Re: Getting into old Documents & Settings from a new OS

Dylan1070 wrote:
I'm trying to access the contents of a password protected WinXP
account while running *another* admin-level account - but don't see
any way to do it.

Background:

A couple weeks ago, I took an update from Microsoft Update for a
blue tooth device. When installation was complete, I clicked on
"Restart" and the OS failed to load. It chugged away (I saw the
opening Microsoft animation), but when it got to the driver-loading
stage the screen went black for a while and then went blue with an
error msg.

I tried to reboot in Safe Mode, and in Last Known Configuration
Settings That Worked, but no dice. Same outcome each time.

I popped in my XP Pro disc, but there's no option to repair my
current installation. So I installed XP again, without erasing the
original.

The issue:

I now have a perfectly good, new installation. But I want to access
the contents of my previous Documents & Settings folder. I *see*
the folder for my last installation, but, when I click on it, I get
an error message: "(Folder) is in accessible. Access is denied."

I'm assuming the reason this is locked is that the account was
password-protected.

Finally, the question:

How can I get to a screen that will let me type in my password for
my old account so I can regain access to my Documents and Settings?

You don't.

A google search for the error message you provided along with the operating
system in question would have given you the following answer:

How to Take Ownership of a File or Folder in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308421

Read *carefully* - do not just skim the page and start following steps.
There is important information there dependent on the version of Windows XP

--
Shenan Stanley
MS-MVP
--
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html


.

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