So I reinstalled windows, but hard-drive wasn't erased...

I filmed a youtube video, because its hard to explain it in just words...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fN87lAB4lfY




but baiscally I reinstalled windows due to some problems i was having, Everything was normal, it was like I had a brand new computer again, everything is "fresh and new ",

except for the fact that my hard-drive, it still has the same amount of space left on, as it did before I even restored(which could be a good thing, because I still have my files...i guess???)


however, since it is like "new" again, all my old files, my old documents are reset...


so how do I go about accessing my old files and such, they have to be there somewhere, because if they wern't, I would have a full hard-drive correct? thanx

 

All you gotta do is open Windows Explorer, and look under this folder.
C:\Documents and Settings\[username]\My Documents << your old user name in place of [username].
If you set a password, and chose to keep your files Private, you'll need to remember your old username and password.
If no go there, log on as Administrator and take ownership or the files, and copy them over.
=http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308421]How to take ownership of a file or folder in Windows XP
If you have XP Home, you need to start up in Safe Mode in order to log on as Administrator.

 

Hi jehfree562,

Judging from your video, you ran a System Recovery, which does indeed restore your computer to the factory delivered state. Your documents and other personal data are gone.

 

Thanks for everyone who has responded,

I filmed another youtube video using a screencapture program, so it goes into more detail with the issue.... watch it here please

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSdw7vJQYD4



but baiscally, im still trying to find my old files that are still on my hard-drive, but are "hidden" somewhere in windows

 

Your Jeff Orset folder contains the files you are looking for. I realize you are being told that folder is empty, which is exactly what should be happening. You had a password on your old account, and you selected to keep all your files private. If anyone else logs onto another account (such as you on your current account), and if they were to click on that folder, access will be denied, and any other information about those files concerning sizes, or how many files or folders there is also denied.
My previous advice is what you need to do.
Here is the link telling how to take ownership of that folder.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308421
You have XP Home so you need to first boot up in Safe Mode and log on as Administrator. Xp Home works differently in Safe Mode, options on what to do with folder permissions do not appear in Normal Mode.
Just take ownership as Administrator of that folder, and copy the files out of it.

 

Okay, thanx, but now I really think I'm out of luck, because my pc is having a hard-time loading into safe mode, I get a black screen message(I posted pics to show),do you think the geeksquad at best buy can fix this....it stays like this for about 3 mins(should I wait longer), and if i even get into that folder, will the files be the same, or will they be all renamed? Thanks





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I see from your other thread that you are having a problem getting into Safe Mode. If you can't get that resolved, you can change the permissions on that folder from a command line in a normal boot using the CACLS command. The best I can tell from the graphics you posted, the command should look something like this; (open a command window) and type:

cacls "C:\Documents and Settings\jeff orsat\" /g jeff orsat.jeff:f

That's assuming the folder you can't access is named jeff orsat and your new user identity is jeff orsat.jeff so change those terms as necessary. The command must be letter perfect or it will not execute properly. If entered properly it wall prompt you to answer, "Are you sure? "

 

you are exactly right when u said "jeff orsat" is my old one,and the reason why im gettin the acces denied errors is cuz i used to have a password,and now the new one is "jeff orsat.JEFF ",so u got my problem understood 100 percent ;]

however im a newbie, so if u could, would u please leave a step by step instruction list on how to perform that command line thing,cuz im kinda confused thanx


ps...do u think my old files will still be intact, meaning the way they were prior, cuz people said windows probably renamed them and stuff...

 

OK, the easy way is to copy and paste the command from my post into a command prompt.

First, highlight the command script that I posted and right click and choose COPY. That will place the script on your Clipboard.

Then click START Button > Run and then type cmd in the Run window and press enter. When the command prompt appears, right click on it and choose PASTE. That will place the script in position at the command prompt. Then press enter. When asked, answer yes and allow the operation to complete. Close the command window.

It will take effect immediately and you should be able to open the folder and access your old files now.

Good luck.

 

Those images are what you should normally see when booting into Safe Mode, but it shouldn't get stuck for three minutes. Surferdude2 has posted the other way to do this.

 

I have a Question.

How did you do the reinstall ?

Did you do it from an already running Windows loaded into RAM or Boot to something such as a Floppy or CDROM ( COLD BOOTED From a Power off state ) which clears RAM ?

If done from and already running Windows the reistall may/does not overwrite inuse files properly. Just need to to be sure that the overtop install goes into the existing Windows folder. And it only overwrites the system files leaving all else as it is/was.

Reinstall won't erase anything.

My thought also. Which will only but back what USED to be and that may even be wrong. SR is nothing more than another name for Backup. And unless kept up to date may be more trouble than help.

HOLY SMOKES. Speaking of SR. When I get otta here I need to shut it down and restart it. I added one program and removed two today. And did a lot of other registry/house cleaning.

Nancy want to play Cribbage. So I will check back tomorrow.

BillyBob