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General discussion

No access to Documents folder?

Mar 3, 2004 11:22AM PST

I am running Windows XP pro.
I am trying to install Adobe Acrobat 6.0. I get to a point in the installation where it cannot continue because it says that it needs to have access to C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents.
It says I should log in as an administrator to do the installation. However, I AM THE ADMINISTRATOR. I am the only User for my computer.
Sure enough, if I just use Windows Explorer to navigate to that documents folder and try and double-click to open it, it tells me "no access, you do not have access to this folder" or something like that. I tried looking at the properties of the folder. I can't find anything about it being shared, or not accessible. However, the properties show it does have a solid green box for the "Read Only" option. I try unclicking it and applying the settings, but it still doesn't let me open the folder, and it goes right back to the solid geen box the next time I open the folder. I was also messing around with the "archive files for later" and "compress files" in the advanced properties, but I had no luck.

Has anyone had this problem? Is it a Windows Problem? How come I can't access that folder? Do I have a virus/hacker?
Thx,
Nick

Discussion is locked

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Re:No access to Documents folder?
Mar 3, 2004 12:01PM PST

When supplying an error message, "something like that" is not good when seeking help unless you want non-specific answers.

Something that might help is if your login/account took OWNERSHIP of the directory and below of what it needed to access.

New NT/2000/2003 administrators often learn that is more to NTFS that Read-Only and such flags but the Access Control List.

Bob

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Re:No access to Documents folder?
Mar 4, 2004 4:43AM PST

I have run into the same problem when I was installing software and access to one of the document folders was denied. I have a Dell Dimension computer running under Windows XP Professional. In their Help und Support Center I have found the following information, which has helped me to solve my problem.

To take ownership of a file or folder
Open Windows Explorer, and then locate the file or folder you want to take ownership of.
Right-click the file or folder, click Properties, and then click the Security tab.

To display the Security tab (if it does not exist in the property box)
Open Folder Options in Control Panel.
Click Start, and then click Control Panel.

Click Appearance and Themes, and then click Folder Options.
On the View tab, under Advanced settings, clear "Use simple file sharing [Recommended]".
Click Advanced, and then click the Owner tab.
In the Change owner to box, click the new owner.
(Optional) To change the owner of all subcontainers and objects within the tree, select the Replace owner on subcontainers and objects check box.
Set the permissions for everyone in the Security tab, then click apply

Hopefully this information is helpful. Good luck.

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Re:Re:No access to Documents folder?
Mar 4, 2004 11:18AM PST

You know what, thank you. You were very helpful, compared to the last guy, who critcized me for how I described my problem, but then couldn't even write a coherent sentence himself. I will try your advice. Thanks.