Deleting a protected folder in winxp?

Question

I was wondering if anyone know if it is possible to delete a protect folder in winxp. The folder I would like to delete is from an old account as is the 'My documents' folder.

I cannot reactivate the account as I get a message that the account already exits, although it does not show up in the accounts applet or when I log on to the computer.

Thanks

Terry

tralphs · Answer

Thanks for the information. I

found no sign of the 'lost' account in the first two of your suggestions so I then deleted the reg keys for the accounts that no longer exist as you suggested. Unfortunately the file is still right protected and can't be deleted. When I try to recreate the account I am told that it already exists.

It is not a big problem have the folder but I would like to reclaim the space if possible.

Thanks for your help.

Cheers

Terry

gryjhnhpe · Answer

Logon as the Default Administrator , you should then be able to Delete any User account Folder.

To logon as Computer default Administrator;

For XP PRO;
Use normal mode , at Welcome Screen press Ctrl+Alt+Delete keys together TWICE.

For XP Home;
Use Safe Mode & at Welcome Screen press the above keys TWICE.

To enter Safe Mode press F8 key many times during startup until Menu is displayed
then use Arrow keys to select Safe Mode & press Enter key.

The default Administrator password is blank unless you have set one. (the Default Administrator Password isn't your Computer/Administrator password)

(If you have Auto logon set , use Log Off to show Log On Screen.)
(If you use Classic Log On menu enter Administrator for PRO Normal Mode & Home in Safe Mode)

tralphs · Answer

Hi Nick,

I tried to delete the file in safe mode logged on as the default administrator but I still got the same error message: "Cannot delete My Documnets: Acess is denied. make sure that the disk is not full or write protected.

The path to the folder is: C:\Documents and Settings\Terr\My Documents

The folder 'My Documents' (from an old user account) is what I would like to delete

Any ideas?

Thanks

Terry

gryjhnhpe · Answer

Then use Microsoft info to Take Ownership of Folder. For Home use must you Safe Mode. http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;308421&Product=winxp

tralphs · Answer

Hi Garry Thanks for the suggestion about how to change ownership of a folder. This worked and I now have full permission of the folder. Cheers Terry

Windows General

Deleting a protected folder in winxp?

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