Can't access certain files, folders may be corrupt...

[JerkyMyTurky]

I'm about to reinstall my system, but I'm trying to salvage some data I have on my hard drive. I have specific folders, when I open them, they show no files in them as if the folder were empty. When I try to delete these folders, I get an error saying "Error Deleting File or Folder: Cannot delete 'Insert Name of Folder Here': The directory is not empty.

Are these files completely lost and corrupt or is there a way I can get the files working again. I just need to know before I completely reformat the hard drive.

Edit:
When I right click and check the properties on the folders, it states the size is 0 bytes and there are 0 files and folders within the folder.

 

[rbV5]

Log on as an administrator and take over ownership of the folders and contents if necissary.

How to take ownership of a file or folder in Windows XP

 

[JerkyMyTurky]

I should add I am using a Windows 2000 operating system.

 

[rbV5]

I changed XP to 2000 in the search engine on the page I linked and it came up with This..maybe that will help you out?

 

[JerkyMyTurky]

Taking Ownership of Profiles in Windows 2000
1. In the Profile folder, right-click the appropriate user's profile folder, and then click Properties.

I'm stuck at step 1. Where is the profile folder?

 

[rbV5]

Originally posted by: JerkyMyTurky
Taking Ownership of Profiles in Windows 2000
1. In the Profile folder, right-click the appropriate user's profile folder, and then click Properties.

I'm stuck at step 1. Where is the profile folder?

If your Root drive is the default C:, the profile folders are located at C:\Documents and Settings\"Profile Folders here"