I made a huge mistake and need help

[Guest]

I was having issues with my compaq. Instead of using system restore, i tried
XP recovery. Big mistake. I didnt know it would reset my computer back to
factory settings. The only difference is that it kept my files and stuff (but
it says most of my things are uninstalled but they exist in the program files
folder) But my account was private from the other ones and if i try to
access my docs to retrieve my music files, i get access denied. I can access
my mom's stuff just fine but mine is all access denied. I would like to
retrieve my music and pictures, then restart the computer from fresh so the
preexisting hard drive space will be full again ( its at 60 gb and if i
reinstall everything again, i wont have many left). Can i un private my
account? its folder is there in the documents and settings but i cannot
access my personal things

 

[SingaporeWebDesign]

Hello,

Am not sure if setting a folder as private encrypts it, if not, you can try
taking ownership of the folder

How to take ownership of a file or folder in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308421

--
Singapore Website Design
http://www.bootstrike.com/Webdesign/
Singapore Web Hosting
http://www.bootstrike.com/WinXP/faq.html
Windows XP FAQ

 

[Pegasus \(MVP\)]

I was having issues with my compaq. Instead of using system restore, i tried
XP recovery. Big mistake. I didnt know it would reset my computer back to
factory settings. The only difference is that it kept my files and stuff (but
it says most of my things are uninstalled but they exist in the program files
folder) But my account was private from the other ones and if i try to
access my docs to retrieve my music files, i get access denied. I can access
my mom's stuff just fine but mine is all access denied. I would like to
retrieve my music and pictures, then restart the computer from fresh so the
preexisting hard drive space will be full again ( its at 60 gb and if i
reinstall everything again, i wont have many left). Can i un private my
account? its folder is there in the documents and settings but i cannot
access my personal things

After resolving this problem with the advice provided by Singapore
WebDesign, think about your backup philosophy. This time you were
lucky - next time you might lose the lot. A 2.5" disk in an external USB
case is a low cost but highly effective backup medium.