Locked folders

[moggimus]

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."

 

[Delphin]

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.

 

[moggimus]

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.

 

[dmex]

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."

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

 

[abuttino]

Let me guess, you upgraded?

 

[moggimus]

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

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

edit: Nevermind, I found it. Thanks.

 

[3strokes]

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

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?

 

[tmurph62]

Unlock the folder

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

 

[kegobeer]

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.

 

[tmurph62]

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.

 

[kegobeer]

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.

Yep. I just hope people figure out that the lock doesn't mean they have no access to files, and that user folder security is still the way it was in XP and Vista.

 

[bobj1938]

Locked folders in Win 7

Had the same problem but did what KEGOBEER suggested and it worked just fine@ Thanks!

 

[logicearth]

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

Better advice would be to leave it alone. You do not need to access Document and Settings. *sigh.....*

 

[Dennis Affleck]

Better advice would be to leave it alone. You do not ne

I think I will be the one who deceides whether or not I "need" access or not.

 

[logicearth]

I think I will be the one who deceides whether or not I "need" access or not.

And you do not need access to "Document and Settings", go to "Users".

 

[2007S281]

Just remove the EVERYONE user!

 

[mikedl]

Apparently old habits die hard. I beseech everyone that has been in this thread desirous of gaining access to the "Documents and Settings" folder, for whatever reason, to read the links in Logicearth's signature area.

Very informative reading. Again, I highly recommend it. You will realize that accessing the "Documents and Settings" folder gains you nothing...really.

 

[2007S281]

As an Admin I see the reasons that you want to limit anyone from gaining access to these Folders, but as an Admin try adding a Shortcut to the All Users Folder when you can't access the folder.
Once again MS Screwed up!

 

[mikedl]

I understand your point, however, I assert the new "Users" directory structure should be understood and utilized for what you mention.

Take ownership of the "Users" directory as an admin if you find it necessary and leave the "Documents and Settings" folders be just what they are - junction points.

Things change. The directory structure regarding User files is just one of the many changes, presaged in Vista, in Windows 7. Just my humble opinion. It'll save a lot of heartache in the long run.

There is nothing in the "Documents and Settings" folder that is not in the "Users" directory tree. It's an anachronism in comparison to the world of Windows 7.

 

[logicearth]

As an Admin I see the reasons that you want to limit anyone from gaining access to these Folders, but as an Admin try adding a Shortcut to the All Users Folder when you can't access the folder.
Once again MS Screwed up!

You are looking in the wrong place.
The All User's start menu is here: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu

It is you who screwed up here. None of this is new, this new structure was started all the way back in Windows Vista. This information is easy to find there is even an XP directories to Vista/7 directories list.