Re-install and old user accounts

[Guest]

I recently had to re-install Windows XP over an already installed Windows XP
OS. I was trying to repair the pre-existing OS so I would not lose any data.
I had to do this because my computer would not boot at all. It went to a
black screen that said my Config/system file was missing or corrupted. It
said to use my Windows XP CD and type "R" for repair "at the first screen".
Well that didn't work, so I contacted my computer manufacturer (NEVER BUY A
SYTEMAX COMPUTER) and they told me to just re-install Windows. I did this and
everything works fine. By the way, there are two people using this
computer.The only problem is I now have two new user accounts on a brand new
operating system; and I have to start all over customizing and downloading
"previously intalled" programs on an 80GB hard drive that has about 5GB of
space left. All the old data is still there in the old user accounts but the
only way I can get to them is to go into My Computer\Local Dick C:\Documents
and Settings\etc.... I would really like to be able to log onto these old
accounts where everything is already set up and customized and get rid of the
new accounts. Is there anything that can be done? Please help!!

 

[Kelly]

There were other measures to be taken within that arena. As for where you
are now, do you get an error message when you try to open any of the files?
As in Access Denied? If so:

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

--
All the Best,
Kelly (MS-MVP)

Troubleshooting Windows XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com

 

[Ross Durie]

I'm sure they would have hand repaired your damaged install for a few $100.
The problem is you wanted it fixed for free. You got what you paid for.

 

[Guest]

The first time I tried to access my old user files I could. Now I can access
all the old user files, even the administrator files, except my own. Now I
get an "access denied" message.

 

[Guest]

Yes, I read and tried it. There was no "Security" tab. And besides, that
doesn't solve the problem of trying to get the old desktop profiles to load
instead of the new ones in the first place.

 

[Kelly]

No, it doesn't, however, what it does do is cover the access denied issue,
in most cases. Good luck!

--
All the Best,
Kelly (MS-MVP)

Troubleshooting Windows XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com

 

[Guest]

Kelly,
Thanks for trying to help, but there was no "Security" tab to click to
follow the rest of the instructions.

 

[Torgeir Bakken \(MVP\)]

Kelly,
Thanks for trying to help, but there was no "Security"
tab to click to follow the rest of the instructions.

Hi

Note this one from the KB article 308421:

<quote>
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.
</quote>

To get to the Safe Mode logon option, tap F8 repeatedly early in
the computer/Windows startup process.