Windows Vista Getting Access Denied Messages When Accessing Folder

I have a folder where I keep software files (mostly application installs) I downloaded from the internet. I only have one account on my PC, administrator. Until two days ago, I could go in and select a program to install without any problem. Now I'm getting Access Denied messages. One weird thing, accessing files in a subfolder gives me no problems.

Tried restores which failed. Tried changing permissions and security settings for the folder, but I think I made it worse. Microsoft help (?) said i could go in and access the User Accounts in Computer Management on the control panel, well Vista Premium doesn't allow it, you have to use the users option shown on the control panel.

I tried using a backup file on a usb drive created before this problem started on my main drive and get the same Access Denied message. Driving me crazy.

There are no virus or malware found in scans. Can anyone help me with this? thanks....Michelle

 

I had a similar experience.

For example:
C:\Users\[username]\AppData\ was accessible with no issue.
and
c:\Users\[username]\Application Data\ was NOT accessible.

Checking via the 'Properties' link led me to the solution. Simply select 'Security' and then click on the 'Advanced' button below the 'Permissions' section.

On the 'Advanced Security Settings' page there is a list current permissions. On my problem folders this list was showing, as the first entry 'Deny Everyone' which seemed to be somewhat draconian.

So, click the 'Edit' line below the permissions box and then simply remove the 'Deny ...' line. OK your way out and the problem is resolved.


It was all rather odd because I am sure, (with the clarity of hindsight), that these issues never used to occur. Something seems to have happened, but the strange thing is that the insertion of the 'Deny..' option was almost random and certainly, until I did these checks, I was unaware that you actually could 'Deny' everyone.

Such is life with vista!

 

Well I tried Evan's procedures - the best I could do with one folder was the regular exes would open, the zip files woldn't. My sound files, etc. still won't allow me to browse from another application. Tried ownership, tried permissions, tried assigning access to my primary to "everyone with full control" nothing. If I was able to restore one of my backup files on a usb drive, where would the original "permissions" be?

Oh, and my administrator account (only one) also can't access these files and that awful "continue" windows pops up for the ones I can access - thought if you were administrator you didn't get these....By the way, evidently Vista keeps your old user or administrator accounts (at least they show up in some of the security files) which I've changed over the years which makes it more confusing than ever.

Any more ideas? please (and thank you)

 

Try making a new administrator user account (Control Panel -> User Accounts -> Manage an another account -> Create a new user account). Try access there. You can delete the new account if it does not work.