Windows XP install problem - can't access old partition with password

  • Thread starter Thread starter WannaKatana
  • Start date Start date
W

WannaKatana

I posted this on a Windows XP forum but no answer. I hope I can get
some help here.

I built my first computer (woo hoo!) but when I moved my hard drive
from my old computer to my new one. Windows would not work (happens
with a different motherboard apparently). I put in the installation
disk and chose "Repair recovery console" or something like that. It
brought me to a command prompt. I had no idea what to do at that
point.

I finally gave up and reinstalled Windows XP pro on another partition.
Now I
can't open my old "documents and settings" folder on the old
installation
partition because of the password.

How can I either:
Get the original Windows installation to work or
Get into that folder to get my files?

I would prefer the latter as it's nice to start with a fresh install
actually.

What is this "repair recovery console" and why does it give no clue as
to what I'm supposed to do? I would think after how many years of
Windows this kind of thing could be easier.
 
What you apparently did not know is that if you move a harddrive with an
installation of XP on it to a different motherboard containing computer,
then you MUST reformat the harddrive and do a fresh install of the OS.
Otherwise you get into the problems you're having.The Repair Recovery
Console will NOT solve the prolem.
 
Did you forget your password ?

The windows password can be reset with some tool.

NSA Commander it was called or something.

That's for the windows login I think...

I don't password protect my partitions or folders..

So I have no idea what your problem is :) besides you forgetting your
password ? :)

Bye,
Skybuck.
 
WannaKatana said:
How can I either:
Get the original Windows installation to work or
Get into that folder to get my files?
Click to expand...

The easiest way is to put the HD back into your machine and copy the files
you want. Then...downlaod a free copy of Dban (boot and nuke). Install it on
a floppy. Then swap to your new machine and nuke the drive.It wipes out all
the partitions and XP won't get confused with a new install.
\
HTH
 
WannaKatana said:
I posted this on a Windows XP forum but no answer. I hope I can get
some help here.

I built my first computer (woo hoo!) but when I moved my hard drive
from my old computer to my new one. Windows would not work (happens
with a different motherboard apparently). I put in the installation
disk and chose "Repair recovery console" or something like that. It
brought me to a command prompt. I had no idea what to do at that
point.

I finally gave up and reinstalled Windows XP pro on another partition.
Now I
can't open my old "documents and settings" folder on the old
installation
partition because of the password.

How can I either:
Get the original Windows installation to work or
Get into that folder to get my files?

I would prefer the latter as it's nice to start with a fresh install
actually.

What is this "repair recovery console" and why does it give no clue as
to what I'm supposed to do? I would think after how many years of
Windows this kind of thing could be easier.
Click to expand...

There is a procedure here, for the actual repair install. You entered
the repair console, and you don't want that option.

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

Paul
 
WannaKatana said:
I posted this on a Windows XP forum but no answer. I hope I can get
some help here.

I built my first computer (woo hoo!) but when I moved my hard drive
from my old computer to my new one. Windows would not work (happens
with a different motherboard apparently). I put in the installation
disk and chose "Repair recovery console" or something like that. It
brought me to a command prompt. I had no idea what to do at that
point.

I finally gave up and reinstalled Windows XP pro on another
partition. Now I can't open my old "documents and settings" folder on
the old installation partition because of the password.

How can I either: Get the original Windows installation to work or
Get into that folder to get my files?

I would prefer the latter as it's nice to start with a fresh install
actually.

What is this "repair recovery console" and why does it give no clue
as to what I'm supposed to do? I would think after how many years of
Windows this kind of thing could be easier.
Click to expand...
Load a Linux live CD. Chances are you'll then be able to see those
files. At that point you can save them to a thumb drive or even burn to
a disc if you have dual opticals.
 
DaveW, quit lying!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What you apparently did not know is that if you move a harddrive with
an installation of XP on it to a different motherboard containing
computer, then you MUST reformat the harddrive and do a fresh install
of the OS. Otherwise you get into the problems you're having.The
Repair Recovery Console will NOT solve the prolem.
Click to expand...

--
Tumppi
=================================
A lot learned from these newsgroups
Helsinki, FINLAND
(translations from/to FI not always accurate
=================================
 
DaveW said:
What you apparently did not know is that if you move a harddrive with
an installation of XP on it to a different motherboard containing
computer, then you MUST reformat the harddrive and do a fresh install
of the OS. Otherwise you get into the problems you're having.The
Repair Recovery Console will NOT solve the prolem.
Click to expand...

Dave, you must love formatting and reinstalling.

Ed
 
Jim said:
Load a Linux live CD. Chances are you'll then be able to see those
files. At that point you can save them to a thumb drive or even burn to
a disc if you have dual opticals.
Click to expand...
While running new windows installation, open Start - Help & Support,
search 'take ownership' Second result will show how to take ownership of
files and folders.

Mike.
 
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