Reversing Folder Security??

I sure would appreciate some help with a big problem.....
Recently, to address a teenage snooping problem, I turned on security to a 'my documents' folder as follows:
-Opened Windows Explorer
-Drilled down thru 'Documents and Settings', 'JW', to 'My Documents'.
-Right Clicked on 'My Documents' and selected 'Sharing and Security'.
-Under the 'Sharing' tab, I selected 'Make this folder private'

All was well until I had to reformat and reinstall XP. After installation of XP, I attempted to access my documents from the backup external hard drive. Received a 'You do not have permission' error message.

How to I gain access to my files? It sure would be *useful* to know!

Thanks so much.

Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition SP-1 with appropriate updates from Windows Update

 

Pete C,

Your instructions did the trick! Thanks so much. Not only did I get my data back, I learned something!

John E
(clovisman)