How do I take ownership of a folder when access is denied and the security tab is missing?

Solution 1:

When I've seen this it was because a process was holding the folder open but the folder was in the process of being deleted. Use a tool like Process Explorer to see if anything has an open handle on the folder. I would guess that once you release it or reboot, that folder will disappear.

Solution 2:

It sounds more like there is a file lock on the folder - probably some application has got it open. Try using a program like Unlocker - it should show you what app has got it locked and it can release the lock and then delete the file or folder for you.

Solution 3:

I had this same issue, and as in Kevin's situation, the file was being held open which it was being deleted. However, there was nothing in process explorer, unlocker failed, as did numerous other things I tried.

Turns out because the folder was shared it was being held open by another user and can be solved by going to Administrative Tools -> Computer Management -> Shared Folders -> Open Files and closing the relevant files or folders from in there. The folders then finished deleting automatically.