Windows XP Access issue

crisscross

Golden Member
Apr 29, 2001
1,598
0
71
I installed Windows XP on my D Drive, and i had an old installation of Windows on my C: Drive, now when i try to open or delete any files on my C: Drive, i get the message

Windows cannot access the specified device, path or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item.

 

BadThad

Lifer
Feb 22, 2000
12,100
49
91
Are you logged in as administrator? Did you opt to "protect" the files on the old OS install?
 

Mutilator

Diamond Member
Aug 22, 2000
3,513
10
81
You could try this... (assuming you're using XP Pro, not Home)

Open My Computer
Click Tools -> Folder Options -> View tab
Scroll down and uncheck Use Simple File Sharing - should be the last thing listed

Then also in My Computer
Right click on C: drive and go to Properties
Click on the Security tab
Click on the Advanced button at bottom of window
Click on Owner tab
Highlight your user name in the list of users to change owner to and check the Replace owner on subcontainers and objects box
Click Apply

Basically what that should do is allow you to take ownership of all the folders & files on your old HD so you can set permissions as needed so you can access your data again.