Hope this link assists you Andy.
http://support.microsoft.com/default...EN-US;Q308421&
HOW TO: Take Ownership of a File or Folder in Windows XP
NOTE: You must be logged on to the computer using an account that has
administrative privileges. If you are running Windows XP Home Edition, in
order to have access to the Security tab, you must first start in Safe Mode
and log on with an account that has Administrative rights.
"Andy" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:031701c349b2$3c634190$(E-Mail Removed)...
> After mistaken reinstalation Windows XP my previous
> Documents and Settings left on Hard Drive, but I am not
> able to delete it. Problem that I reistaled Windows XP as a
> new administrator and I still have previous administrator
> Documents and setting on Hard Drive wich use about 25% of
> space.
> Who knows how to acces that files or at least delete them
> without may be formating the Hard Drive.