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How to Open a Locked MP3 in Windows

Windows uses an ownership system to secure files on your computer. If the operating system doesn't consider you to be the owner of a file, it locks the file, denying you access to it. If, for example, you install a new copy of Windows 7 on your system and then connect an external hard drive containing MP3s that you managed using an old version of Windows, the operating system may not think that you are the owner of the MP3s. To open a locked MP3 in Windows, you'll need to change the file's permissions so that you have access to it.

Instructions

    • 1

      Log in to an administrator account. You must be logged in with administrator privileges to change file permissions.

    • 2

      Click "Start" and then "Computer." Navigate to the folder containing the locked MP3.

    • 3

      Right-click on the locked MP3 and select "Properties." Click the "Security" tab and then click "Advanced."

    • 4

      Click the "Owner" tab. Click the "Edit" button.

    • 5

      Click on your username in the box labeled "Change owner to." Click "OK"; if a warning box pops up, click its "OK" button. Click "OK," then "OK" again.

    • 6

      Double-click the MP3 to play it in Windows Media Player or another media program that you have associated with the MP3 format.

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