Windows getting back into my old 'desktop'

hey all

I recently bought a new hard drive and installed it and everything in my machine.

now, the problem is, i have some work thats on my OLD harddrive which is in the 'desktop' folder of my user account on that install of xp, which is an admin account.

the problem is, if i navigate to that folder in the new install i cant get into it. i cant log onto that version of windows either as i activated the install on the new install and the other one has expired! does anyone have any ideas how i can get my data back?


thanx

 

When you say you can't get into it, what exactly happens? If the folder is full of files with random names, it's encrypted and you're probably screwed.

On the other hand, if there were some things in the folder, but not what you were looking for or not everything, you might be in the wrong folder. Windows keeps two separate desktop folders even when there is only one user. There's your private desktop at C:\Documents and Settings\YOURUSERNAMEHERE\Desktop and then the local system desktop at C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Desktop.

Most likely everything you're looking for will be in the private desktop, but make sure you check both places.

Let us know exactly how it's failing and perhaps we can be of more help.

 

You could try a Knoppix Live boot CD, it may let you copy the files to safety. Though one would hope Win security is better than that.