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

245C7411-4DFB-4008-A17F-680CE0935E59@xxxxxxxxxxxxx,
Sharla <Sharla@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
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

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


.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Missing User Accounts/Windows Login
    ... I never had a password or additional user account so when I ... signed on yesterday it was a surprise to get a Windows welcome screen with no ... when I get to the user account login page no user ... I tried logging on is safe mode and safe mode with commands and get ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support)
  • RE: Cant Maximize Window
    ... Did you try to create a new user account on the computer? ... Now please try to boot into safe mode and check if the problem occur there: ... When System Information opens, let's click on File and select Save. ... file that will be placed on the Windows desktop. ...
    (microsoft.public.office.misc)
  • Re: Administrator Name and Password
    ... Although you did not set up a user account, you are in fact using one every ... boot the computer into Safe Mode. ... you will see the normally hidden Administrator account. ... Ctrl-Alt-Del twice to get the classic Windows logon box. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: Reinstalled Windows - old my docs file still there, but cant
    ... Sharla wrote: ... however the windows files had become corrupted ... account in the Documents and Settings folder, ... the old user account is listed ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.security_admin)
  • Re: Lost/Unsaved Password for Administrator Account
    ... As windows is loading up press F8 repeatedly until the ... Select safe mode (the version of windows you want to ... Select Administrator and it will log you on as ... In the User Account, ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.security_admin)