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General discussion

Is There a Way to Transfer from Old to New?

by kellybear10 Oct 31, 2006 9:43PM PST

I had the old hard drive removed from my other computer and put in this one. I can access the drive (called the "J" drive). Some things I can get, some not. Is there a quick fix to be able to transfer everything over? Both systems used Windows XP. I am mainly interested in old email messages, pictures, etc.

Before you answer, keep in mind that I am somewhat of a compter illiterate.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Kelly

Discussion is locked

3 Posts
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Since you can access the drive...
by Edward ODaniel Nov 1, 2006 12:11AM PST

the "hard part" is already behind you.

Since both new and old were XP and likely NTFS file systems you should be able to access what you can't now access by simply Taking Ownership of the Directories and files that are "avoiding" you.

This link is specific and easy to follow regarding the process. Just read it carefully and print it out if necessary:
How to take ownership of a file or folder in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=308421

Taking ownership is necessary because the NTFS file system allows security attributes to be set for each file and folder to limit or enable access to only those persons or groups you or the Admin desire to have access.

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Help
by kellybear10 Nov 1, 2006 3:01AM PST

Only problem being I don't know how to start up in safe mode. Can you possibly walk me through this if I call you?

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Booting to safe mode...
by Edward ODaniel Nov 1, 2006 3:21AM PST

: after the computer POSTs and just as it starts booting, press F8. To be sure it takes, hold down the F8 key until you see the boot option menu.

Another way that is sometimes easier is to use the System Configuration Utility to start Windows XP in Safe mode as follows:

1 Close all programs.
2 On the Windows taskbar, click Start then Run.
3 In the Open box, type the following text: msconfig
4 Click OK.
5 In the System Configuration Utility, on the BOOT.INI tab, check /SAFEBOOT.
6 Click OK.
7 When you are asked to restart the computer, click Restart.

The computer restarts in Safe mode. This can take several minutes.

Note After you finish working in Safe mode, use the System Configuration Utility to start Windows XP in Normal mode.

1 Close all programs.
2 On the Windows taskbar, click Start then Run.
3 In the Open box, type the following text: msconfig
4 Click OK.
5 In the System Configuration Utility, on the BOOT.INI tab, uncheck /SAFEBOOT.
6 Click OK.
7 Close all programs, and restart the computer.

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