You have to 'take ownership' of the files. You should be able to take ownership of whole folders. I think something like this:
Right click folder>Properties>Security tab>Advanced button>Owner Tab>Edit button>Select your username>Check the box for 'repalce on all subcontainers and files>hit OK>OK>OK....until your back to the Security Window. Click Edit>Add>type in you username>Ok>Give 'FULL CONTROL'.
That's should give you full access to those files.