In Windows 7, some of your personal folders and files may have a padlock overlay icon on them and you might be wondering what it indicates and how to get rid of it. The Lock icon indicates that the file or folder is shared with nobody but you, and that your account alone has the permission to access it (besides the SYSTEM and admin accounts). This icon is shown only when some item that was shared previously with other users was made private. It is easy to remove this icon if you find it unwanted.
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