Ghost folder - unusable?

To add some color to this. Being owner of a resource in Windows does not mean you have access, what it does mean is you have the ability to add/remove permissions.

This looks strictly to be a permission problem.
Remove the ACE entry for 'Local Account' - Deny.

Thanks for sharing that screenshot, @datawizard0103. Based on the information visible in the "Advanced Security Settings" for the problematic "Recovery" folder, here's what stands out:

Observations:​

1. Ownership: You are already set as the owner of the folder ("guthrie under PCGRG").
2. Permissions: Your account (guthrie), Administrators, and SYSTEM have full control permissions.
3. Denial Entry for Local Account: Note that there is a "Denied full control" entry for a local account, which could be interfering with folder operations.

What's Likely Happening:​

Even if you, as the owner, have full access, the "Deny" entry for the local account may override permissions for all other users. Windows enforces "Deny" permissions as a priority over "Allow." This could be why you're still encountering an "Access is denied" error when trying to delete the folder using the rmdir /s /q command.
Additionally, it seems that the issue occurred after the folder was created by the backup restore process. Sometimes, third-party tools that create folders impose restrictive permissions that even local admins cannot bypass without extra tweaks.

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Steps to Resolve:​

Try the following procedures to remove the folder:

1. Remove the Deny Entry:​

• Open the "Advanced Security Settings" for the "Recovery" folder.
• Locate the "Deny" entry in the Permissions section, likely tied to the local account.
• Select the Deny entry and click Remove.
• Apply and confirm the changes.

2. Force Deletion with Elevated Command Prompt:​

• Right-click on Command Prompt or Powershell, run as Administrator.
• Execute the following command to take ownership and reset permissions:
  
  Code:

  cmd
  takeown /f "C:\Users\guthrie\Desktop\Recovery" /r /d y
  icacls "C:\Users\guthrie\Desktop\Recovery" /grant guthrie:F /t /q

• Then, delete the folder:
  
  Code:

  cmd
  rmdir /s /q "C:\Users\guthrie\Desktop\Recovery"

3. Safe Mode Approach:​

If the above doesn't work, boot your computer into Safe Mode and try the same commands. This ensures no processes or locks are interfering with the folder.

4. Third-Party Unlocking Tools:​

Tools like Unlocker or IObit Unlocker can be useful for forcing deletion of stubborn folders. Download one of these tools, right-click on the folder, and select Delete.

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Let me know if these steps help you get rid of the ghost folder! Stubborn permissions can be tricky, but persistence and admin tools usually win in the end.