer since there only their for app compatibility with applications written for XP

Steven

Let me guess, you upgraded?

Ok, can you tell me where that data is stored then?

edit: Nevermind, I found it. Thanks.

OK. YOU found it. Can you tell us where, please?

I've had the same problem. Why on earth would the documents folder ever defualt to being a locked folder?

Anyway, I have been able to unlock the folder by right clicking on the folder and then clicking on the Security tab. Click on "Advanced". Then Select "Change Permissions" in the Advanced window. Another window should open that shows the Permission entries, one of which should be "Deny". Remove it and then apply it. Should unlock the folder. See attached JPG...
Tmurph62

Are you talking about the lock icon that shows up on user folders? If so, all that means is that not all users have access to it. Just like XP and Vista, user folders are not available to other users - 7 just added a little lock to let you know that. I don't know about you, but in a multi-user environment, I certainly don't want anyone having access to my documents, unless I put them in a public folder for everyone to see.

I see your point if multiple users use the computer. I don't have to worry about that myself. Guess it depends on each user to to set it the way they want.