Problems following reinstallation of XP

[AndrewG]

Hello
I had to reinstall windows XP on the advice of my
computer manufacturer because of a corrupt file

I followed their written instructions which apparently
allowed me to reinstall windows without losing data.
However I have subsquently encountered the following
problems which I would be grateful for some help with
solving;

* The old Windows users I had created have disappeared
from the login menu. Of course I have been able to find
the folders for these users in 'documents and settings'.
The problem is that some of the files are locked (under
sharing and security) and you can't read them unless you
log in as that person.. but I don't know how to recreate
the link between those old user folders so they appear on
the login menu.

* Outlook Express no longer seems to be linked to my
yahoo account, which isn't a problem; I can sort that
out. I'm more concerned about getting back my old emails
which must surely be stored somewhere on the computer;
but I don't know where.

* Many of the applications now look like they need to be
reinstalled; despite the fact that they still appear in
the programs folder (they just wont run). Is there anyway
I can find a way to make them work again without having
to reinstall from scratch?

Thanks

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi Andrew,

It sounds like they had you create a new installation without formatting
rather than doing a repair installation. While this preserves the existing
files, it also creates new SID's (security ID's associated with each user
profile) and the old ones are no longer recognized. Te resolve your issues:

1) Use this procedure, as you will not be able to logon to the old user
profiles:

HOW TO: Take Ownership of a File or Folder in Windows XP [Q308421]
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=308421

2) Move the .dbx files to your loacl profile. Then open OE, click
tools/options/maintenance tab/store folder, browse to the files you just
moved and select them. Follow the prompts to import them.

3) Reinstall the programs.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers aka "Nutcase" MS-MVP - Win9x

Associate Expert - WinXP - Expert Zone