can't get into my old files

[Guest]

I have an old hard drive that has XP on it that I can't boot up anymore.
When I explore the drive all my old file folders are there but Windows won't
let me into them since I'm logged in using a different windows account. I
would like to be able to get to my old files so I can copy them and reformat
this drive. I do know my old username/password, but since windows won't boot
up on this drive I'm stuck...

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I have an old hard drive that has XP on it that I can't boot up anymore.
When I explore the drive all my old file folders are there but Windows won't
let me into them since I'm logged in using a different windows account. I
would like to be able to get to my old files so I can copy them and reformat
this drive. I do know my old username/password, but since windows won't boot
up on this drive I'm stuck...

The username that you use to login is simply a convenience for us
carbon-based life forms. It's meaningless to the OS. The operating
system uses the SID (security identifier) to identify users and control
their permissions. Each SID is unique, regardless of the username
attached to it. As far as the OS is concerned, you're most definitely
_not_ the same person who created those data files; ergo, you shouldn't
blindly be granted access to them. You'll need to re-create your
privileges to the files by taking "ownership" of them.

HOW TO Take Ownership of a File or Folder in WinXP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q308421


--

Bruce Chambers

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both at once. - RAH

 

[Guest]

I ended up just doing a "repair" install of XP on the drive and was able to
get it back up and running. Looks like I got lucky and the only thing the
reinstall screwed up was my anti-virus program which I can easily fix.
Thanks for the reply though, I have several user accounts on this computer so
it's good info to have..