Problems with XP after HD install

[Bikewer]

I'll try to be concise....

After installing my new hard drive, everything seemed to be sweetness and light. Used the computer all day without problems, and shut it down for the night. Next day, it wouldn't start. Some file or other was corrupt or missing.

So, I dug out the Gateway-supplied Operating System disc, and tried to use the repair utility. Unfortunately, it wanted me to log in as administrator. Now, I have no memory of ever setting up an administrator account on this rig, and I tried the normal password I use for most everything, but no go. Locked out of my own computer.

I could have just swapped drives around again, I suppose, as the original "C" drive was still functional. However, I decided to re-install Windows. I had it in mind that it would just overwrite the installation on the C drive and I'd be cool.

Not so. The disc decided to install the new copy on my secondary (E) drive.

So, now I have two Windows XP installations, one functional and one not. This left things a little wonky; the new install wouldn't recognize any of my installed programs, for instance. However, everything seems to be working OK. Most of the programs just need going back into the folder and starting up from the .exe. New shortcuts and all. I ran my PC Pitstop system utility and squared away some registry entries. The auto update has taken the new install up to SP2.

Only one problem:

I have a number of Word documents and other files in My Documents on the "C" drive. I cannot open or move these. I get an error message saying I don't have access. I'm assuming that this is due to the "administrator" mode being in effect on that installation.

So...Any ideas on how I can recover these files? Can I safely delete the old Windows XP install? Will that cause the registry to go bonkers?

I really don't want to reformat these drives and start over.

[IcemanND]

If you have XP Pro:

f you haven't already done it turn off "Use Simple file sharing"

To do this open my computer, select tools menu, folder options.

All the way at the bottom of the list on the Views tab under advanced settings is a check box to "Use simple file sharing (Recommended)" remove the check mark and click OK to close the Folder Options window.

Now right click on the drive/folder with the problem. (If you select the drive you can reset permissions for all files/folders contain on it and start over.)

Select Properties and then select the Security Tab.

Click the Advanced button.

Select the Owner tab.

Select your preferred user name or group, and place a check in the box for "Replace owner on sub-containers and objects"

Click OK

and wait it takes about 5-10 minutes depending upon the size of your drive and how much stuff you have on it.

If it comes up with a security warning click yes to replace permissions.