Access denied, several folders

[blumesan]

Perhaps my memory is flawed, but it seems that only recently have I encountered a number of folders, in various locations (all on C:\ drive) that cannot be opened. An attempt to open the folder gives a message: Access Denied. There is a padlock attached to the folder icon.
Examples:

C:\Documents and Settings
C:\Users\Default User
C:\Users\All Users

Perhaps this has been the case since I installed PS7 (years ago) and I am just now noticing it. Alternatively, is it possible that I have changed some setting inadvertently, and caused this condition?

 

[ThrashZone]

See if these help,
http://www.sevenforums.com/hardware-devices/260312-folder-lock-i-not-accessible-access-denied-3.html
"Access is Denied" error message when you try to open a folder

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/Windows7/How-do-I-open-a-file-if-I-get-an-access-denied-message

 

[xunile]

It is definitely normal for "documents and settings" to be unable to be opened, it's functionality had been taken by the "üsers" folder in Windows 7.