"access denied" to Word files

[Guest]

we recently decided to add a second hard drive. when installed, neither of
the drives could be recognized. we formatted the new, bigger drive and
designated it the master, then installed the old drive as the slave. I can
open some of the files on the old drive, but when trying to open my extensive
Word files, a window says that "access is denied". I am able to open some of
the other documents owned by other member of this household. (the files were
not backed up onto a disc as were other important items---it's a long story
why that happened) we think there was some sort of pasword set up on the old
drive when it was formatted 2 years ago as a new computer, and blame that for
our difficulty in getting the drives recognized. But nowhere can I find
either the password or a way to enter it---I appreciate the help that anywone
can offer.
gina

 

[Doug Robbins]

Have you tried using Windows Explorer to copy the files to the new hard
drive?

--
Please respond to the Newsgroup for the benefit of others who may be
interested. Questions sent directly to me will only be answered on a paid
consulting basis.

Hope this helps,
Doug Robbins - Word MVP

 

[Guest]

evidently the user "permissions" were password protected on my Word files--I
am told that this must have been done when the computer was set up after we
bought it, but neither my sister (who did the majority of the setup) nor I
remember doing any such thing. at any rate, the files cannot be opened--the
window always says "access denied". we have tried to figure out how to
unlock the file, but as yet are unable to do so. Is your idea still viable
if the file cannot be opened?