OS Boot HD File Recovery

[P4wl 1200]

Ok, this is my problem. My old Windows XP computer died on me because
the power supply and motherboard failed. So I went out and bought a
new computer loaded with Microsoft Vista.

I took the old HD out of my broken computer, hooked it up to the new
computer, and the HD works fine. I can browse through all of the
folders except for the "My Documents" folder that my password
protected identity belongs to. This is a problem as I have a ton of
iTunes files, photos, college work, and other files that I need to get
off of it before I wipe the drive. When I try opening this folder in
Vista it says I don't have permission. When I hooked the old HD to my
laptop running XP it also doesn't let me get in.

I realize that the "My Documents" folder is protected as a security
measure. Now, I know the password to my old account on the old HD but
I'm not finding a way to put it in and authorize myself to get in
there. Is there any way that I can get my files off of this old OS
drive?

Paul

 

[Nepatsfan]

Ok, this is my problem. My old Windows XP computer died on me
because
the power supply and motherboard failed. So I went out and
bought a
new computer loaded with Microsoft Vista.

I took the old HD out of my broken computer, hooked it up to
the new
computer, and the HD works fine. I can browse through all of
the
folders except for the "My Documents" folder that my password
protected identity belongs to. This is a problem as I have a
ton of
iTunes files, photos, college work, and other files that I
need to get
off of it before I wipe the drive. When I try opening this
folder in
Vista it says I don't have permission. When I hooked the old
HD to my
laptop running XP it also doesn't let me get in.

I realize that the "My Documents" folder is protected as a
security
measure. Now, I know the password to my old account on the
old HD but
I'm not finding a way to put it in and authorize myself to
get in
there. Is there any way that I can get my files off of this
old OS
drive?

Paul

You need to take ownership of your old files and give yourself
Full Control permissions.

If the hard drive is hooked up to your Vista system, follow the
procedure outlined in this article.

Troubleshoot "access denied" when opening files or folders
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Wi...4562-aee7-4fed-8316-89114dc973031033.mspx#E3H

If the hard drive is hooked up to your laptop, 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

 

[Rock]

Ok, this is my problem. My old Windows XP computer died on me because
the power supply and motherboard failed. So I went out and bought a
new computer loaded with Microsoft Vista.

I took the old HD out of my broken computer, hooked it up to the new
computer, and the HD works fine. I can browse through all of the
folders except for the "My Documents" folder that my password
protected identity belongs to. This is a problem as I have a ton of
iTunes files, photos, college work, and other files that I need to get
off of it before I wipe the drive. When I try opening this folder in
Vista it says I don't have permission. When I hooked the old HD to my
laptop running XP it also doesn't let me get in.

I realize that the "My Documents" folder is protected as a security
measure. Now, I know the password to my old account on the old HD but
I'm not finding a way to put it in and authorize myself to get in
there. Is there any way that I can get my files off of this old OS
drive?

It's the same issue in Vista as in XP. You need to take ownership of the
files/folders and set appropriate read permissions. From Vista's Start Orb
| Help and Support search on access denied and permissions for detailed info
on how to do this.

FYI there are Vista specific newsgroups where this issue is best asked.
microsoft.public.windows.vista.general would be the best for this question.

Here is a list of Vista specific newsgroups:

microsoft.public.windows.vista.administration_accounts_password
microsoft.public.windows.vista.file_management
microsoft.public.windows.vista.games
microsoft.public.windows.vista.general
microsoft.public.windows.vista.hardware_devices
microsoft.public.windows.vista.installation_setup
microsoft.public.windows.vista.mail
microsoft.public.windows.vista.music_pictures_video
microsoft.public.windows.vista.networking_sharing
microsoft.public.windows.vista.performance_maintenance
microsoft.public.windows.vista.print_fax_scan
microsoft.public.windows.vista.security

 

[P4wl 1200]

It's the same issue in Vista as in XP. You need to take ownership of the
files/folders and set appropriate read permissions. From Vista's Start Orb
| Help and Support search on access denied and permissions for detailed info
on how to do this.

FYI there are Vista specific newsgroups where this issue is best asked.
microsoft.public.windows.vista.general would be the best for this question.

Here is a list of Vista specific newsgroups:

microsoft.public.windows.vista.administration_accounts_password
microsoft.public.windows.vista.file_management
microsoft.public.windows.vista.games
microsoft.public.windows.vista.general
microsoft.public.windows.vista.hardware_devices
microsoft.public.windows.vista.installation_setup
microsoft.public.windows.vista.mail
microsoft.public.windows.vista.music_pictures_video
microsoft.public.windows.vista.networking_sharing
microsoft.public.windows.vista.performance_maintenance
microsoft.public.windows.vista.print_fax_scan
microsoft.public.windows.vista.security

Thanks everyone!

Paul

 

[Rock]

You're welcome, Paul.