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How do I access my system folders, and files?

Anonymous
2012-06-21T18:13:11+00:00

I have moved from Windows XP SP3 32Bit  to Windows 7 SP1 32Bit.  I can't figure out how to access my system folders like i could with XP

These are some of the files i am trying to access, that I could access in my XP machine

C:\Documents and Settings\Mark Sr\local Settings\Temp

C:\Documents and Settings\Mark Sr\local Settings\Temporary Internet Files

C:\Documents and Settings\Mark Sr\local Settings\Application Data

C:\Documents and Settings\Mark Sr\local Settings\History

C:\WINDOWS\Prefetch

I have been searching trying to find out how to access these files, but i can't find them or how to get to them.

I did find  C:\Documents and Settings

But it says access denied, you are not allowed to access system files.

it said the same thing on XP,  I went in to folder options, checked Display the contents of system folders, and checked show hidden system files.

then i full access.

But i can't find the folder options on windows 7

Can someone please tell me how I can gain full access to my Windows 7 Operating System folders, and files?

Thank You.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Files, folders, and storage

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-06-23T12:00:25+00:00

    Ok, i found the folders i want, but they are all locked. How do i unlock them?

    2 people found this answer helpful.
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  2. Anonymous
    2012-06-21T18:45:40+00:00

    Click on Start > Computer > Organize > Folder and search options > View

    That should take you right where you want to be.

    Hope this helps!

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  3. Anonymous
    2012-06-21T18:44:37+00:00

    Mark

    1. The location of XP folders like Documents and Settings and History are no longer in the same place. They are displayed when ‘hidden files’ are displayed but they are ‘Junctions‘, i.e. they are there for historical reasons so that old programs that would normally use them are redirected to the new Windows 7 locations. Junctions can be recognised by having a little padlock on the icon and cannot be accessed.

    In Windows 7 you can see a list of these folders using a Command Prompt. Open a Run window (Windows Logo key+R), type cmd /k dir /al (note the three spaces) and press Enter. The results will be a list of all the Junctions for the user folders, showing the name of the old XP user folder and the name of the new folder in brackets.

    1. Folder Options are accessed in several places, open an Explorer window > Tools at the top and then Folder Options, alternatively Control Panel > Folder Options.

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  4. Anonymous
    2012-06-23T13:24:36+00:00

    Ok this worked, but i have to do this every time i want to access the folder. how do i make this permanent?

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  5. Anonymous
    2012-06-23T12:26:38+00:00

    Mark

    If you’re receiving an ‘Access denied’ message, you will have to take ownership of the folders.

    To take ownership of a folder, right-click the folder, click Properties > Security Tab > Advanced at the bottom > Owner Tab > Edit > Highlight your user name and put a tick in ‘Replace owner on subcontainers…’ and Apply > OK. You will only have the ‘Replace owner on subcontainers…’ box for folders not files. Click Yes when you receive the Security pop-up window then click OK to the Close/Reopen message. Make a note of the previous owner in case you want to change it back.

    Now go back to the Properties > Security Tab. Click Edit > Add. Type in your User Account Name in the box. Click on Check Names > OK. Click on your User Account Name to highlight it. Check the box for Full Control > Apply and OK etc.

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