"Access Denied"

Hi, everybody.

I had the rare need to visit my Documents & Settings folder and then found I could not.

I am denied access with the notice: "C:\Documents and Settings is not accessible." "Access is denied."

I have no idea why. My pc needs no password (All users have asdminstrator rights). I went to Properties and tried editing the "Security" settings but access is denied there also.

The folder has a small arrow as one sees on shortcuts.

I checked C:\Users and found all these with the same problem...;

C:\Users\All Users\Application Data
ditto \Desktop
ditto \Documents
ditto \Favorites
ditto \Start Menu
ditto \Templates

There are loads of other folders like this. Too many to list here.

Has anyone else experienced this and does anyone know what I should do? I need to get into My Documents.

TIA for any help.

I may have rushed into posting - if an hour or so is rushing!!

I tracked down the problem but I am still interested in some input on;

How did this come about in the first place and with so many folders?
Why does the 'Shortcut' arrow remain even when access has been restored?

The access cure lies in the folder's Properties (right click to see it at the bottom of the pop-up menu) Click the "Security tab", then "Advanced" button, then highlight the entry showing "Deny". Click "Change Permissions". In the new window highlight the same entry again and click "Edit". In the next window, select "Full Control". Click "OK" and"Apply" etc to come out of it all.

I hope this helps someone. Then it will all have been worth it.

Thanks, rich.

Yes, I know, and this generally holds good. But I doubt that applies to folders like the Start Menu and My Documents.

BTW if you find this useful, give me a boost by clicking the middle icon at the top of the page.

Thanks, Rich. I think I should have added a smilie. My observation was not meant to be critical. :)