If the padlock appeared after a Windows update, it’s likely due to ownership or permissions changes. This can also happen with unfinished Encrypting File System (EFS) encryption.
Method 1: Take Ownership of the Folder
Method 2: Change Permissions
Method 3: Reset Permissions Using the Reset Utility
If you are resetting a folder and you find the steps above difficult or lengthy to follow, you can use a Reset Utility. Click (here) to download. After it has been downloaded, open and run it. You will see a small window pop-up as shown below. The password to extract the app is lallouslab.
From here, choose the folder or the drive and click GO. Once done, check again to see if you can now access the folders or the drive. If not, then run the utility again with the “Take files ownership” option checked.
