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Resolved Question

Can't open some folders/files even when signed in as Admin

Apr 28, 2015 4:23AM PDT

I'm trying to open certain folders so I can delete some of the files in that folder, however I'm can't do that even though I'm signed in as Administrator. (Windows Explorer - Windows 7)

I'm the only user of my computer which is a HP Pavilion desktop.

It won't allow me to take ownership or change any options for that folder.

I'm a relative novice when it comes to changing options, etc. so any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks...Mike

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DizneyMike has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

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True.
Apr 28, 2015 4:35AM PDT

Some folders like System Volume Information are indeed locked out.

-> Let's get this out of the way fast. Admin is not God. Root is not God. Etc.

Let's hear more about these folders. Some could be Symbolic Links which is a discussion on its own.

--> Worse yet is that only user statement. Due to the "corrupt profile" issue you always want to have a spare Admin capable account. Without it, getting back in may not be possible.
Bob

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More information that may help.
Apr 28, 2015 6:49AM PDT

Bob,

Thanks for the very quick response! Here's some more information regarding my problem:

- The folder I'm trying to open is "Network/MyPC".
- At one time I used a free Anti-Virus program called "GDATA".
- That program created well over 100k "trash" file that I believe are in that folder. However I'm not 100% sure where they are because when I search for them I don't get any hits.
- I see them when I try to back up my computer using the "Clickfree" backup program. That program shows over 300,000 files in their "miscellaneous" section and as I said well over 100,000 are those GDATA Trash files.
- I no longer use GDATA so I want to get rid of those file.

I hope this helps...Mike

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That looks like one of Explorer's fake folders.
Apr 28, 2015 6:57AM PDT

I did find a folder network at the location in All Users\Microsoft.

C:\Users\All Users\Microsoft>cd network

C:\Users\All Users\Microsoft\Network>dir
Volume in drive C is Windows8_OS
Volume Serial Number is B4DC-7A00

Directory of C:\Users\All Users\Microsoft\Network

10/17/2014 10:10 PM <DIR> .
10/17/2014 10:10 PM <DIR> ..
10/17/2014 10:25 PM <DIR> Connections
10/17/2014 10:07 PM <DIR> Downloader
0 File(s) 0 bytes
4 Dir(s) 718,249,947,136 bytes free

Remember there are buggy backup programs so I take it this is not about ClickFree.
Bob

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PS. From what else I know.
Apr 28, 2015 7:02AM PDT

I would EXCLUDE this folder from backup.

Also, I've found backups to be notoriously bad to broken. That's why I backup a clone of the drive then sync it with syncback, goldsync or similar.
Bob

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Thank You!
May 4, 2015 1:33AM PDT

Bob, just want to take a minute to "thank you" for all your help with this; it's much appreciated! I've decided to leave these files alone. I can live with them being where they are. Thanks again....Mike