Files have a padlock icon on them in Windows 7

Problem

You may experience that your files have a padlock icon although they still open without error.

Solution

To remove the lock icon:

1. Go to C:\Users (Assuming Windows is installed on your C: drive)
2. Right click on the folder with your username and click Properties.
3. Click the Security tab.
4. Click Edit.
5. Click Add.
6. In the input box put “Authenticated Users” (without quotes) and click OK.
7. Now in the list of checkboxes, check the Allow checkbox for Full control.
8. Click OK.
9. Click Continue to any errors that appear.
10. Once finished, click OK.