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5Mar/090

Solution: Folder “access is denied”

When opening an folder, Windows prompt you "X:\<folder name> is not inaccessible. Access is denied. Right-click on the folder properties, you found out that, the size of the folder is 0 even though there are files inside. The problem happens because, you do not have permission and you are not the owner of the folder. This usually happens when you are opening old My Document folder after reformatting the computer, or folders which are from the other computers. You have to regain the folder permission.

Folder inaccessible

Folder inaccessible

To do that, turn on the advanced file sharing option as a first step.

  1. In any windows, go to Tools > Folders Option
  2. In Folder Options window, go to View tab
  3. Under Advanced settings, scroll down to the bottom and uncheck "Use simple file sharing (Recommended)"
folder-options

Folder Options

Now, right click on the target folder and go to properties.

  1. in Properties window, go to Security tab
  2. you could see "Group or user names" box is probably blank or your user name is not inside
  3. click on [Advanced] button at the bottom
    Folder's properties

    Folder's properties

  4. under the Permissions tab, click on "Inherit from parent the permission entries that apply to child objects. Include these with entries explicitly defined here".
  5. Also, click on "Replace permission entries on all child objects with entries shown here that apply to child objects" if you wish to apply the permission on sub folders
  6. click on [Apply] button, if windows prompt you, simply choose Yes
  7. you should be able to see the default users are now included

Advanced Security Settings

Advanced Security Settings

If step 6 above doesn't work, individually add yourself as the owner of the folder.

  1. From the same window, click on "Add.." button, type in your Windows username you currently using, and click Ok.
  2. check Allow "Full Control"
  3. Also check on "Apply these permissions to objects and/or containers within this container only".

Now try to access the folder again. You should be able to open it and if it still fails, leave a message and someone will help you out.