Can't access my previous user files on Windows

[Reikon]

My drive with Windows had its registry corrupted, so I decided to install Windows on a spare HD to recover my data.

After installing Windows on that new drive, I plug my old drive back in, but I can't access Documents and Settings\(My previous user folder) on the new installation.

Is there any way to recover the files in there?

 

[LeetestUnleet]

You *MIGHT* be able to do it like the following, but if those folders are encrypted, it may not work and you might even experience data loss.

Login as the local Administrator account (Not just any Administrator account, but *THE* Administrator account)
Turn off "Simple File Sharing" located in Tools->Folder Options->View
Right click the folders in question and choose Properties
Choose the Security tab and click 'Advanced'
Choose the Owner tab and choose your account. Also check the checkbox that says 'Replace Owner on subcontainers and objects'
Click Apply/Ok/Yes to all your dialogs and check to see if you have access.

Also, if you can boot into your previous install at all, just remove encryption/ownership from those folders...

 

[Reikon]

Thanks, it worked, good thing it wasn't encrypted.

 

[LeetestUnleet]

Glad to help Sometimes, even if a folder is encrypted, it will still work. It all depends on the type of encryption, I suppose. It worked for me, but it hasn't worked for others.