[ianv01]

I recently re-formatted my PC and reinstalled XP pro. The second HDD had the My Documents folder on it, but now I cant access the folder. I think I set permissions for it and now, being a new install, can't open the folder and get to my music collection!!!!
The HDD is in an enclosure and is used as an external HDD. I have read articles about taking ownership of the folder, but when I try it using my laptop (XP Home) and desktop (XP Media Centre 05) there is no 'Security' tab to make the changes from!
Please advise.
Cheers..... Ian

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first the instructions I am providing are for windows xp PRO. they may require some adaption for windows xp HOME. The windwos xp help file should be sufficient for your needs. however myself and others here at GTG can help answer your questions

open "my computer" (or explorer) and navigate to the drive in question. open it and highlight the folder in question. right click and go to properties: Look for the security tab. at the bottom on the security tab click on advanced.

Click on the owner tab to take ownship of the item. make sure that the check box at the bottom is checked. Apply changes.

Also on the first tab, called permissions, you can add users to this folder. make sure you select the two check boxes at the bottom before applying.

[starjax]

first the instructions I am providing are for windows xp PRO. they may require some adaption for windows xp HOME. The windwos xp help file should be sufficient for your needs. however myself and others here at GTG can help answer your questions

open "my computer" (or explorer) and navigate to the drive in question. open it and highlight the folder in question. right click and go to properties: Look for the security tab. at the bottom on the security tab click on advanced.

Click on the owner tab to take ownship of the item. make sure that the check box at the bottom is checked. Apply changes.

Also on the first tab, called permissions, you can add users to this folder. make sure you select the two check boxes at the bottom before applying.

[ianv01]

Thanks, but like I said there is no 'security tab'!!!!

[starjax]

see this:

http://support.micro...;308421&sd=tech

forgot, you need to boot into safe mode to have access to the security tab. at boot up hit f8 repeatedly until the boot menu appears, choose safe mode option.

[ymagriso]

If you want to see the security tab you must change the way windows is treating shared files & folders. This is done the following way:
1) Open my computer.
2) Click the View menu -> Folder Options.
3) Go to the View tab.
4) Uncheck the "Use simple file sharing (Recommended)".
5) Click OK.

Now you should be able see the security tab when you open the properties of a file or a folder.

(BTW - this works on Windows XP PRO. I'm not sure about Windows XP HOME)

[nestorey]

If you have access to a master drive formatted with a FAT file system there's something you can try...NTFS folder permissions are not recognized by HD's formatted with FAT file systems so if you get master HD running an OS using FAT file system you can make yous HD with the files on it a slave of that drive and simply transfer the files onto the FAT formatted drive. This will remove any NTFS folder permissions and should alloe you to access the folder

[starjax]

Nestroy, you forgot to mention that it would have to be from windows 2000 or xp to do that.

[ianv01]

Thanks starjax and all u fellow geeks. I now have access to my music and backup files.