File Delete permissions - mix of XP and Vista

googler

I have an HDD, previously used as a primary OS in a laptop - this disc has Vista OS upon it.

I have it in a USB disc caddy connected to a laptop running Win XP. I'm trying to delete the content of the Windows folder, as I want to use it as a data disc, no longer as an OS disc. I'd rather avoid re-formatting it for the moment, as I already have data to be kept on it.

I keep hitting 'Access is denied' when attempting to delete DLLs, etc.

How do I diagnose why the Access is denied, and thereby find a workaround?

scheming_gypsy

you can try a simple, right click on the windows folder, properties, security and reset the permissions for yourself and to replicate through the child files and folders.... probably the easiest first step as i can't see them being in use if on an external drive.

closed

check you have rw/full contron access in properties of the folder and subfolders, right click the folder, properties, security, advanced, take ownership, or add in full rights for your user, and tick the child object box.

or copy the data you want somewhere, and copy it back after quick formatting

googler

scheming_gypsy wrote: »

you can try a simple, right click on the windows folder, properties, security and reset the permissions for yourself and to replicate through the child files and folders.... probably the easiest first step as i can't see them being in use if on an external drive.

Don't have a security tab within Properties - just General Sharing Customise

googler

closed wrote: »

check you have rw/full contron access in properties of the folder and subfolders, right click the folder, properties, security.....

or copy the data you want somewhere, and copy it back after quick formatting

No security tab.

There's the problem - I'm trying to liberate space on THIS drive because all the other ones are full and I want to copy data from the others......

closed

is simple file sharing enabled? (explorer, tools, folder options, view)

googler

closed wrote: »

is simple file sharing enabled? (explorer, tools, folder options, view)

I can't find anything under there that says explicitly 'Simple File Sharing' ....

closed

it's the last one in the list

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/304040

Xp Home, ntfs or fat32?

googler

closed wrote: »

it's the last one in the list

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/304040

Xp Home, ntfs or fat32?

Not on my list - last one is Show pop up description for folders and menu items

XP Home, Serv Pack 2

scheming_gypsy

It's the 'home' bit that's taking the security tab away....

googler

scheming_gypsy wrote: »

It's the 'home' bit that's taking the security tab away....

OK, without an OS upgrade... any suggestions?