This relates to WinXP, fully updated.
I did a careless thing, and now have a problem. While adding a file to an email I clicked a folder and dragged it to the folder above, which is a folder named "3254bb0a28f15b3ac0xxx"! It appears there OK, but cannot be moved. All the files in it are inaccessible (except *.dwg Autocad files, oddly) and generate various errors in the programmes, such as "Locked", "Doesn't exist", "You don't have rights".
Explorer shows the files perfectly but the folder appears as "Read only" and trying to change this gives "Access denied" to all files.
Luckily I had a good backup and system restore got me back, so I can continue working, but just wondered how the problem might be resolved for future.

In folder options, turn of simple file sharing.
Then right click the folder, go to properties, go to security, click advanced, go to owener & add yourself as owner of the folder.
You should then be able to grant yourself full controll of the folder & files inside.

Thanks for this, but I think I need to have XP Pro and I have XP Home. Is that right?
I cannot see the items you mention, sorry.

I'm sure you can do it in XP home as well (although it's been years since I've used XP home)

Can't ever remember using it actually