Problem Retreiving Information

Okay, bare with me here as I lay this out- it's somewhat complicated.

I had an install of Windows XP that was a bit creaky. I decided to do a clean reinstall of XP on a clean hard drive. Under install (1), the two hard drives were known as G: and F: Windows was installed on G:.

I installed XP (2) onto hard drive G:. Under this install, the two hard drives are now known as C: and D:. C: is what used to be F: and D: is what used to be G:.

Anyway, I'd not backed up all my files onto removeable media because I'd worked on the basis that with the new install, I'd just be able to open up my old folders and copy the files across.

However, my files were set only to allow my user to access them; meaning they can't be accessed from my new, clean copy of XP.

I rebooted the PC, and hit F8 to load up the OS boot menu. Slight problem- the previous install of Windows is now unselectable. This means I can't log into my account on the old install to remove the protection from the files I need.

I've tried telling the BIOS to check both hard drives for boot information, in an attempt to load up the old install, but it's not made any difference.

If anyone knows any of the following, I'd be much oblidged:

1) Whether altering Boot.txt in the new install of windows will enable me to load up the previous copy of windows

2) Whether changing the drive paths of both hard drives in the new install of windows to G: and F: respectively is needed before I can edit Boot.txt.

3) Failing the "log into the old copy of windows" option, does anyone know of a utility/tool that will allow me to remove the Windows Sharing & Security protection on the files/folders I wish to access?

Many thanks.

 

Maybe you can get at the files by taking ownership of them.

How to take ownership of a file or folder in Windows XP

I would think though that you should be able to access the other windows install if the boot.ini points to the correct location. Are you not able to access the boot.ini?

 

Ah ha, that seems to have worked. Many thanks!

 

You're welcome!