Recover MyDocuments Folder?

[Dave Veeneman]

I've had a system crash that has corrupted Windows XP, but hasn't scrambled
the hard drive. I'm trying to recover the files in my MyDocuments folder. I
attached the drive to another computer as a data drive, and I can see the
directory structure. However, when I try to open the MyDocuments folder for
my user name, I'm getting a 'Not accessible' error, whether I am logged on
to the other system under my own login (same username and password as the
corrupted system) or as the system administrator in Safe Mode.

Is there a way to get to the files in the MyDocuments folder? What do I need
to do to get to them? Thanks in advance.

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi Dave,

You need to take ownership of them. Right-click the folder, select
properties. Go to the security tab and click advanced. You can take control
of the folders on the owner tab. For the security tab to appear in a WinXP
Pro system, you must disable simple file sharing in the control panel/folder
options/view tab. For a WinXP Home system, you must restart in safe mode and
logon as administrator. More details here:

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

An additional note for WinXP Pro users: This procedure will not help you
recover data if the files are encrypted. All you will be able to do is
delete them. To recover encrypted files you will need the original
encryption certificate or a Recovery Agent from the installation under which
they were encrypted. Without one of these, the files are not recoverable.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers aka "Nutcase" MS-MVP - Win9x
Windows isn't rocket science! That's my other hobby!

Associate Expert - WinXP - Expert Zone

 

[Dave Veeneman]

Thanks much!