How to regain access to hard drive, fix error of not being able to open hard drive

In this article, we will guide you how to regain access to your hard drive when it fails.

How to regain access to hard drive

When you connect a previously used drive to a new or different computer, either as an external drive or an internal drive, you will not have access to that drive. When you try to view, add, or delete files on that drive, you will receive an error message: " E:\ is not accessible. Access is denied ". The message on your drive may be different, but don't worry, there is a solution.

How to regain access to hard drive, fix error of not being able to open hard drive

In Windows 7, when you look at your drives in Windows Explorer, one of the drives you just added won't report any data about its size or free space.

How to regain access to hard drive, fix error of not being able to open hard drive

This problem is fixed quite simply with a two-step process. First, you need to take back ownership of the hard drive, then give yourself permission as the new owner.

Note : Do not try this on the C:\ drive (boot drive), as it will change the system and force you to reinstall Windows.

1. Regain ownership

In Windows Explorer, right-click the drive you want to take ownership of, and then select Properties from the drop-down menu.

How to regain access to hard drive, fix error of not being able to open hard drive

Click the Security tab .

How to regain access to hard drive, fix error of not being able to open hard drive

Click the Advanced button .

How to regain access to hard drive, fix error of not being able to open hard drive

Click the Owner tab in Advanced Security Settings .

How to regain access to hard drive, fix error of not being able to open hard drive

Click the Edit button.

How to regain access to hard drive, fix error of not being able to open hard drive

Click the Other users or groups button.

How to regain access to hard drive, fix error of not being able to open hard drive

In the “ Object Types " section, uncheck all boxes except Users, then click OK .

Click the Advanced button.

How to regain access to hard drive, fix error of not being able to open hard drive

Click the Find Now button.

How to regain access to hard drive, fix error of not being able to open hard drive

In the Search Results section , click the user name that you use to log in to Windows, and then click OK.

How to regain access to hard drive, fix error of not being able to open hard drive

Verify the correct username in the object window and click OK.

How to regain access to hard drive, fix error of not being able to open hard drive

Check the box next to Replace owner on subcontainters and objects .

How to regain access to hard drive, fix error of not being able to open hard drive

You will see a warning message " All permissions will be replaced… ". This is normal. Click Yes .

How to regain access to hard drive, fix error of not being able to open hard drive

A status window appears, notifying you that file permissions have changed.

How to regain access to hard drive, fix error of not being able to open hard drive

If you see an “ Access is denied ” error message , that’s okay. That message is just referring to a specific system file that is in use. You don’t need to access it. Just press the Continue button.

How to regain access to hard drive, fix error of not being able to open hard drive

Click OK on the final message in the Windows Security window.

How to regain access to hard drive, fix error of not being able to open hard drive

By doing the above steps, you have successfully regained ownership of your hard drive.

2. Grant access

In Windows Explorer, right-click the drive you just took back ownership of, then select Properties from the drop-down menu.

Under Properties, select the Security tab . You'll see your username in the Group or user names window . Click the username to highlight it, then click the Edit button .

How to regain access to hard drive, fix error of not being able to open hard drive

In the Allow column , check the Full control box , and then click the OK button .

How to regain access to hard drive, fix error of not being able to open hard drive

The hard drive will appear in Windows Explorer with information about its size and free space. You can click on it, view its folders, and then add, delete, or modify files as needed.

How to regain access to hard drive, fix error of not being able to open hard drive

With a few simple steps, you can regain access to your hard drive. If you encounter a similar error, don't forget to use this method!

Good luck!

Leave a Comment

Solving Microsoft Teams Website Error Tab Not Loading

Solving Microsoft Teams Website Error Tab Not Loading

Tired of the frustrating Microsoft Teams "Website Error" where tabs won’t load? Get step-by-step fixes to resolve it quickly and boost your productivity. Essential troubleshooting for seamless Teams experience.

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Web Error 503 Service Unavailable

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Web Error 503 Service Unavailable

Tired of the frustrating Microsoft Teams "Web Error" 503 Service Unavailable? Discover proven, step-by-step fixes for Teams 503 error on web. Get back online fast with our expert guide. Works on all browsers!

