Old Windows 10 hard drive - access C:Users folder

[Lmg80]

I have an old 2TB mechanical drive, that was in my HTPC NUC, since upgraded to a SSD.
I'm trying to access the users folder, but when I click it, it's empty.
I have tried some demo recovery software, and I can see there are files in there i.e. videos, pictures, documents etc but seems a little redundant having to 'recover' this way.
I have tried taking ownership, but the folder still remains empty.

So question: How do you view files from an old Windows 10 installation, that seemingly are locked out to any computer not being the original?

appreciate the help, as google seems to be redundant in what to do!

 

[andshrew]

Check you have show hidden files enabled (them being hidden is not a standard configuration though).

Otherwise if you’ve taken ownership and given yourself permissions on the folders and they still appear empty then the files have been deleted and data recovery software would be your only option.

 

[Quartz]

When you take ownership you need to propagate that ownership down the tree. You should also give yourself access rights.