Recovering Password Locked Files?

[jcb33]

Hey all,
Just installed Windows 7, with the intention of moving my old "My Documents" over from one hard drive to another. They were from a user account on Windows XP that was password protected however, and when I try to move, or access any of the fies it places a padlock on the foder and will not let me do so.

Is there anything I can do to regain access to them? I have tried going under permissions and granting myself access as suggested by a quick google but so far no luck.

Thanks,
Jcb33.

 

[jcb33]

before trying to grant permissions to yourself, did you take ownership first? that should then work fine.

I have to go with no... Also I am feeling like a total PC novice right now but how do you take ownership?

*EDIT* Google strikes again, thanks for that, I had no idea I needed to take ownership. Problem solved, athough it does make me question how usefull a password actually is if someone can come along, take my HDD and take ownership of the files with the click of a button...

Thanks!
Jcb33.