Windows XP - file/folder access problem....

[philg]

Hi there

I have just moved to a new laptop, and when attaching one of my external USB drives I am having access problems trying to delete one folder

Windows says "Cannot delete ..... Access denied"

I am running under an administrator ID, so I am a bit baffled

Can someone suggest how I can gain access to this folder

Oh, of course I have a different ID to log on to the new computer, if that makes a difference

Thanks

Phil G

[Billy_Sugger]

Should be able to access it in safe mode .To get to Safe mode, press the F8 key when Windows starts to boot. You have to do this BEFORE you see the first "Windows" screen. You can start tapping away as soon as I get by the BIOS startup screen or the manufacturer's splash screen. Experiment and you'll get it.

[rojash]

Do you mean a flash drive or a hard disk drive?. Some flash drives have a little switch which puts them into Write-protect mode.

[philg]

It's a hard drive

Properties says its read-only, but I can't change that either

Also, I can't even READ the folder - I get the same access denied message

Trying to access the folder from a command prompt is no better

Phil G

[ABerrant]

It sounds like the security permissions associated with the folder do not recognise your new persona so you will need to take ownership of the folder to access it. A guide to the process is available here...

http://support.micros...ault.aspx?kbid=308421

[philg]

EUREKA!!!

I was using XP Pro before, so I knew about the Security tab - I just couldn't figure out why I couldn't see it!

Anyway, all sorted now

MANY thanks ABerrant