Data Recovery: Access Denied!

If you receive the "Location is not available - Access Denied" error while trying to open a folder in Windows or double-clicking a certain drive, read on for tips on how to diagnose the problem and retrieve files.

There are several reasons for this error:

1. Partition table is corrupted, system unable to read partitioning information.

2. Encrypted folder/drive, or incorrect permissions.

3. A virus infection may also cause such error.

Here are respective fixes:

1. Diagnose the disk you are having trouble with.

Click Start, select Run and enter "chkdsk x:/F" (x being the volume letter). Or you can enter "chkdsk x:/F" directly into the search bar. Tab Enter to start the disk check process. This command requires your disk to be locked. If it failed to lock the disk, system will ask you if you want to run the disk check next time you start the computer.

Never power off the computer while checking is in progress! Damage could be done to your disk if you do so! This interface will automatically close when the checking is done. Then, try to access your folder or drive to see if the problem has been solved. 

2. Change permissions

Right-click on the volume and select Properties. Switch to Security tab, under Group or user names, highlight your user account name. Click Edit.

Tick Full control, Modify and other options with a check mark under Allow, then Apply. Click OK to leave. Recheck the status of issue to see if you can access the files now.

3. Perform a full scale virus scan

Scan your whole system with your favorite anti-virus software. After the full scan,restart the computer to check if the problem has been solved.

4. Utilize a recovery software

If the above methods all failed, use a professional data recovery software to save your important files. Remember to save your recovered data into another drive or partition to avoid overwriting. After you get your files back, format the disk partition and the issue should be solved. (Check how to use data recovery software.)

If you are not so sure about recovering data on your own or your data are too important to afford any risk, turn to a professional data recovery company for help. 

Remember, you can always minimize the data-loss risk by regularly backup important files and store them safely away.