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Win 7 Error Compatibility

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Win 7 Error Compatibility

Struggling with Microsoft Teams "Win 7 Error" compatibility? Discover step-by-step fixes to restore seamless video calls and chats on unsupported Windows versions. Quick, reliable solutions inside!

Troubleshooting Microsoft Teams Breakout Rooms License Errors

Troubleshooting Microsoft Teams Breakout Rooms License Errors

Master troubleshooting Microsoft Teams Breakout Rooms license errors with this step-by-step guide. Quick fixes for common license issues, admin checks, and prevention tips to get your meetings running smoothly.

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Version History Error

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Version History Error

Struggling with Microsoft Teams "Version History" Error? Discover proven, step-by-step fixes to restore access instantly. Clear cache, update Teams, and more—no tech skills needed!

Solving Microsoft Teams Joining Error: Meeting ID Not Found

Solving Microsoft Teams Joining Error: Meeting ID Not Found

Tired of the frustrating Microsoft Teams Joining Error: Meeting ID Not Found? Get step-by-step fixes to rejoin meetings fast. Updated with the latest Teams patches for seamless collaboration. Solve it now!

Troubleshooting Microsoft Teams Video Error Green Screen

Troubleshooting Microsoft Teams Video Error Green Screen

Struggling with Microsoft Teams "Video Error" green screen? Discover proven, step-by-step troubleshooting fixes for seamless video calls. Quick solutions inside!

How to Fix Microsoft Teams How Teams Works Tutorial Error

How to Fix Microsoft Teams How Teams Works Tutorial Error

Struggling with the Microsoft Teams "How Teams Works" Tutorial Error? Discover proven, step-by-step fixes to resolve it quickly. Clear cache, update, and more for seamless onboarding. Works on latest versions!

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Error Today on Windows 10

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Error Today on Windows 10

Tired of the frustrating Microsoft Teams "Error Today" on Windows 10? Discover proven, step-by-step fixes to resolve it quickly and restore smooth teamwork. No tech skills needed!

Troubleshooting Microsoft Teams Room Basic vs Pro Errors

Troubleshooting Microsoft Teams Room Basic vs Pro Errors

Struggling with Troubleshooting Microsoft Teams Room Basic vs Pro Errors? Get step-by-step fixes for common issues, comparisons, and pro tips to resolve connectivity, licensing, and setup problems fast in both versions.

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Screen Sharing Lag in 2026

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Screen Sharing Lag in 2026

Tired of Microsoft Teams screen sharing lag ruining your 2026 meetings? Get instant fixes for lag, freezes, and poor quality. Proven steps to optimize performance and share screens flawlessly. Boost productivity today!

Troubleshooting Microsoft Teams Installation Errors on macOS

Troubleshooting Microsoft Teams Installation Errors on macOS

Struggling with Microsoft Teams installation errors on macOS? This ultimate guide provides proven, step-by-step fixes for common issues like Gatekeeper blocks, permission errors, and download failures to get Teams running smoothly on your Mac. Updated with the latest solutions.

How to Create and Manage a Bot in Microsoft Teams (2026)

How to Create and Manage a Bot in Microsoft Teams (2026)

Master how to create and manage a bot in Microsoft Teams (2026) with this expert guide. From setup to advanced management, unlock productivity boosts using the latest Bot Framework and Azure tools.

Troubleshooting Microsoft Teams Remote Control Request Error

Troubleshooting Microsoft Teams Remote Control Request Error

Tired of Microsoft Teams "Remote Control" Request Error blocking your meetings? Follow our proven, step-by-step troubleshooting guide with the latest fixes to restore seamless remote control and boost productivity instantly.

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Planner Error: Tasks Not Loading

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Planner Error: Tasks Not Loading

Struggling with Microsoft Teams Planner error where tasks not loading? Discover step-by-step fixes for Microsoft Teams Planner Error: Tasks Not Loading. Quick solutions for instant relief in Teams Planner. Updated with latest troubleshooting tips.