Retrieve user data from old HDD

[Tusk]

I have a laptop that has died and I need to get some important confidential data off of it before sending it for RMA. I have taken the HDD out and linked it to a second PC so that I can copy the data off but I can't access the old directory and get an Access Denied error. The account on the original laptop had a password and I have set up an identical account on the new PC but still get the same message. I found the CACLS command and I can now get into the top level folder but can't get any lower. Does anyone know a way to get past this restriction?

Tusk

 

[gavm99]

Have you tried booting into DOS and using the copy command? This should allow you to copy folders/files regardless of permissions.

 

[Tusk]

Gavm99,

Thanks for the reply, I did try DOS and still can't access the folders. Any attempt to access the folders produces am Access Denied.

Tusk

 

[Rick998]

Have you tried logging on as 'Administrator' instead of another account? The Administrator account has full access to all other account's data.

Was the data encrypted using Windows XP's built-in Encrypted File System?

 

[RMGBELGIUM]

have you tried using recovery software? perhaps this bypasses the security on files and folders

rgds,

R.