You receive an "Access is denied" error message when you try to access the Shared Documents folder in Windows XP (897103)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional

SYMPTOMS

In Microsoft Windows XP, you may experience the following symptoms:
  • You receive an "Access is denied" error message when you try to access the Shared Documents folder.
  • You cannot install an application if the application uses the Shared Documents folder.

CAUSE

This problem occurs because you do not have sufficient permissions to access the Shared Documents folder.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, grant Full Control permissions for the Shared Documents folder to the Everyone account.

On a Windows XP-based computer that is using the NTFS file system, you can use the CACLS command to display or to modify the access control lists (ACLs) for directories and for files. To use the CACLS command to modify the ACLs of the Shared Documents folder in Windows XP, follow these steps:
  1. Use administrative credentials to log on to Windows XP.
  2. Click Start, click Run, type cmd, and then click OK.
  3. At the command prompt, type the following commands, and then press ENTER after each command.
    cd %allusersprofile%
cacls docume~1 /T /E /G everyone:F
    Note Make sure to enter a space after the /T, /E, and /G switches.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:10/5/2005
Keywords:kbpermissions kbFileSystems kbhowto kbinfo KB897103 kbAudEndUser
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.