Unlocking Locked Folders

I have been perplexed for weeks trying to unlock folders with the red minus sign. I wasn't allowed to open them, even though I created them.

I finally got them to unlock, and there's what I did:
1. I chose the locked folder and clicked command-I (aka Get Info)

2. In the bottom right corner of the Info window, I clicked the locked icon. This opened a window asking for the admin password, which I typed in.

3. The red "minus" was still there. In the bottom left corner, I clicked on the "+" sign, which opened another window glued to the top of the Info window. Three names were on the list: "Administrators", "My Name", and My (middle initial) Name". I clicked the name that wasn't dimmed.

4. I clicked "Select" and the glued window closed. The red minim was gone!

I hope this helps someone.

Louise