An XP system dies (motherboard), and there are required files on the HDD. The PC had two accounts set up, both with passwords.

I moved the HDD to another PC so I could copy the data. The problem is that the data under each account is protected.

How do I unprotect the folders and data.

Rannoch

Install a new motherboard, then boot with your XP CD and perform a Repair/Upgrade install;
http://support.microsoft.com/default...us;Q315341#top

Hello Dan,

A new desktop is being purchased, and the old pc is being scrapped.

Rannoch

How is it protected?

If it is encrypted you cannot do anything but go back into the system and unencrypt it.

Or send it to a professional lab.

If it is just passworded this does not protect data.

If you get an Access Denied error then read this:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308421

Again Dan's idea would also work (possibly).

Run a Repair Install on the new motherboard.

This should retain your data but is not always successful with a board change.

Even should it work you should do a Clean Install after acquiring your data.

If you mean you are getting a new computer with its own operating system installed then this latter would not apply.

But again unless your data is encrypted there should be no problem.

Passwords are moot outside of the system and offer no data protection.

jephree
I (initially) had that MSKB article in my post, but I wasn't sure if I'd be helping someone bypass a user password/personal files, so I omitted it. I recognized the user name as being a "regular", but still thought I'd try the repair approach first to see his answer. (Sort of anticipating what has thus transpired.)

You got here before I got home from work. ;>) Thanks.

Rannoch, there you go..... ;>)

I see your point Dan.

I didn't even consider inappropriate usage in this case.

I think I replied because I do encrypt data that I would want no one else to see.

Again this has the fatal flaw of no recovery if your system fails to boot.

With the exception of professional mega bucks or the FBI etc.