Desktop – Access Denied

Stretch · 9 Oct 2008 at 23:35

A family computer (Windows XP Pro) broke a few weeks ago and I needed to retrieve some files of the HD. I stuck the drive in my vista box but I needed to change some of the permissions on the drive to access the files.

Now I have the original machine up and running again but I can access a number directories e.g. one of the profile desktop folders, even when logged in as the “built-in” administrator. How can I change the permissions back again?

nade · 10 Oct 2008 at 08:23

Sounds like you'll have to take ownership of the folder. Goto the properties, open up Security and goto the Advanced options. In there is an option for "Owner". You will probably see a SID number as the owner. Just pick the admin user name from the list and tick the "Replace owner" option and then click Apply.

Stretch · 10 Oct 2008 at 08:33

nade said:
Sounds like you'll have to take ownership of the folder. Goto the properties, open up Security and goto the Advanced options. In there is an option for "Owner". You will probably see a SID number as the owner. Just pick the admin user name from the list and tick the "Replace owner" option and then click Apply.

Sorry I didn't explain very well. I have no security tab when the disk is in the original machine. This is one of the biggest problems

nade · 10 Oct 2008 at 13:05

Ah ok, then open up My Computer, goto the Tools menu and open the Folder Options.

Goto "View" tab and scroll down the bottom and look for the option "User simple file sharing.." remove the tick and OK that.

bledd · 10 Oct 2008 at 13:41

yup

that'll make the security tab show

Stretch · 10 Oct 2008 at 15:09

Ok cool. Wasn't aware that you could deliberately hide the security tab. Though it was kind of odd but I guess that's what windows dose by default.

bledd · 10 Oct 2008 at 15:17

basically it's not needed and causes confusion if you just want basic file sharing

the MS site has an awesome knowledge base covering permission/security too btw