My version of Windows XP got corrupted after I tried to install XP over it. Now when I boot my computer it automatically starts the install process and F8 doesn't seem to work. It gets so far then it freezes, mabye it has something to do with the fact that the install files are on the same HDD that I'm trying to install to. Anyway now I have another HDD in my pc which I'm planning to use to wipe the other drive and reinstall windows on it but first I want to get some files off the other HDD. My XP account is passworded so it won't let me remove or copy the files associated with that account. So my question is how do I get those files even though I can't login becasue I'm using a different windows install. The best idea I can come up with is to try to install windows xp over the damaged version and hope it fixes the problem.

As long as the files are not encrypted you can access them via slaving the old hard drive. Passwords are not relevant here as you are not logging into that hard drive.

If you receive access denied errors follow these suggestions:

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

ok i changed the drives status, now my old drive is secondary master and the other drive is primary master. Do I havta make the other drive a primary slave because I still can't access my files.

Probably not. Try it this way. See what happens. If you get a simple access denied then refer to the Microsoft link.

Ok I changed the 1 HDD to secondary slave like you said, I can access any files or folders on that drive now except the "my documents" folder on my other user account. Every time I go to open it, it says access denied. I followed the instructions on the microsoft site and they did not help. On the user folder I'm trying to access I made it so the entire folder would be private so only my account could access it. I believe that is why it won't grant me access even though I'm on an admin account now. Please help me I want my files!

Is this Home or Pro?

Did you note that distinction at the Microsoft site?

If Home you need to be in the built-in Admin account only available in Safe Mode.

In Pro you also need to be in the built-in Admin account which you can access via CTRL > ALT > DELETE at the Welcome Screen.