I jut got a new desktop with windows 7 as the operation system. the first few days, I used my external hard drive to save all my information. just now, when i tried to open my external hard drive, I was asked to format it. I denied it, of course as all my data is there. once i denied it, i can't access my hard drive. it keeps saying " access denied" i tried to change the ownership by clicking on my hard drive ---> properties ---> security ---> owner tab etc... when I say yes to the question asking whether i want to replace the owenership, a new window pop up, scanning my files on hard drive... and alll sudden stopped working.. I restart my computer and did the same thing again.. but it just won't work, keeps stop scanning in the middle of work what should I do now? how come i suddenly can not access my hard drive? thanks

Hi Lucky_1179, First, please refer to the suggestions in this thread to take ownership of the external hard disk again and see if the issue can be resolved. Also, you can refer to this thread and see if this is the situation you have: Access denied to external Hard Drive on Windows 7 If the issue persists, please also go into Safe Mode (Restart computer, press the F8 key when the boot menu pops up, select [Safe Mode], and boot up) and check if the issue still occurs. Also, please refer to this article for more information: Troubleshoot "access denied" when opening files or folders. Regards, Linda