User account password on hard drive - removing access restriction

[Lisa Berger]

I am trying to rescue some music files on an old hard drive from a
friends computer that doesn't exist anymore. I've placed the hard
drive in an enclosure and am able to see all the files.

Unfortunately, I cannot access his documents because he must have had
a user account with a password that is "protecting" his documents
(under documents and settings). Error message is "access denied". Any
suggestions on removing the access restrictions and being able to read
the files.

Note, I can access all the other files on the hard drive, because they
aren't protected by the user account password.

TIA

Lisa Berger
NYC

 

[Nepatsfan]

I am trying to rescue some music files on an old hard drive from a
friends computer that doesn't exist anymore. I've placed the hard
drive in an enclosure and am able to see all the files.

Unfortunately, I cannot access his documents because he must have had
a user account with a password that is "protecting" his documents
(under documents and settings). Error message is "access denied". Any
suggestions on removing the access restrictions and being able to read
the files.

Note, I can access all the other files on the hard drive, because they
aren't protected by the user account password.

TIA

Lisa Berger
NYC

You need to disable Simple File Sharing and take ownership of the files. Take a
look at these articles for more info:

"Access is Denied" Error Message When You Try to Open a Folder
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/810881

How to take ownership of a file or folder in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;308421

Note: 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. To start in Safe Mode, reboot your computer and
start tapping the F8 key as soon as you see anything displayed
on the screen. Keep hitting F8 until the Advanced Startup
Options menu appears. Use the up and down arrow keys on your
keyboard to select Safe Mode. Hit Enter.

Good luck

Nepatsfan

 

[Lisa Berger]

Thank you so much! Worked, and I can now access.

One question. Now that process is complete, do re-enable simple file
share?

Thanks again.

Lisa

 

[Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]]

Thank you so much! Worked, and I can now access.

One question. Now that process is complete, do re-enable simple file
share?

I wouldn't, unless you need it for your home network settings.

 

[Nepatsfan]

You're welcome.

As for turning simple file sharing back on, that's up to you. I would.

Nepatsfan