Accessing data on win XP hard drive "My Documents" Folder

[inflames988]

I have just reinstalled windows XP Media Center 2005 on my desktop PC due to issues with the old install. I did so on a new drive, the same size as the old one, but now i want to get everything off the old one and wipe it for some extra storage and backup use. The problem here, is that It will not let me access data off the old drive in the "my documents" folder, gives me an "access denied" message. This is obviously because of windows' account settings - one user cannot access another's documents, etc. How can i bypass this security, or is there no way to?

[PCBrandon]

You have to take ownership of the files first.

If you have simple file sharing on, you'll need to turn it off. Do this by opening an explorer window, to go Tools > Folder Options > Click the View tab and uncheck the very last box that says Use simple File Sharing

Now, in explorer, browse to the My Documents location where you want to copy the files from. Right click on My Documents > Properties. Select the Security tab and click the Advanced button. Select the Owner tab, and select your current username from the list. check the "Replace Owner on subcontainers and objects" box and click Apply

[sgtspector]

You must login as administrator and then take possession of the folder. Here is a link to the process: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308421

[inflames988]

perfect-thanks for the help everyone, i took posession of it and can access everything i needed. thanks again!