Retrieving Data From Laptop HDD

steps_3314

Hi

I am going to re-install Xp on a laptop with viruses.

So i removed the hard drive and connected it to another in order to copy the important files i need.

However one of the user profiles is not showing up in the Docs and Settings folder and this profile is the one i really need to access.

Any idea how to get access. It is not hidden and is not password protected either.

I have also took full ownership of the docs and settings folder but still it is not showing up.

It does show another profile just to point out.

Everything but the one i need to access.

Any ideas

steps_3314

Just another note on this there is a profile called user which i think has the files i need.

But the profile name is John

Could it be possible the folder user is linked to John's profile

Looks like it has all the data i need.

Snowbat

Machine came with a default account 'user' and John decided to rename it?

http://windowsxp.mvps.org/userpath.htm

Renaming a user account via Computer Management console or the User Accounts applet does not rename the associated user profile folder.

Dara Robinson

have you checked the Administrator folders? the data could be there

corkcomp

steps_3314 wrote: »

Just another note on this there is a profile called user which i think has the files i need.

But the profile name is John

Could it be possible the folder user is linked to John's profile

Looks like it has all the data i need.

yeah that probably it alright.. the user name @ welcome screen doesnt have to match the folder name in docs and settings.. easiest way is to search entire drive for a file name you know was linked to John and see where its located

mordeith

Just a thought, but have you removed the viruses from the original hard-drive? Else you may risk infecting the computer you're transferring the files to.

ricman

Search for mp3 or avi, that should show up the folder, could be in old windows directory.
or search for john .