can't find files

Hi all,
To make a long story very short, I am trying to retrieve files from a laptop that crashed. I know the files are there but I cant pull them up or see them anymore. I reinstalled windows but instead of returning it to the factory settings, I thought I could try and save what I could, I installed it next to the operating system that wouldn't run. (windows2) The hard drive is now full so I know the files are still there but I can't find them any more. I know I'm really an idiot for doing this but I don't know what else to do. Please help!

Please

Don

 

Hi. If it is Windows Vista, check c:\Users
If it is Windows XP, check c:\documents and settings\
see if there is a folder with your username.

 

Thanks for the quick response. There is a folder with my name but it appears as empty. Also, It tells me I can't access it. (not allowed)?

Don

 

You will be able to access it if you do this guide:
http://www.vista4beginners.com/Change-permissions-take-ownership

 

no luck. I have xp and it wouldnt let me do anything. I'm the admin. too!

 

oh i forgot this is xp! lol access problems are usually in vista. what does the message say exactacly?

 

it says: c:\documents and settings\don is not accessible. Access denied!

 

let me try it in safe mode. be right back

 

Hi
This is what you are looking for.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;810881

Cheers!
Zack

 

thanks zack, i'll give that a try.

Don

 

No Problem.
Please post back and tell me how it went.

 

I will.

 

OH MY GOD!! It worked! You just saved my life, Zack. Thank you very much. I really appreciate this. I owe you one, buddy.

Take care

Don

 

Thank you!
Glad I could help
(if I helped you, please hit Thanks for my posts, we'll call it even )

 

you got it.

take care

 

you too.
Please stay active as a member!

 

No problem, I will.