permission to access Application Data folder

Question

For some reason I have lost permission to access my Application Data folder (under c:\users\my user name). I want to backup some personalized settings stored there before updating an application.

I have never had a problem with this before. Furthermore, I am logged in as the default user and if I go to the folder's Properties -> Security it shows me as having all the basic permissions. What is going on and how can I fix it?

Answer 1

I bet that the folder you're trying to access doesn't really exist.  Technically speaking, there is no "Application Data" folder anywhere on Windows 7 or 8 (or 8.1).  There's something that looks like a folder, smells like a folder, but it's not. It's a re-direct that is only there for compatibility with older programs that where built to look for that exact name (those same programs also break when running on other languages besides the English spelling of "Application Data").

The true folder name is "AppData", and is here (and invisible by default).

c:\users\name\appdata

The %appdata% trick is just a shortcut to that location.

Answer 2

excellent, thank you!

Answer 3

Thanks! Yes, it opens and I can manipulate the files. But I still can't access it in the ordinary way. Is that fixable?

Answer 4

Try this:

1. Press +R to show the Run box
2. Type %appdata% and click OK

Does the folder open?