Question : Problem: "My Documents" transfer using external enclosure.

I am using WinXP Pro.  My laptop no longer boots (power connector broken).  I need to transfer files from "My Documents".  I removed the EIDE hard drive, installed it into an external 2.5" USB enclosure, and connected it to another Windows XP computer.  I can browse the external drive freely and access almost all files, except User\Documents and Settings\My Documents.  I receive an error something like "folder not accessible".

Is there some security feature on WinXP Pro that prevents me from accessing user files?  Is it due to my password login normally used during boot?  What is the most effective means of transferring data from drive?

Thanks in advance.

Answer : Problem: "My Documents" transfer using external enclosure.

You need to take ownership of the folder.


Open explorer and click Tools > Folder Options
Click on View, untick 'Use simple fire sharing (Recommended)' and click OK

Once done try right-clicking on the folder, click on properties and select the Security tab.  If the tab doesn't appear try closing and re-opening explorer.  Click on Advanced, select the Owner tab, select your account name from the list, tick 'Replace owner on subcontainers and objects' and click OK.

Once this is done you should be able to access the files.