Windows won't let me access my files.

[Tash]

I reinstalled win xp over a previous installation that got messed up. I have files in the 'My documents" folder of a user from the previous install, that I can't log into any more. When I try to copy files from it, it says that I don't have access authority. If I boot in Safe Mode, I can't get access either. I tried right-clicking the file, then "properties" in safe mode to try to get access, but I can't figure out what to do.

Is there an easy way to do this?

 

[MisterESauce]

Are the files encrypted/password protected? If not you should be able to log in as the Administrator profile (not just "an" administrator, but "the" administrator) and access them. You can then change the ownership to whomever you please.

BTW, how did you do the install? Using the repair option or installing another copy of XP on the same disk partition?

 

[Tash]

I cannot access the files even if I am logged in as "Administrator".

I reinstalled booting from the XP CD. I installed into the same directory as the old install, and it deleted all the Windows files at the beginning of the install. I'm not sure why it did not do a 'repair', but gave me just the 'Administrator' login.

 

[Woody419]

Make a new folder [C:\new folder]
Download and burn a Knoppix disk
Boot from the Knoppix disk and copy the data to the new folder you made.

 

[Tash]

can Knoppix read NTFS?

 

[JustAnAverageGuy]

You need to Take ownership of that file or folder

Enjoy!

- JaAG

 

[Woody419]

Originally posted by: Tash
can Knoppix read NTFS?

Sure can! XP isn't secure at all it you have a Knoppix cd.
Fun with Knoppix

 

[Tash]

knoppix worked for me, but only because the files fit on a floppy. It wouldn't let me copy to a hard disk, or even to a USB 'thumb' drive, even though it detected it. In a FAQ for KNOPPIX, it said I could write to an NTFS hard drive if I ran a utility called "Captive NTFS", but I couldn't find it in the menus. Anyone have any advise on how to write to a hard disk with KNOPPIX?

Thanks.

BTW, I followed the Microsoft directions for taking ownership and it didn't work. I logged in as "Administrator", but when I right-clicked and went to "Properties", there was only a "General" tab. No "Security" tab or anything else.

 

[Woody419]

:thumbsup:

 

[JustAnAverageGuy]

Originally posted by: Tash
BTW, I followed the Microsoft directions for taking ownership and it didn't work. I logged in as "Administrator", but when I right-clicked and went to "Properties", there was only a "General" tab. No "Security" tab or anything else.

If you have XP Home Edition, you have to reboot into safe mode first