Windows Vista: Taking Ownership of a Folder

In Windows Vista even with administrator rights, you're not automatically granted access to all folders. This is a security feature. In order to get access to that file or folder you need to take ownership of it.

• Open the Windows Explorer, and navigate to the file or folder that you want to take over the ownership on.
• Right-click it, and select Properties
• Click on the Security tab.
• Press the Advanced button.
• Click the Owner tab.
• Press the Edit button.
• Select the user account you want to grant ownership rights.
• Press the OK button.

A pop-up dialog will alert you that you've taken ownership of the object, press the OK button to continue. You should now be able to access the file or folder.