Vista wants "administrator permission" for folders/files

I'm working on Vista trying to access an external enclosure plugged in via USB that contains XP from my desktop.

The laptop was previously owned by my roommate. I have the only listed account on the computer which in an admin account, however things still show up as "PC\hername".

When I try to move or access files between the computers, I get messages like: "Destination Folder Access Denied - You'll need to provide administrator permission to copy to this folder."

Or, when I double click on a folder in the external drive, I'm told: "You don't currently have permission to access this folder. Click 'Continue' to get access to this folder." When I do, User account control windows pops up to edit security. I'm then prompted to use the 'security tab'.

How do I get access to all files without repeating all these popups for each folder/file? I AM the administrator.

 

See this tutorial on taking ownership of an external drive.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2wkaMFsh04

 

You da man! It's running through the process now.

Is it gonna be a pain the the sphincter when I put it back in the desktop later? I mean, since Vista is owning the drive. :-D

 

I am not sure about that. I did not realize it was going back. Before you put it back in the desktop, create an account with the same user name as what you had on the XP computer and then take ownership again using that name. If that does not work, you should be able to add the user back on the xp desktop using the administrator account in safe mode if it is XP home or unchecking simple file sharing if it is XP pro so you would be able to see the Security tab.

 

Sorry about not being clear.

Once I pull my files of the XP drive, it's going back in the desktop where I'm going to attempt the XP repair.