cannot access private files after reinstall

[John]

I reinstalled WinXP Pro to the same directory
(C:\WINDOWS) after having problems with it. After
reinstallation, Windows created a user account
"Administrator", but my old account was nowhere to be
seen. I tried to access my files in C:\Docs and
Settings\<user>\ but got a message saying access denied.
Does anyone know a way to retrive those files?

I have tried adding a new user with that name, but it
simply created another folder named c:\docs and
settings\<user>.WINDOWS\

I sincerely appreciate any help.

[Gordon Burgess-Parker]

John wrote:
> I reinstalled WinXP Pro to the same directory
> (C:\WINDOWS) after having problems with it. After
> reinstallation, Windows created a user account
> "Administrator", but my old account was nowhere to be
> seen. I tried to access my files in C:\Docs and
> Settings\<user>\ but got a message saying access denied.
> Does anyone know a way to retrive those files?
>
> I have tried adding a new user with that name, but it
> simply created another folder named c:\docs and
> settings\<user>.WINDOWS\
>
> I sincerely appreciate any help.

Set your new User Account to have Admin rights and then take ownership of
the old files.
See Help and Support on Taking Ownership of a file or folder.

[Kelly]

Hi John,

HOW TO: Take Ownership of a File or Folder in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q308421

--
All the Best,
Kelly

MS-MVP Win98/XP
[AE-Windows® XP]

Troubleshooting Windows XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com

Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/top10faqs.htm


> > I reinstalled WinXP Pro to the same directory
> > (C:\WINDOWS) after having problems with it. After
> > reinstallation, Windows created a user account
> > "Administrator", but my old account was nowhere to be
> > seen. I tried to access my files in C:\Docs and
> > Settings\<user>\ but got a message saying access denied.
> > Does anyone know a way to retrive those files?
> >
> > I have tried adding a new user with that name, but it
> > simply created another folder named c:\docs and
> > settings\<user>.WINDOWS\
> >
> > I sincerely appreciate any help.
>