How do I find windows explorer in XP? I was working on some pictures and trying to save one when it said the file was locked (?) and I would have to go to windows explorer and go into properties and unlock the file. Why would this be, since nothing else in the group was locked? Ths was from a group of pics which had been downloaded from the camera, and nothing else was ever locked.

Windows Explorer is under Start/ All Programs/ Accessories

You should also be able to get Properties by right clicking the file.

How to take ownership of a file or folder in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=308421

Originally Posted by jephree

Windows Explorer is under Start/ All Programs/ Accessories

You should also be able to get Properties by right clicking the file.

How to take ownership of a file or folder in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=308421

But its not clear how to get to Windows Explorer and then unlock the file in question.

Windows Explorer can be opened by clicking Start then All Programs then Accessories then Windows Explorer.

You can also open it by right clicking on your drive letter under My Computer then Explore.

You can also right click the file in question & open Properties.

The Microsoft link gives you various ways to change file settings.

How to take ownership of a file
Note You must be logged on to the computer with an account that has administrative credentials.

To take ownership of a file, follow these steps:
1. Right-click the file that you want to take ownership of, and then click Properties.
2. Click the Security tab, and then click OK on the Security message (if one appears).
3. Click Advanced, and then click the Owner tab.
4. In the Name list, click Administrator, or click the Administrators group, and then click OK.

The administrator or the Administrators group now owns the file. To change the permissions on the files and folders under this folder, go to step 5.
5. Click Add.
6. In the Enter the object names to select (examples) list, type the user or group account that you want to give access to the file. For example, type Administrator.
7. Click OK.
8. In the Group or user names list, click the account that you want, and then select the check boxes of the permissions that you want to assign that user.
9. When you are finished assigning permissions, click OK.