Reinstalled Windows - old my docs file still there, but can't acc

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Guest

I reinstalled Windows XP for home on my computer last night. I knew that by
doing that I would lose all my documents, however the windows files had
become corrupted and wouldn't start up.

Now that it is reinstalled, I can still see my old user account in the
Documents and Settings folder, however it will not let me access it, even
though I am logged in as the administrator. Also, even from the c: prompt it
says access denied. But I can tell the files are still there because they
are taking up a huge amount of space on my hard drive.

I'd like to get these files and back them up then start over with setting up
this computer. When the newly installed windows starts up now, the old user
account is not listed as a choice to log into. But when I "explore" the
files and directories, the old user account is listed in the documents and
settings folder, but it just won't let me click on it. Ideas on how I can
get them without being logged into my old user account?

Thanks!
Sharla
 
(e-mail address removed),
Sharla said:
I reinstalled Windows XP for home on my computer last night.
I knew that by doing that I would lose all my documents,
however the windows files had become corrupted and wouldn't
start up.

Now that it is reinstalled, I can still see my old user
account in the Documents and Settings folder, however it
will not let me access it, even though I am logged in as the
administrator. Also, even from the c: prompt it says access
denied. But I can tell the files are still there because
they are taking up a huge amount of space on my hard drive.

I'd like to get these files and back them up then start over
with setting up this computer. When the newly installed
windows starts up now, the old user account is not listed as
a choice to log into. But when I "explore" the files and
directories, the old user account is listed in the documents
and settings folder, but it just won't let me click on it.
Ideas on how I can get them without being logged into my old
user account?

Thanks!
Sharla
Click to expand...

You need to take ownership of the files. Take a look at these
articles for more info:

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

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

Note: Since you're 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
 
You're welcome. Glad to hear you were able to recover your
files.

Nepatsfan

(e-mail address removed),
 
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