User Account Files (favorites, my docs, etc...)

[Guest]

Old computer died. Put HDD into new system; but, can't retrieve favorites or
my documents from the documents and settings folder. My user account on the
old computer was password protected. Any suggestions.

 

[Doug Knox MS-MVP]

See Help and Support and search for "take ownership"

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

 

[Guest]

Even though I'm logged into the new HDD as admin, I can't see the security
tab to take ownership.

 

[Doug Knox MS-MVP]

If you're running XP Pro, you need to disable Simple File Sharing (Windows Explorer, Tools, Folder Options, View. Uncheck Use simple file sharing). If you're running XP Home, as per the KB article, you must boot the computer into Safe Mode and log in to an Administrator level account. Some users report that you must the use the built in Administrator account.