Why is access denied, and what do I do?

[SteveB]

I have just reinstalled windows on an HP laptop since it was riddled
with viruses etc that we couldn't get rid of. I backedup all the
documents etc etc and used the original cd to continue. Everything went
ok but now there is only 3GB left on the hard drive (out of a 40GB
capacity). I was puzzled but found out that all the old documents etc
are still on the computer under C:\Documents and Settings\hp. However,
when i try to go into this folder to delete them i get the error
message "Access denied".

What do i have to do in order to free up the space on my computer
again? I don't really want to restore windows again since it took hours
and hours with it being a slow machine - i thought the process wiped the
hard drive anyway :S.

Someone please help, i need this computer back!

 

[Nepatsfan]

In

I have just reinstalled windows on an HP laptop since it was
riddled
with viruses etc that we couldn't get rid of. I backedup all
the
documents etc etc and used the original cd to continue.
Everything
went ok but now there is only 3GB left on the hard drive (out
of a
40GB capacity). I was puzzled but found out that all the old
documents etc are still on the computer under C:\Documents
and
Settings\hp. However, when i try to go into this folder to
delete
them i get the error message "Access denied".

What do i have to do in order to free up the space on my
computer
again? I don't really want to restore windows again since it
took
hours and hours with it being a slow machine - i thought the
process
wiped the hard drive anyway :S.

Someone please help, i need this computer back!

You might want to try taking ownership of your old files. Take
a look at these articles for more info:

How to disable simplified sharing and set permissions on a
shared folder in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307874/

How to take ownership of a file or folder in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;308421

"Access is Denied" Error Message When You Try to Open a Folder
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/810881

Note: If you are running Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, you
must start the computer in safe mode, and then log on with an
account that has Administrative rights to have access to the
Security tab. To start in Safe Mode, reboot your computer and
start tapping the F8 key as soon as you see anything displayed
on the screen. Keep hitting F8 until the Advanced Startup
Options menu appears. Use the up and down arrow keys on your
keyboard to select Safe Mode. Hit Enter.

Good luck

Nepatsfan

 

[SteveB]

thank you! problem solved :

 

[Nepatsfan]

In

thank you! problem solved

You're welcome.

Nepatsfan