locked picture files, can't unlock

Recently I've been having this problem with photos I transfer over from my digicam and cell cam to my computer. I noticed thumbnails won't load and the image refuses to load up.. so I go into explorer and go into properties, and uncheck "encrypt contents to secure data", I get "access denied"

when I try opening it in photoshop it says "cannot open abc file because the file is locked. Use the 'properties' command in the Windows Explorer to unlock the file.

so I try again and to no avail. when i go into advance and check the details.. i can see a username who can transparenty access the file, but i cannot remove it or add to it as well.

before I simply just re load the file from my camera..but i noticed some old files I had that were working fine before.. become locked. how do I unlock this? its driving me crazy.. even editting it in safemode isnt working

 

Maybe you can try Unlocker which is small and free. Very helpful to me

 

Unfortunately I'm having troubles using this program as well.

after installing it and trying to run it..I always get an "error debug" message.
I go to the FAQ on their site which told me something about changing my local security policies and forwarded me to Microsoft's site, but from there the site isn't too specific on what to do next. it just states to add a user or group to local security policies..but what does it have to do with the unlocker program..

 

Are you using Vista? If so, my guess is that you're having a problem with permissions. Unlocker didn't help me while using Vista, though when using it with XP it worked very well. Try changing permissions.

 

sadly I am using XP. Everytime I google this problem, I find results for Vista or people using files off a CD.. and I am using neither. Its some files on my HD

although how do I change permissions anyways?

-edit-

ok i figured how to get to permissions.. the unfortunate thing is that the "allow" boxes are not selectable, only the deny