Take Ownership of Windows System Files

It always happens, even in Windows XP… you need to move or delete some files, but Windows gives you an error that you need permission or that the file is in use. When tweaking your Vista system, you will probably need to modify some system files, but Vista has this locked down tight. You can take ownership of any file in Windows Vista, and then grant any username full control of the file. After you have made your modifications, you can then remove the permissions, setting the file back to its original state.

First you will need to access an elevated command prompt, to do this:

1. Click the Start button.

2. Click All Programs.

3. Go into Accessories.

4. Right-click on Command Prompt.

5. Select Run as administrator.

6. When the UAC Prompt appears, click Continue.

Once you have your elevated command prompt, follow these steps:

For our example, we are going to use the Bubbles screensaver file (Bubbles.scr)

1. At the command prompt, input takeown /f filepath (takeown /f c:windowssystem32Bubbles.scr).

2. Press Enter on the keyboard.

3. A message will be displayed that this completed successfully.

4. Now input icacls filepath /grant yourusername:f (icacls c:windowssystem32Bubbles.scr /grant shamanstears:f).

5. A message will be displayed that this completed successfully.

You will now be able to modify or replace the file. When you are done, simply remove the permissions to keep the file secure.