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I thought that folders with a lock symbol next to them represented either an encrypted or a compressed file.

However according to this post, I was wrong.

What does this locked folder mean under Windows 7?

Screenshot showing lock icon

Community
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dance2die
  • 721

2 Answers2

13

I think it means that it has restricted permissions, i.e. some users can access it, but others can't.

zacharyliu
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0

Specifically, I think it means that the folder is shared with nobody (i.e. you are the only one who has access to it.) If you right-click a folder in Windows 7, and navigate to the "Share with" option, you can check "Nobody" has the lock icon beside it.

drglove
  • 103