Recovering Files

[Guest]

I had recently reinstalled XP Home, and now I can't access any of my files
that were previously installed. I believe that they are still somewhere on
the hard drive because the properties of the hard drive is still showing a
fairly full disk. Is there any way to recover these files now that I've
already re-installed the OS. PLEASE HELP.

Andrew

 

[Torgeir Bakken \(MVP\)]

I had recently reinstalled XP Home, and now I can't access any of my files
that were previously installed. I believe that they are still somewhere on
the hard drive because the properties of the hard drive is still showing a
fairly full disk. Is there any way to recover these files now that I've
already re-installed the OS. PLEASE HELP.

Hi

You will need to locate the top level folder structure (it should be
visible to you) and then you can take ownership to be able to access
the files again:

HOW TO: Take Ownership of a File or Folder in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;308421

 

[Guest]

I'm sorry, but I'm not familiar with "Top Level Folder Structure". I had
followed the instructions given by the links, and tried it on a couple of
folders, however I'm still not able to access some of my files. Could you
clarify what the "top level folder structure" might look like.

 

[Torgeir Bakken \(MVP\)]

I'm sorry, but I'm not familiar with "Top Level Folder Structure". I had
followed the instructions given by the links, and tried it on a couple of
folders, however I'm still not able to access some of my files. Could you
clarify what the "top level folder structure" might look like.

Hi

E.g.
C:\Documents and Settings\<some user>

 

[Guest]

Thank you so much for your help. I have been able to recover the files,
however, I cannot access them unless I am in Safe Mode. The folder that they
are in is the Owner folder, and I am not able to gain access to this folder
when I am in regular mode. I am the administrator of this system, as it is a
home system. When the OS was installed, I had my account set up as the
Administrator. Is there any way to gain access to this folder.

Andrew

 

[Torgeir Bakken \(MVP\)]

Thank you so much for your help. I have been able to recover the files,
however, I cannot access them unless I am in Safe Mode. The folder that they
are in is the Owner folder, and I am not able to gain access to this folder
when I am in regular mode. I am the administrator of this system, as it is a
home system. When the OS was installed, I had my account set up as the
Administrator. Is there any way to gain access to this folder.

Hi

When in Safe mode, take ownership and see if that helps:

"Access is Denied" Error Message When You Try to Open a Folder
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;810881

HOW TO: Take Ownership of a File or Folder in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;308421