Access denied to drive from old computer

[Guest]

My old motherboard failed, and I want the data to import the data from the
harddrive to my new one.
I can see and import Documents and Settings for one user but not the other,
though neither account was password protected, even for sign-on.
The message is simply "E:\Documents and Settings\Nick is not accessible.
Access is denied."

I suppose it's because I was in the other User account when the crash
occurred. Is there a way to gain the denied access so I can import emails
and documents?

 

[Nepatsfan]

(e-mail address removed),

My old motherboard failed, and I want the data to import the
data from the harddrive to my new one.
I can see and import Documents and Settings for one user but
not the other, though neither account was password
protected, even for sign-on.
The message is simply "E:\Documents and Settings\Nick is not
accessible. Access is denied."

I suppose it's because I was in the other User account when
the crash occurred. Is there a way to gain the denied
access so I can import emails and documents?

You need to disable Simple File Sharing and take ownership of
the files. Take a look at these articles for more info:

How to disable simplified sharing and set permissions on a
shared folder in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307874/

How to take ownership of a file or folder in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;308421

"Access is Denied" Error Message When You Try to Open a Folder
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/810881

Note: If you are running Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, you
must start the computer in safe mode, and then log on with an
account that has Administrative rights to have access to the
Security tab. To start in Safe Mode, reboot your computer and
start tapping the F8 key as soon as you see anything displayed
on the screen. Keep hitting F8 until the Advanced Startup
Options menu appears. Use the up and down arrow keys on your
keyboard to select Safe Mode. Hit Enter.

Good luck

Nepatsfan

 

[Ronnie Vernon MVP]

Nick

You simply need to take ownership of those folders and files from the original installation.
You can also copy all of the previous users programs and settings to a new user profile.

The following articles will guide you.

If you are using Windows XP Home version, you will need to perform the taking ownership work in Safe Mode.

Here is the Microsoft reference for taking ownership.

HOW TO: Take Ownership of a File or Folder in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308421

A Description of the Safe Mode Boot Options in Windows XP:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315222

Here is the Microsoft Reference for transferring programs and settings to a new user profile.

How to Copy User Data to a New User Profile:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/811151

 

[Guest]

Worked perfectly. I'm a hero (it was my wife's computer). Many thanks.

 

[Guest]

Many thanks for this. Worked fine, and I'm back out of the doghouse (it was
my wife's computer that failed).