Accessing Private Data after Windows Crash

[John]

I had an issue with the WinXP registery and I can't start
that Windows XP. I reinstalled WindowsXP on another
location on the same box but now I can't see the My
Documents and Documets and Settings of previous
installation since I made it private. I know the user id
and password but just don't get any way to use it to get
to private data from previous install.

Is there a way I can recover that data? I am the owner
with the user id and password. I tried recovery tool but
it doesn't allow me to get to that directory since it is
not a system diretory.

John

 

[Torgeir Bakken (MVP)]

I had an issue with the WinXP registery and I can't start
that Windows XP. I reinstalled WindowsXP on another
location on the same box but now I can't see the My
Documents and Documets and Settings of previous
installation since I made it private. I know the user id
and password but just don't get any way to use it to get
to private data from previous install.

Hi

You need to take ownership ...

HOW TO: Take Ownership of a File or Folder in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;308421

 

[John]

It was easy. Cool.

But that makes me wonder how private is this data if I
had lost my hard drive? Anyone can take ownership as long
as you become an administrator.

John

 

[Torgeir Bakken (MVP)]

It was easy. Cool.

But that makes me wonder how private is this data if I
had lost my hard drive? Anyone can take ownership as long
as you become an administrator.

Yes.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

John;
Yes, anyone can take Ownership.
That is why physical security is important.
If you lose physical control, you have lost the computer.
EFS (Encrypted File System) may be an option if security is very
important and you have Windows XP Pro.
Be cautious with EFS, misuse can cause permanent loss of data.

See this link for more information:
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/Encrypt.htm

Also see:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/tr.../technet/columns/security/essays/10imlaws.asp

 

[John]

Well. I am happy it is not as secure as it should be
otherwise I would have lost a lot of important data today.

Thanks for everyone quick response.

John

 

[Torgeir Bakken (MVP)]

Well. I am happy it is not as secure as it should be
otherwise I would have lost a lot of important data today.

Hi

I would have considered making a proper backup of the data at regular
intervals. Next time you could have a hard disk crash, and taking ownership
will not get you far then ;-)

 

[John]

Lessen Learnt. Backup often is a must.

Making it private prevents it from harmless people
viewing it. People who can cause harm can still get to it.

John

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

John;
There is not a problem or weakness with that part of the security.
That is all by design.
If you need security so that data is secure if someone else gets
physical control of the computer, use EFS as suggested earlier.